How To Install Harley Davidson Sportster Cylinder Heads

A detailed video on how to install Harley Davidson Sportster Cylinder Heads on your motor.

[@takinoff4271]

When I have enough money for the kit, my Sportster will owe it's rejuvenated heart to these videos.

[@garycb8592]

You would make a great shop teacher, Dan.

[@jolyh558]

Every time I watch you video I am inspired. I love learning from you.

[@davidgiles5249]

Thank you so much for these videos... I'm a first timer with working on a Harley and your videos helped me so much...Love the videos and your hard work and keep on doing you my man....

[@donstewart368]

You should show doing this on a late model where you have to put the push rod tubes in. Many don't get the o rings in correctly.

[@xcount1964]

Great job covering all of the minor but important details!

[@JSmith-cj3yr]

Thanks again guys for the attention and service ! 1250 all done and loving it ! All the tech vids made it easy...

[@andytucker5768]

Your vids are great! Thanks!

[@uwebach2408]

Absolut geniale beschrieben und endlich mal Wissen neben dem Handbuch, eben von Machern

[@eugi7040]

Who gives that thumb down? Seriously, that help for nothing. Tank you.

[@scudonepercenter]

Awesome! In Hammer Performance I Trust!

[@1965l88]

I have one small issue with my head gaskets. When trial fitting, I noticed the gasket overhung one of the cylinder bores by a few thousandths on one side, no matter which gasket I used. I simply ovaled the dowel holes in the gasket slightly with a Dremel so I could center the gasket over the bore. When I install the top end (tomorrow, I hope) I'll simply hook a wire in one of the brass grommets in the gasket and hold it in position while I install the head and torque it.

[@craigssellingmine]

Wow Great Info!! "Cometic torque Specs"

[@leerobinson2365]

Great job.. love your videos so helpful 👍 wondering if you do a big bore kit for a Buell 2010 984 xb9sx if you could send me a link… thanks

[@honestdad8944]

My Harley kit had o-rings that go on the jug dowel pins but the OE head gasket dowel opening was not large enough to accommodate it. Did I mess up by leaving them off?

[@BerserkerNick]

Just installed the hammer 1275 big bore kit on my bobber

[@willlooker4359]

how long did it take you?

[@gashan72]

Question. I have rear head leaking on sportster guess i should probably change both front and rear, would i need to take the piston off just for head gasket or should i go ahead and replace the piston rings not to much experience on that. Thx

[@jaklyca8124]

Hi Dan. I have a 2002 model and I bought the one piece billet push rod bottoms of you. Can I also fit them on mine then without taking the head's off again or is that only possible with the standard single bases ? Thanks

[@HAMMERPERFORMANCE]

They can be installed without removing the heads. See the instructions for them here: www.hammerperf.com/xlvalvetrain.shtml#billetbasetips

[@jaklyca8124]

HAMMER PERFORMANCE Thanks Dan that's really good news

[@HAMMERPERFORMANCE]

Hi Jak You do not need to take the heads off to replace the standard pushrod bases with our pushrod tube base kit. The next video we put out will be on how to install our pushrod tube base kit. keep an eye out.

[@pundamilia1191]

There's an issue with the rear cylinder on an 03 fxdl when torquing down the head bolts while in the frame. The gas tank frame is directly over the rear cylinder and there isnt enough headroom for a torque wrench. All I can do is torque a bolt or two by going a quarter turn at a time with a small 1/4 inch ratchet.

[@ryleecollins223]

I got a question man I want a 2000 883 with a big bore kit on it and a head gasket blow air out of the side of the motor

[@SammyBoi1022]

So is the torque sequence you're following reccomend for all heads, or just for your kits? Has it changed across the board and the torque sequence in my manual is now incorrect? I'm riding a 97 1200C.

[@HAMMERPERFORMANCE]

The torque sequence is specific to the type of head gaskets used. If using MLS type gaskets, torque as we show. If using composition type gaskets, torque per the service manual.

[@SammyBoi1022]

@@HAMMERPERFORMANCE wicked thanks for the heads up 🤙🏼

[@SammyBoi1022]

Hey I'm wondering what size torque wrench you're using? The 12 point socket I ordered is a half inch drive. Problem is I'm having a hell of a time finding a 1/2 in torque wrench that goes lower than 20 ft lbs. Thanks.

[@simonh6866]

A quick question if I may. I'm not from a Harley background but I have to install a head on a 2015 1200 Sportster xlc. All standard original parts from Harley. Do I follow the torque settings that you say or the manual setting ie torque up then loosen then quarter turn? Thanks.

[@HAMMERPERFORMANCE]

Always use the correct procedure for the type of head gaskets you're using. The factory procedure is for composition type head gaskets. The procedure we show is for multi-layer-steel (MLS) head gaskets.

[@BigAl53750]

$30 for a Torque wrench! I know this is 3 years later, but the cheapest Torque Wrench I could find online in Australia was about ten times that price!

[@Kryabenok]

I have 2002 sportster 883. I don't have a service manual. Trying to figure out pistons positioning as well as rings. All of my stuff is original no aftermarket parts. Please help. Thanks.

[@georgeo138]

Is it possible to install buell xb12 head on sportster 2008?

[@HAMMERPERFORMANCE]

Hi George No, The intake manifold flange area is not machined as deep as the 07 later sportster 883/1200 heads. So the throttle body for the sportsters wont fit on the buell heads. Now, if you were going to run a carburator on the later model buell, than the buell heads would work.

[@ryleecollins223]

If it can can you tell me if it does everything stuff pop gaskets 83 with a big bow kid on it Harley 1250 Sportster

[@bo7450]

Do you to pull the heads to remove the pushrod covers on a 2010? I’m leaking from the lower o ring after installing a 1275.

[@HAMMERPERFORMANCE]

Unfortunately, yes, on a 2004+ model the head has to come off to get the pushrod covers out. Unlike the 1991-2003 design, which only requires the rocker box to be removed.

[@bv5853]

Omg i have a 99 sporster 883 for a project bike . I broke a bolt in the cylinder head I think I made matters worst trying to extract out the bolt . Advice without replacing the the whole front cylinder

[@justputtnthroughlife2240]

I've seen other techs videos where they torque the heads then undo the torque and redo them. Is this necessary?

[@HAMMERPERFORMANCE]

Neither needed nor advised when using MLS head gaskets

[@nameyour2029]

Hay man I have a problem....I put on new screaming eagle heads on my 2012 Harley-Davidson sportster 72 1200 custom. And now oil is coming out from the rocker boxes and in to my intake in to my air filter. I don't understand it.....I've been through it about 6 time or more😢

[@HAMMERPERFORMANCE]

See common mistake 6.3 at this link: www.hammerperf.com/ttinstallkit.shtml#Mistakes

[@donstewart368]

Posted too quick see you touched on this. Sorry.

[@ryleecollins223]

Cuz I can put my hand on the side of the head in this blunt hurry I love it bad and it's backfiring ice pops

[@IronManMoto]

I just installed heads without installing pushrod tubes :D m****r f****r

[@HAMMERPERFORMANCE]

Through the 2003 model year, the pushrod covers could be easily installed with the heads in place. Starting in 2004, that was no longer possible. I can't tell you how many times I made that mistake, for YEARS after that. Old habits die hard.

[@wongjohnson]

9, 14, 22, 35, 42 ft/lbs. ;) Oh, inside short, outside short, inside long, outside long. Pro-tip: double check your pushrod o-rings are properly seated.

[@ryleecollins223]

Anyway can you tell me no more

[@charleskuss8538]

Poor use of a click type torque wrench shown at 14:30 to 14:40. You stopped your movement of the wrench, short of hearing the click. Upon resetting the wrench, it clicked before the bolt moved. That causes an inaccurate torque of the bolt. That is because it takes 25% more torque to get a bolt moving again, once partially torqued. You didn't do that during any other phase. However, best not to develop bad habits while using a torque wrench. If the wrench clicks at the start of a swing of the wrench, without any movement, loosen the bolt slightly and start again.

[@RICKYRESERVE]

I TAKE IT THAT YOU ARE USING ADJUSTABLE PUSHRODS

[@HAMMERPERFORMANCE]

No, we avoid adjustable pushrods. They are not as reliable, and heavier for a given strength, they add cost, and when using hydraulic lifters, they do nothing for you. A strong heat treated chrome moly pushrod with Mae West ends is far better.