Valve stem oil seals....

[Matt FXDX]

Originally Posted by spinlondon

Don't know how easily the task can be performed on the Harley engine, with it still in the frame. May find the frame gets in the way.
Basicly air via a spark plug adapter is pumped into the cylinder head which keeps the valves from dropping into the head once the springs are removed.
The springs are then compressed using a special spring compressor, and the collets/keepers are removed. The spring compressor whith spring still compressed is carefully removed and placed to one side.(Don't want to disturb the spring as it will be a bugger to compress again from it's free legth.) The seals are then replaced, the springs (still compressed and in the compresser) are carefully replaced along with the collets/keepers.
Obviously the rockers have to be removed.
The best ones are the sort that bolt to the engine, as then you don't need to worry about keeping the springs compressed once the collets/keepers are removed. Don't know if they are available for the Harley engine though.
Here's a link for you to get some idea of what the tools are like:
Valve Spring Compressors - UKtools - Sealey Tools | Britool | Draper | Facom |

Can see a valve spring compressor in club tool hire list, but (XL, FL,) only!
Do you think it's worth going down that route, or would you take heads off?

[Phil]

You are going to have to remove the heads.

A few years back the Factory had an issue with Stem Seals on the 05`s

As we were doing literally dozens we did some experimenting trying to do the job as Spinlondon suggests using commercially available tools.

It didn`t work well. The rear head is almost impossible to do with the frame in the way.

By the time you have p1ssed around with it, you might as well have taken it off, its only four fasteners.

[Tony G]

i think if you are going to keep it long term Matt i would do the ring's and maybe a bit of head work ? then you know it's right.

[Matt FXDX]

Heads off it is!!!.....

Might try and leave it till winter, can't see it doing any harm can you?...

[Tony G]

Originally Posted by Matt FXDX

Heads off it is!!!.....

Might try and leave it till winter, can't see it doing any harm can you?...

no won't be to big a problem, you'll have to keep an eye on the oil level and clean/replace the plug's from time to time though.

[Matt FXDX]

Originally Posted by Tony G

no won't be to big a problem, you'll have to keep an eye on the oil level and clean/replace the plug's from time to time though.

Thanks for the advice Tony!..
was'nt sure if it was advisable running it with this problem!........

[Tony G]

Originally Posted by Matt FXDX

Thanks for the advice Tony!..
was'nt sure if it was advisable running it with this problem!........

i've ridden behind you Matt and never saw or smelt any oil burning so it's not gona be a prob,

[MadMax]

As mentioned before you'll be better of taking the heads off to do the job properly. Get hold of some viton seals which are better than the stock ones & maybe get some head work done while you've got them off. It's also a good opportunity to measure your deck height & use Cometic 0.030'' MLS gaskets to get a better burn ..

[Matt FXDX]

Originally Posted by MadMax

As mentioned before you'll be better of taking the heads off to do the job properly. Get hold of some viton seals which are better than the stock ones & maybe get some head work done while you've got them off. It's also a good opportunity to measure your deck height & use Cometic 0.030'' MLS gaskets to get a better burn ..

Will take advice on seals n gaskets Alex cheers, will do some work on the heads while there off too!........

[Phil]

I was going to mention in my previous post but forgot. After that kind of oil usage, you are going to need to remove the heads & cylinders for a good inspection anyway.

I know I would.