110 CVO NEAR DEATH! - Engine Teardown Marathon - Kevin Baxter - Pro Twin Performance

This 110 CVO was about to let go. See the complete tear down and analysis of this 2009 Harley Engine.
Part 3 of a series where we tear down and inspect 8 different Twin Cam and M8 engines discuss their builds and compare components of each.
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Pro Twin Performance and Baxter's Garage
723 W Winder Industrial Pkwy
Winder, GA 30680
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[@gregoryranlett7868]

I ALWAYS seem to miss the live presentations, but that doesn't detract from the educational benefit derived! Thank you, Kevin.

[@suchartcharangnuwat6050]

Dear Kevin I am watching from Thailand and your videos are excellent and very educational. We do not have have enough road to push the Harley to the ultimate level. There are quite a few people who are riding around with their Harley since a couple of models are assembled in Thailand making them a lot more affordable. Your knowledge is extremely valuable and I hope that you have someone who will be able to continue on to carry on the invaluable knowledge and skill to help the Harley owners. My shout out to you and may God bless you and be safe.

[@kerrylewis2581]

Your tear-down series are the best on the web. Thanks for taking the time to educate and explain your findings. Makes me wonder what has occurred in my 103 with 126,000 miles.

[@LongDistanceMotorcycleFans]

Any engine work to get there? 126,000 is great !

[@gregkistner1955]

Very informative. These Harley Davidson engines certainly have there issues!!?? Sheesh!

[@esfahan1961]

That’s what happened last August to my 110ci! Had a brand new 110ci block fitted in my 2014 Deluxe CVO but won’t upgrade it to stage 2 and happily keep it in stage 1. Thanks for making us understand how our engines function Kevin.

[@toddwingo2700]

Can’t wait to see the 2013 tear down mine is a 14 wet head and am ready to do tensioners and cams and really like your 113 kit. But that mysterious crank shaft lol. Great teacher you are Sir, great video also.

[@samueljeppsen9785]

One thing I really like about you guys, is that you instill hope in all of us out here that there really are some great mechanics out there. Thx for that.

[@mrkwnklr]

Thanks for your time involved in producing these vids. '99 Ultra (A) and happy I left it bone stock after seeing this 110. 120k and still chuggin. I ran a breather hose to keep from suckin crankcase vent into carb. Had cam bearing recall without bearing going out. (screw backed out on stator and sounded like noise came from cam side). Put adjustable push rods in to keep from removing heads for cam chain tensioner replacement. Cams were pitted bad but not on working surface. This was a Harley demo bike (9800 miles) and can't help but think it was known, but I'm still running them. Rode two up heavily loaded for 20 yrs. Exhaust tips are still a pretty grey. Can't say enough about how dependable this engine has been...

[@christoforospilitsis541]

‘02 e.g. standard here,carbed. Stock bike,pipes and all. Updated s.e.plate,cams,cam bearings.Hydraulic tensioners,that’s it. Eventually would like to take the bike to Kevin to have the crank balanced,welded etc. Go through and replace worn parts etc.. Been a reliable machine. I’m planning on keeping it as long as possible.

[@rusnsc7622]

Excellent Kevin…. Educational…Looking forward to the next as that will be in my Ultra year timeframe.👍

[@JonV-r7q]

Cool Video Kevin. Thanks again. Learning

[@mchristr]

Thanks Kevin. Learned a ton about Twin Cams which will help when I tear my down. I've got gasket leaks but now I know what to look for.

[@markpatrick7072]

Great video. ! My 2012 FLHTK has 47000 miles . Was going to install a new cam ,camplate oil pump and lifters .Now I’m wondering if I should just get the motor rebuilt from top to bottom .

[@gregsutter6593]

Awesome video. keep up the great work, by far the best Harley channel on you tube. Question for you, Is there a way to tell if you have a sumpping issue with TC without tearing down the motor. is there a inspection port or a plug you can check?

[@hankhamern5456]

This a great idea doing several teardowns, it's almost magnetic for gearheads. Looking forward to each. You prove that a job worth doing is worth doing right. Thank you.

[@qru06]

Outstanding video Kevin the more I watch the happier I am to have a skunk Works engine.

[@Jimmy_Jim_Jim_1234]

I'm so envious!

[@jasonsmith4137]

Loving this series.

[@jondakers3460]

Kev I had my local HD dealer perform a leak down test just over a year ago. This was for two reasons. 1st was because my bike uses oil. I’m adding a quart of engine oil at nearly 4000mile intervals. 2nd - my exhaust from the rear cylinder shows moist carbon up inside the tip. The front cylinder exhaust is always nice dark grey and dry. When I became aware of this (cleaning the bike) I focussed on it and monitored it over a period of time. I spoke to the dealership ( I get on really good with the service manager) and he said all harleys use oil. Because I’d always bought the Motor Companies product we looked on my purchase history. The maintenance boys had a talk and said that I had no issues and the bike was consuming oil within tolerance. Next service I got them to do the leak down test and the result was that it was within acceptable limits. To me that wasn’t an answer. I asked what psi reading (acceptable) was that based on. The leak down figure he gave me was over 200psi for both cylinders. He added that it (200psi) was a very good result. At that point it only had 18 thousand miles on it. (The bike is a 2014 Road King Classic.) Since that point I have supplied the dealership with AMSOIL products and have put another 13 thousand miles on the bike. It’s had 2 more complete changes of oil (primary, tx & engine oil) since then. Because I’m so busy with work I get them to do the services. I have also had them give me the used plugs back at each service (because I’ve also watched your how to read a spark plug segment👍👍) and looked them over. They look pretty good with no deposits, no oil. Reading the inner porcelain colour change needs your type of knowledge so I can’t say much on that. Threads colour on plugs show they don’t appear to be running hot. Just had the dealership do a second Dyno tune on it (1st Dyno was at12k miles when it was fitted with Bassani P curve equal length stepped headers true duels with the DNT exhausts, + Heavy breather K&N filter). Result was 103 ft/lbs & 86 hp. Two weeks ago it had its 28000 mile serviced completed & I also had it re Dyno tuned again. Result was 106 ft/lbs and nearly same hp). Shop had the bike for a week so they could do several runs in the cool air mornings. Since I started using all AMSOIL products I’ve noticed the bike runs/feels much much different, really smoother and no clunks with gear changes. I will always use it from now on. Engine oil still needs topping up but not as much. Dip stick shows it to be much cleaner when checking level. Bike runs really well, doesn’t blow any smoke (have asked many people following me) over the years to check for me. Kev please put my brain to rest - why or what could be the cause of my exhausts (both now) showing very slight moist feeling when I stick finger in and take a sample and rub it between fingers. I ride the bike pretty hard typically changing from 3rd to 4th at 4300rpm. The roads where I ride let me cruise around at 4800 to 5000rpm. When I pull into a pub for a beer stop the bike always smells of gas fumes especially when I park it back home in the garage. It’s extremely rare to not be able to fuel it with 98 octane fuel. When I’m way out in the boonies I might have to run 96 in it. Just giving you this info so you can discount things. Maybe I’m riding the old girl like my old night rod and and she’s not up to it. But I do look after her mechanically. 👍😳

[@KevinBaxter]

Ethanol fuel can cause that stickiness you are referring to...but so can oil. You should be getting 38 to 42 mpg with average riding. As for your leak down specs....if you were told that your leak down is "200 psi"....that is NOT leak down. That is cylinder pressure. Not sure if its not being called the right thing or if the leak down test wasnt done. Leak down results would be stated in a percentage as in 10%, 15%, etc. 200 psi would be CCP or "cold cranking pressure". Both give the best idea of internal engine condition. Also...the number of strokes it takes to reach 200, and are both cylinders the same, same strokes, etc. It is possible to have an average or acceptable cyl pressure but also have a leak down that is not acceptable.

[@Dr_Mike2]

I love your 110 videos since I have a 2009 FLTRSE3 Screamin Eagle Road Glide.

[@tonyjohnson7008]

Kevin thank you so much for all that you do in educating people like me on the various internals and what they do, and also how they can fail. I think I can speak for many that we appreciate all of your time spent! I hate to be a dead horse, but I’ve been asking and asking this question. I do realize and appreciate how busy the garage is these days especially having been recently shut down from illnesses, but at the beginning of this year you made several announcements for the coming new year 2021. You mentioned you were going to be doing a performance Dyna build. Can you shed some light as to what month this year that video series could air?

[@wooddawg4868]

Your videos are very informative, you expose issues with the design of Harley Davidson v twins. This was a 2009 and during that time other manufacturers already had 4 valves per cylinder, liquid cooling, gear drive primaries, and full counter balancing. No wonder Harley Davidson mechanics had to go to school like they did to work on them.

[@opel1954]

I am enjoying these series of videos, thank you.

[@Frickitall]

I like when you can see Murica when you dumped all the oil out from the top of the case.

[@davidbones8947]

Greetings from Oregon brother great job 👍 and yes my dinner was cold lol she mad me salad. It would seem that hd has issues with the new m8 I ride a 07 heritage with 62000 miles stock except for thunder header high flow air vtwin Cafe XIED PLUG ins for the o2 sensor runs perfectly haven't had any problems, Kevin are the softail engines m8 having the same problem 😀

[@samueljeppsen9785]

My stock 2012 96inch Superglide with its 113K miles on it, isn't anything to anyone but me. But because it is to me, when it's time, I'm trailering to your shop.

[@gregkoe60]

Its not hard to see when a guy knows his stuff. This fellow obviously knows what hes doing and talking about. Just from watching this video id have no problem having him work on my motor thats for sure.👌

[@mitchelldarnell5334]

Dang, I'm late again. Watching the interviews of the BATF Director. Had my blood pressure in the trees. I remember seeing this dude standing on the ashes in WACO, Texas after they killed women and children, and set the place on fire. Again another good job in explaing thing, thanks for these clips.

[@Liveharley1]

I enjoyed the video, we learn so much as to why the engines fail, I am glad I have not had an engine with hard problems, it can be very costly. I have had a couple of costly fixes I guess it comes with riding. Excellent video.

[@marinom5602]

The most reliable Harley engine was the revolution mostly designed by Porsche. Wouldnt a solid crank instead of a pressed together flywheels be better? Put a forged crank, side by side connecting rods,babbitt bearings, and that 45 degree angle for that iconic sound. Possibly a wet sump, and a unit construction with the output shaft opposite of clutch, and possibly gear drive on the primary.

[@rsbharley4766]

Great video Kevin. Enjoying this series. Cheers

[@michaelsmartin5388]

got to say, my crankshaft came apart bike still ran ok but i had great blow buy. My shop put all S&S parts internal. runs better then ever.

[@mikeprior6898]

Excellent video 👏

[@Frostytravels]

excellent video man. As usual. Keep em coming.

[@tattoomiked4612]

Wish I was that fast.

[@Chase_N]

Another question- Did both of these last 2 Twin Cams have intake systems that let the breathers spit oil & hot gas back into the intake?

[@gnm109]

This is a very ineresting video. Thanks!

[@Nickescaped]

Exceptional work, Kevin. Thank You. In your opinion, was this engine poorly made, was the bump to 113 done improperly, was it ridden too hard, thoughts?

[@6806goats1]

Another cool video. Looking forward to seeing a M8 131 engine tear down but then that means it failed. Not bagging on the twin cam(2011 110 CVO Ultra) but the cost of building a 124 pushed me close enough to trade it for a 2020 Road Glide Limited. But then I went ahead and opted for the 131 kit which means I didn’t save much anyway. Maybe a couple grand I guess but engine improvements make it worth while. We’ll see if the 2020 upgrades are better than previous year M8’s. So far so good with 9500 miles on the clock. No sumping or trans to primary issues. Factory warranted 131 Vs aftermarket Ramona to be seen. Better performance from aftermarket I’m sure but 132hp and 144tq with a warranty brings a smile anyway.. And the stereo is better as well compared to my 2011 even if I still cringe at laying it go.

[@tonybrinson1642]

Great videos Kevin. Keep up with the great work.

[@vicmotoFXDL]

I appreciate very much the things you do, and it really helps! You are doing a great job, mate! But there is one thing you could and should improve: the camera you are using! I think it will really help rising the audience by making the videos much more clear!

[@fireguy8466]

Can I ask what were the symptoms that this engine and the last were on the way out. I remember the last one he said it was running pretty good. Other than excessive heat and blackened oil, was there anything else signaling it was time for major work?

[@tomedwards3814]

Kevin. Any known issues with stock piston oilers installed from the factory in the Twin Cam engine??

[@bbbbbb1243]

You should be on TV man.

[@TheTc909]

Some cool motivational type music during the fast forward part would of been nice Mr. Baxter.

[@CapmLew]

Very helpful, Kevin. Thank you.

[@mdf1951]

I would like to see the engine built back and what parts was changed and why. I am only learning half of what needs to be learned here.

[@brodwb7690]

Hey Kevin from the land of Aus. Love your work, thankyou. I've had six twin cams, 4x88, 1x96, and 1x103, still currently a 2003 Wide-glide. The Wide-glide recently had a rear barrel replaced due to being porous, weeping about mid barrel at the rear. My mechanic of many years and very respected Harley guy said he'd never seen that issue. Just wondering, do you think you would tear down any twin cam/M8 Harley with average kilometers/miles without finding at least one if not several of these engineering short falls ? My 103 was a 2016 Roadking as I wasn't confident in purchasing a new M8. Your opinion would be appreciated. Regards, Brod.

[@thomaseverley3847]

My 06 ultra glide was weeping on the front jug about 4 fins down, right at the oil passage. It finally gave way last year and started pouring out.

[@bretthenson9447]

Another Great Video you shared with all of Again ., Dr. Baxter but please in Future can you wear some Gloves Mate Oh and the Stethoscope ..... hehehe

[@michaelmitchell5909]

Have you ever used tribodyn oil Kevin?.... I just had motor work done on my 03 cvo screamin eagle 103 road king. 10.8-1 forged pistons, 10 over bore and hone, light headwork, titanium valves cut 5 angled, bassani 2 into 1 rr3, andrews 57 cams, hpi throttle body, injectors, and tribodyn oil in all 3 areas. The bike runs super strong but feels like it's gonna melt from being so hot, this makes me crazy nervous. It was professionally tuned by gms racing. Any advice or opinion will be well received man, love your channel.

[@windtherapy99]

I feel like I always hear about all these issues with touring bikes, I rarely hear about it with softails. Even though I know it does.

[@rickh.959]

another awesome vid

[@taps_1021]

You measured crank run out . But don't you have to add both sides to get a total count?

[@Greenjeans2020]

Another great and informative video.

[@BrianSmith-jl6dj]

My pushrods always have a thin line around them near the top and bottoms. The few mechanics I talked too about said it isnt a big deal. The bike runs good, runs cool, but the top of the motor always seems noisy to me.

[@oleksasirotinin1532]

Is there a way to check for loose studs without having to disassemble an engine?

[@clownpocket]

Great vids, wow, love this series.

[@sarahdell4042]

Is it common for Harley motors not to last? I’ve only owned euro & Japanese bikes, and getting 100k miles without ever opening the motor aside from valve adjustments has been common in my experience

[@rickswindell1964]

I hope if I have a engine failure I will be able to bring it to you for a rebuild!!👍🏻

[@Tonybfast]

Good informational video.

[@volkerwiese732]

What about the oil pump Kevin?? Think you should show that!

[@eddielangford57]

good morning,, have i missed the other engine tear down's in this series,, im trying to find them..

[@XJokerKing]

When do you usually recommend an engine tear down I got a 2013 heritage Softail with about 60,000 miles on it and was just wondering

[@richporak]

Kevin , could the loose cylinder studs be caused by the head bolts being loosened and cylinders replaced once before? When you loosen a head bolt it could possibly loosen the locktite on the studs causing them to back out in time after several heat cycles etc? Maybe a good rule of thumb would be to re-apply locktite and re-torque cylinder studs everytime head bolts are loosened ?

[@CarlosGarcia-ls4hn]

Speaking specifically about that engine, at what point do you tell yourself, and the client, that it is not salvageable and that it would cost too much to rebuild, versus the cost of a new engine?

[@harleyhawk7959]

if the cases are good and heads are good, rebuild. it the cases are cracked or heads or cracked, might have to go in different direction.

[@dannyarendall5233]

Kevin a question did the cylinder studs back out because they were not installed properly IE proper torque

[@johncasor9698]

at every other oil change do a leak down test... and a compression test and read your spark plugs maybe just maybe you will catch a large problem way a head of time... and buy a Handy Air Lift Table and make working on a Harley a Fun thing and maybe you will learn something ... watching these videos from A true Master is a fun thing to do...

[@physiciansassist1]

Thoughts on only using amzoil? only ?

[@CarlosGarcia-ls4hn]

What did it take, in terms of parts, or work, to turn it from a 110 to a 113? I am asking because I recently had some work done on my engine, and it went from a 107 to a 113.

[@fireball1322]

Kevin knows his stuff. I can tell. I have the experience to be able to tell. Congrats kevin. You're an A#1 HD mechanic in my book. Whew, that tappet roller is brinelled really bad. And the cam lobe is loooong gone too. Worst one I've seen.

[@ihateemael]

in my workshop every skin divot or steel shard added $5 to the bill !

[@1americanfrmsocal529]

Thank Kevin you the man. How many miles are on this one?

[@garyblackstone6379]

What are the biggest problems with the 01 88inch engines??? Hard to get information on those engines...I've already went to gear driven cams..

[@davidbones8947]

Greetings from Oregon brother my question is it seams most of the issues are with baggers do softails show the same problems I ride a 07 heritage softail with 64000 miles no issues have shown up only modes thunderheader hi flow air nightrider xied no map changes plugs perfect color what should I be looking for as far as wear just asking thanks freaking awesome channel

[@BeastsideBagger]

Is that oil from the case where “Harley’s eat oil” came from when the bike has no visible leaks but tends to “burn” oil?

[@johncorter183]

What do you know about having to change out lifters because of failure

[@mapache75]

Not surprised at that lifter. What is it about the 110 that makes it trash? I've already had one catastrophic failure when the stock lifter failed. Less than 2k miles later, one of my replacement lifters is already jacked up and beating up my new cams, throwing metal into the oil. My buddy's 2015 CVO 110 also gave up the ghost a couple months before mine did.

[@Richard5873]

What oil do you use for heat cycles/1st 50 miles? Instead of using expensive Harley-Davidson oil. I always use synthetic, but don't want to waste $ just for 50 miles. Currently doing a 110 BigBore kit on my 103

[@MF-yw7vl]

Why do them studs come loose is there anything you can do to keep them starts from coming loose besides putting loctite on it?

[@KevinBaxter]

red loctite. i only use high tensile studs on boosted or very high compression engines. stock otherwise. torque to 17 ft lbs. all good.

[@richardboggs260]

I made it on time for once!!! Very interested in the 110

[@mke7876]

Big Johnson’s 110 engines. We turn em and burn em.

[@GHOSTINPLAINSIGHT]

@11:13 he said horrendous....

[@jaycannon3295]

How many miles?

[@JohnJohnson-bi7lx]

43000

[@GunsmithLC]

Excellent video.. Reminds me to never touch my own engine... LOL

[@josephtilotta9974]

Here's what I think is when you add a fresh top end with a lot of performance parts even with the Gear Drive you kept the original cam plate crappy oil pump that hardly gives you from the factory that is the failure

[@peter7624]

Hi Kevin. 55k isn't a lot. Do you think this was caused by poor assembly at the factory or the rich running resulting from the "tuning" the engine had received subsequently?

[@gregoryranlett7868]

BTW, Scream' in Eagle lifters are notorious for catastrophic failure. I have personally seen several come-apart and destroy entire engines!

[@decomposing12]

Do you ever work on Indian motors or are you strictly and HD shop?

[@davidfellows6250]

So most bikes went to a dry sump in the 30s early 40s looks like Harley never did.ps can't wait for the next on I've got a 2014 so....mostly interested in the cam chest and primary .

[@Snake-zp2tz]

So with all the new parts you have to replace wouldn't it be better or cheaper just to buy a new motor ?

[@calgreco8607]

Yeah , who put the engine together prior!?

[@jondoe8816]

Would oval bores be due to not torque plate honed ??

[@Jim_Berry]

Could you mention the mileage on these engines please.

[@brianellis7317]

You mentioned sumping quite a bit what causes severe sumping ?

[@brianellis7317]

Never mind after my comments you explained it on the video

[@lonnieseratt3922]

I'm working on a 110 replacing the heads. I'm looking for the Automatic compression release socket. I ordered one from S&S they say will fit but it is too large on the od and will not work on these heads. can you tell me what socket I need for this, or even what size the flats are on the sensor, I might be able to make one from an old deep well socket. I really enjoy your videos.

[@mchristr]

I took a deep socket and slotted it (with a die grinder and carbide bit) on one side to clear the wiring. Works perfectly and my riding buddies were all impressed.

[@williamdavis4511]

Would guess these engines had the snott ran out of them, maybe extreme mileage...

[@physiciansassist1]

How much is this kit with labor?

[@nchannel1822]

Topend gearbox bolt torque how much nm.?

[@jerryhubbard4461]

I must bought a 2021 Tri Glide still in break-in mode. I am beginning to worry if the engine is going to last over 10,000 miles without some problems. It seems HD is turning out some crap engines these days I guess I will have to cross my fingers and hope for the best. I am not one that treats the bike like an idiot At least I have two years to see if it will last.

[@robertrosson1990]

New to your channel.I have a question.I took my stock 2005 to a shop IV known the people there for 10 years at least.I needed to get the rear tire changed.They offered a free oil change.But the guy doing the oil change put in 20w60 didn't even change the filter.I just took my bike home and put the factory recommended oil in.Its a 2005 Stock Soft Tail Deuse 10400 miles.What would you recommend to upgrade the cam plate and cams to along with upgraded cam bearing.Or should I just leave it stock It has EFI.if I did upgraded cams and all would I need to get a tuner because of it having EFI.I know it may sound like a stupid question.But good advice it better than no advice.

[@michaelrobbins1370]

What causes dumping?

[@danchristopher7957]

Causes concern re: my '07 FLHRSE3 W/ WOODS 777 cams and 45k miles