Installing The New Pistons and Cylinders

Time to put it together! Installing the new pistons and cylinders on this "High Performance" Harley Davidson Evolution, Stroker Engine.

[@dictumfactum9468]

I never knew that about the EVO rear cylinders. Good stuff. This is like being in upper level Harley Davidson school. Much appreciated.

[@pacificmike9501]

Glad you liked it!

[@whatyoumakeofit6635]

Thank Mike and Jim . Ive been really anticipating this tear down/ rebuild series of videos.

[@pacificmike9501]

Cool. We're getting it done.

[@WiSeNhEiMeR-1369]

HOWDY Mike, Pistons & Cylinders for Jim's EVO Thanks for taking us along ... COOP .....................................................

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. More coming.

[@christianmccollum1028]

Had to pause the video and immediately search for that awesome circlip tool. Very dandy!

[@pacificmike9501]

I love it!

[@dejonsmall9886]

Mike, this brought back memories of 1982 when I did the top end on my 71FLH. No garage, but I brung it inside the TV room and knocked the job out... Fond memories of the old days...

[@pacificmike9501]

Do it again.

[@1masterfly1]

She's coming together! I can't wait to see Jim's grin when you guys fire that pig up! My Evo screams. He's gonna love it. I'm excited

[@pacificmike9501]

Very Cool.

[@jonnycando]

I just need mine to go….and all this is helping me get there….

[@johnjanedoe3164]

@@pacificmike9501 Mike, recently found your channel, I’m in the SoCal area and have a 1971 flh I’m looking to have someone go through it if your not interested in taking on more work can you point me in the direction of a guy you can recommend?

[@muranonika2725]

Mike, you still be my favorite in your way doing jobs at the camera especially not favorite kind jobs people watching on. Great thanks and my best wishes to you personally and who know me on Lone Star State.

[@pacificmike9501]

I appreciate that

[@rosscoombes5605]

Great work very interesting I love all your special tools helps

[@pacificmike9501]

Glad you like them!

[@duncansheedy6613]

I've done this job many times myself. It's great watching you do it. I'm always learning from each and every video. Thanks so much.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You

[@kjellblomstrand2497]

Hello from Sweden🇸🇪. That is a beautiful shiny piston👌. Kjell"the swede" Blomstrand.😎

[@pacificmike9501]

It sure is!

[@jiveturkey9993]

My luck I go through all of that and then forget to put the base gasket on.

[@pacificmike9501]

Think it through completely a couple of times before you do it. We all have one issue or another.

[@mattoeemeli]

Nice one Mike ✌️

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You

[@kenbooth5403]

Mike, your videos are great and I have really learned a lot from you. Keep up with the great work! Keep it safe and see you on the road.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You

[@jimsomers7182]

Back in the olden days, I just wobbled them on without a ring compressor. Short studs made it easy. I'm gonna look for a ring compressor like that one.

[@pacificmike9501]

I believe it is made by "KD."

[@ronlind1757]

Thanks Mike... these videos on the Evo are totally great. Again...thank you for sharing this incredible 'how to.. hands on' information... Learning plenty for my own build someday on my 96' Heritage....

[@pacificmike9501]

Glad you like them!

[@vonklock6807]

Always informative!

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You

[@darrell3368]

Great job Mike thanks for sharing.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thanks for watching!

[@dray1842]

A lot of useful info here. Thank you.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You

[@walterfechter8080]

As all of us are aware, besides spending cash, building an engine takes time and a lot of attention to detail. It WILL be worth it! Thank you, guys!

[@pacificmike9501]

Well said!

[@SteelJM1]

But a lot less cash than having someone else do it!

[@haroldwiser2641]

Great stuff!

[@pacificmike9501]

Glad you think so!

[@tonycollins8222]

another great video,,, Thanks Mike.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You

[@timothyalthouse926]

Mike your videos are always worth watching. Your a very knowledgeable man.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thanks for watching

[@pastorbobncc365]

You made that look easy, have a blessed week my friend.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. You too.

[@tommontague5721]

I like your ring compressor. Works a lot better than the old school one I still have in my tool box....Good video guys...Thanks

[@pacificmike9501]

Our pleasure!

[@frankdistefano7883]

you guys are doing a good job

[@pacificmike9501]

We try. Thank You

[@elsdp-4560]

Thank you for sharing. Fantastic work watched and very much enjoyed.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you very much!

[@thinkandrepent3175]

Mike I just got my first Harley Davidson and I'm hooked. It's a 97 Sportster 1200 and I've fallen in love. I found your channel and I love what you guys are doing. Thanks for the awesome videos!

[@pacificmike9501]

Welcome aboard!

[@kevin6070]

Nicely done ✅👍

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you 👍

[@loddude5706]

Sherwood forest, Tuesday teatime & it's '22c'! 'Twenty two Napoleons' eh? - that's an awful lot of troops . . . it's a summer drive at 'seventy five', to burn off misty soups, the forest floor now lies unsure, left steaming, sodden yet, yon blazing sun has been & gone, as it's dew bound epithet, now squeezes through the squirrel's toes, 'cos we haven't trained them yet. (Notts. 'treebillies', it's mainly a dialect problem; & an expensive one too, those boys don't work for peanuts) Glad to see y'all barreling along with that beast, I foresee a bit of a stump-puller when it's all done. Stay safe : )

[@pacificmike9501]

Yes! It will be an awesome "Stump Puller!" (But, "Treebillies," now that's special). Take care, and Thank You.

[@brianveitenheimer4492]

I always heat the pistons up in my toaster oven to about 150 deg. Pin slides in easy.

[@pacificmike9501]

Yes, it works well.

[@ThePerfectSeason1972]

Beautiful work Mike!

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you very much!

[@MrBadgas]

That was fun! Good times.

[@pacificmike9501]

Yes it was!

[@cameramanmike2072]

😊💯

[@terry1967ful]

maybe... just maybe, we should change the name of the channel from pacific mike to magic mike.... lol great job guys. made it look easy.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You

[@kurtruppenthal9506]

I always get a bit of anxiety with the piston ring compressor when pushing the cylinder down. It's a dance for sure. Great job ,Mike.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You

[@stanroberts4820]

Great video, I pinched my finger twice while watching ;)

[@pacificmike9501]

I believe it.

[@maynard5955]

Can’t wait to hear that beast !

[@pacificmike9501]

Yes, it will be cool.

[@rickvia8435]

"Smash the guy's fingers that's trying to help you...worse that biting the hand that feeds you..." Hilarious!

[@pacificmike9501]

Just a little humor that naturally occurs when you enjoy the people you work with.

[@donquijote1141]

You've got nerves of steel, Mike:-) You work calmly when thousands of people are watching you:-)

[@pacificmike9501]

That's why I drop things.

[@crspcritter]

Many thanks fer tips ; big bore kit next . High compression. Adj speedo recalibrator today in traffic ; that was fun .😁 right hand adj under right leg while riding . Grade going down helped no have to throttle . Sync it to gps mph on phone in cup holder on handlebars . 😁 now I can tuck the recalibrator unit under seat. It goes on ; making things more better - ✊🏻👍👌🙏

[@pacificmike9501]

Good stuff

[@crspcritter]

@@pacificmike9501 ✊🏻👍👌

[@thomasprendergast2770]

Awesome job you made that look easy

[@pacificmike9501]

It was.

[@Lucastrujillo59]

Great video thank you you make it look easy

[@pacificmike9501]

Thanks for watching!

[@kennethwise7108]

He should consider upgrading his transmission shift drum and pawl with the Baker one. Best investment I've ever done on my Evolution. Shifts significantly better

[@pacificmike9501]

Okay.

[@caseykelso1]

Thanks for sharing .

[@pacificmike9501]

Thanks for watching!

[@robertrich5774]

Great content!!!!

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@dustyrhinehart6958]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge sir, you have the best motorcycle KZbin channel I've ever seen, i have a 2000 FXSTD im saving up for the 1200 kit to get a bit more HP rode her to sturgis last year and it was an amazing journey, I did have a question for you, i was wondering how difficult it would be to put a 6 speed transmission in her for highway riding? Have an amazing day.

[@pacificmike9501]

There are kits available. Not too difficult.

[@michaelmitchell5909]

Gonna be a strong runner!...

[@pacificmike9501]

I do believe.

[@docholiday1034]

👍👍👍👍 thanks Mike

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You

[@markchizmadia2004]

All the other video people seem to breeze over cylinder installing. Really interesting to see it done in real time!

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you!

[@75hdfxe]

Never thought to stagger the ring compressor on either side of the stud. Will definitely try it that way next time, thanks.

[@pacificmike9501]

May not be the "best way." But it is "a way."

[@tonycurtis4427]

Thank you

[@pacificmike9501]

You're welcome

[@JamesJohnson-ny3xz]

Ya,Ya,Ya That's Perfect 😁

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You

[@JamesJohnson-ny3xz]

@@pacificmike9501 😁😁😁😁😁😁😁🤪

[@richardhartley7094]

Boy can’t wait for you to fire up that engine 👍👍

[@pacificmike9501]

I think it will be quite nice.

[@neilstern1694]

You make it look easy.

[@pacificmike9501]

It's not that hard.

[@neilstern1694]

@@pacificmike9501 if you say so.

[@aw738]

When I changed my Sportster from 883 to 1200 I tore the base gasket when I pulled the rags out. Had to go buy an new gasket.

[@pacificmike9501]

Bummer.

[@jolson2087]

Great video Mike. I have to ask the tool you used for the wrist pin clip who makes it? I've always used picks needle nose and thats a pain. That made it look way easier. Thanks again for all your sharing all you knowledge.

[@pacificmike9501]

I borrowed it. I don't own one.

[@cargotrailereric6738]

Pretty slick. No great big hose clamps on Molly rings. ( I got scolded for that)

[@pacificmike9501]

I didn't scold you.

[@cargotrailereric6738]

@@pacificmike9501 no Benny from bennys hog shed did, and I'm glad he did before I scored my rings.

[@richiebainbridge2608]

Great stuff Mike thanks. What make of base gaskets do you recommend for a stock evo. Cheers from the UK.

[@pacificmike9501]

I don't push brands. The ones I used here are Cometic.

[@richiebainbridge2608]

@@pacificmike9501 thanks Mike sounds good to me.

[@fagen2222]

If you have two bits of wood under the piston each side you can press down on the barrel iv dun it just a thought

[@pacificmike9501]

Okay.

[@LukeA1223]

I don't notice a whole lot of sportster repair videos. Nobody has a video for my '83 xlx 61" (plenty for my '13 Road King). I asked a (youtube famous) mechanic a couple of questions about the stock Kein carb it has and he said "Throw it away, it's junk and can't be rebuilt." Well, after a whole lot of fiddling and fooling around (and no small amount of reading) I got it rebuilt with a rebuild kit (that I was told outright didn't exist) and ran the living dogsnot (that's a technical term I learned from working after school at a ford garage where my Dad was a service manager some 450 million years ago.) Now, there are several dozen videos on KZbin that I can piece together... but, frankly it would be more informative (and I like hearing your voice patiently explaining) if you gave out a few pointers about wrenching specific to this bike. I'm certain mine's not the only one out there that needs a complete tear down (she is, at this point of her existence, impersonating a sieve), so your expertise be helpful to more than just myself. My personal philosophy on asking people for things is "If you can you can, can't, can't. that's OK, the answer is the answer". Thanks for the videos, always enjoyable and informative.

[@pacificmike9501]

The first Harley I built for myself was a 1958 XLH. It was no prize, but, it was fast. It used a DC series Linkert carburetor. I've run many different kinds of carburetors on Sportsters. No reason any of them won't work. But, we all have our preferences. I generally work on my own bikes for these videos and also, I'm retired. I don't own a Sportster. The only bikes I work on other than my own are just favors I still owe people. If I need to, I'll do a Sportster and show it. I just don't need to at the moment.

[@waynespicer856]

OOP there it is! Great job. Question: what are the 3 chrome things on the tool board that look like u-joint crosses just below the wheel? Thanks.

[@pacificmike9501]

Well, maybe they look chrome on your monitor, but, they are brass bathroom faucet knobs.

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍😊

[@waynespicer856]

@@pacificmike9501 What the hell do you use them for ? Fuel petcocks! LOL

[@pacificmike9501]

Look, some things can't be helped. Around here, anything made of brass could end up just about anywhere, shift knob, petcock, brake lever, trim, who knows? Stainless, aluminum? It's all just stuff.

[@edoluyt467]

Mike, I thought I had a leaking base gasket on my front cylinder at the side of the lifter block but I noticed a crack in the blind hole. Is there a way to fix that or should I replace the cases?

[@pacificmike9501]

Show it to a pro. Can't see it from here.

[@radicalanddangerous]

Mike, my HD service manual says to oil the ring grooves on the piston before installing the rings. I would presume that the grooves would only be lightly oiled. Do you have any thoughts on this. Keep up the great videos!

[@pacificmike9501]

Yes. Lightly oiled is best. These things keep changing with modern pistons and rings. Service manuals are great, but they too, become outdated. That's why I always say to refer to the manufacturer's instructions when installing parts that were not originally what the motorcycle manufacturer used. These are parts like gaskets, seals, pistons, piston rings, camshafts, valve guides. Being good at this stuff really means doing your necessary research. I'm constantly learning and really paying attention to the manufacturers.

[@radicalanddangerous]

@@pacificmike9501 Thank you for taking the time to answer my question. I concur that manuals information does become outdated. Your advice to check with the manufacturer for their current recommendations is spot on!

[@smokey2135]

Hi Mike. Do you or Jim run those amber passing lamps During the day? Thanks.

[@pacificmike9501]

Not usually. In California, motorcycles 1979 and newer are required to have their headlight on 24/7. I don't own any motorcycles that new.

[@jameshaines3370]

I load the pistons in cylinders first then add wrist pin a circle clip. But I do it by myself

[@pacificmike9501]

That's the way you have to do the old Indians to clear the frame.

[@erwinjeppie7310]

Hi, do you prefer those "EST" gaskets?

[@pacificmike9501]

I use what I like.

[@jackhomrighaus5917]

Hey mike got a ? I've seen you do rear cyl top end in frame can rear be done on 79_80'lowrider?space wise

[@pacificmike9501]

Yes, it can be done on all Harley twins. On a Shovelhead, or a Panhead, the cylinder head must be removed with its rocker box as a complete unit.

[@jackhomrighaus5917]

@@pacificmike9501 thanks big fan

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@flagstamp]

Hi Mike. I'm in the middle of boring out my panhead cylinders up to the next oversize. The service manual calls for .001-.002 clearance. Do you like those numbers for your own bikes? I live in Florida where heat is a concern. Thank you!

[@pacificmike9501]

Good question. I live where it gets very hot. I go by the recommendations of the piston manufacturer. Then it has to do with what I've experienced with the same brand in the past. Does the rider and his passenger weigh a total of 500 lbs? Is he going to break it in nice or wide open uphill first day out? I generally go to the loose side of the mfg.'s recommendations. Then, I might add a half a thou or maybe a whole one. Of course, if you're working on a modern Harley, it's different. I just told you from Flathead all the way up to Shovelhead. I do run my Panhead pretty loose and she is a freeway flier.

[@flagstamp]

@@pacificmike9501 I love that answer, Mike. Thank you! I'm running nos Superior cast pistons and rings, with an "easy does it" break-in. It's nice to hear from guys that have been doing this kind of work for a while.

[@pacificmike9501]

Always better a little loose than a little tight.

[@johnferreira2044]

Looking good A question for you mike , some dudes are telling me when you turn the top end up like you are doing you are supposed to pull Split the cases and the bottom end all apart and check the crank and the rods to make sure it is going to hold up, is that true ??

[@pacificmike9501]

Well, seeing as how there aren't many miles on it since I built the motor, I think it will be fine. But, one should be sure the lower end is in perfect shape before installing a high performance top end.

[@johnferreira2044]

@@pacificmike9501 What would be a good number to build the top end without tearing all apart , 18,571 miles on my 97 heritage ??

[@pacificmike9501]

I had already installed a stronger flywheel assembly than the original. Yours should probably be like new. Not as strong maybe as a quality aftermarket piece, but should still be like new.

[@johnferreira2044]

@@pacificmike9501 Thank you Mike

[@hardtailsuicidaljockey6827]

So I have a rear cylinder base gasket leak I heard this was always a problem with evos ? Any truth to that ??

[@pacificmike9501]

Well, yes. Evos were Harley's first Big Twins with aluminum cylinders. They move around. There are really good base gaskets available today. However, letting your engine warm up before letting her rip, is good practice.

[@hardtailsuicidaljockey6827]

@@pacificmike9501 thanks for the reply and info much appreciated.....stay safe 👍

[@jamesleo2299]

Mike Jim here i was wondering if you or anyone knows if theres a sealant to hold the head gasket in place or not thanks

[@pacificmike9501]

You could use anything sticky. Head gasket on what? Are you trying to keep it from moving while you install the head?

[@BlackOutRydersMC]

Mike. What book are you using? Could you provide the title, picture of cover, or ISBN #?

[@pacificmike9501]

I use Harley Davidson's Model and year specific service manuals. They can be purchased either from your Harley dealership or online from aftermarket suppliers. I also adhere to the instructions that come with aftermarket motor parts.

[@BlackOutRydersMC]

@@pacificmike9501 I have a custom chopper with a 115 RevTech Evo engine. I notice that book you use falls in line with my engine.

[@pacificmike9501]

To a degree, yes. Any information on that engine should be readily available from Custom Chrome in Morgan Hill CA.

[@mariodesmo]

You made that look way too easy! It's usually a real shit-show to get the cylinders on, for mere mortals anyway. lol

[@pacificmike9501]

We're all "mere mortals." The more you do it, the easier it gets.

[@johncasor9698]

i paint the oil on cylinders and pistons. i just use a brush to do the job... i have done so many i just got tired of oil on my fingers ...

[@pacificmike9501]

Cool.

[@jonnnywod4339]

Hi there Mike I have a 97 fatboy and I want to do the same can you tell me is that going to be a 89” stroker ?

[@pacificmike9501]

Yes, as I previously mentioned, it is a 4 5/8" stroker.

[@jonnnywod4339]

@@pacificmike9501 do you have to machine the case for the 4 5/8 ?

[@pacificmike9501]

I remember checking clearances, especially around crank pin nuts, but I don't remember much of an issue. It's basic stuff, nothing outrageous. Those instructions come with stroker kits.

[@jonnnywod4339]

@@pacificmike9501 thanks Mike looking forward to see it run👍

[@ChadR13]

👍🏻💯🤘🏻

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You

[@ChadR13]

Thank you ,for the gift of knowledge... Your Wise , a methodical approach when doing a heart transplant 🤘on the Evolution motor

[@timmix331]

👍🖖

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You

[@jimanness4586]

She is looking sweet!!

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You

[@MrBadgas]

Yes sir, sweeter than a Georgia peach!

[@pacificmike9501]

Golllly!

[@bigroryhollar5023]

🍻🇺🇸

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You

[@chuckwilliams8015]

👋👍😊🏍

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You

[@JamesJohnson-ny3xz]

Finger's CHECK🤪

[@pacificmike9501]

Check.

[@mikeday9699]

Mike, Mike here. I’m a friend of Junior‘s. There a way you could re-weld some of the mounts on an old iron head style gas tank with rubber mounts to be 17 inches on center because that’s how the bike is set up and I can’t be changed. Just wondering because I live in Coachella Valley. I could bring the bike and the tank. Just reply to let me know and I’ll give you my information if you have an email address later. Thanks.

[@pacificmike9501]

I'm really sorry, but, I don't weld and Junior has moved. I am retired.

[@muranonika2725]

Funny jokes

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You

[@jameshaines3370]

If u remove the back left stud bolt the cylinder goes on easy. But u have to put stud in cylinder then case. That's how I done my 97 flhtcui.

[@pacificmike9501]

I don't like to R&R a cylinder stud on the late model bikes. It is a tight "interference" fit and I try to never remove them. You could have easily removed your front mount and lowered the engine with the use of a jack.

[@hk316]

You forgot those pipes

[@pacificmike9501]

What did I forget?