This CAN HAPPEN to YOU and your Harley Davidson Motorcycle - TIPS to Avoid It

If you own a Harley-Davidson motorcycle you should watch this video. if your bike is stock or you've had an engine built this is one of those things that can happen. today I'm going to give you tips and tricks on what to look for and ways that you can avoid it.

[@louswain7021]

Kevin, I am a semi retired Harley mechanic of 30 years. The reason I say semi is due to the fact that many of my customers as well as my old boss seem reluctant to let me fully retire! I am humbled and grateful to have such loyalty. It's true that hard work and honesty are rewarded! Since discovering your channel I have made you one of my resources for info on various issues that have me stuck. Even with my training and experience it does still happen! Fortunately not very often. One thing I have said many times in my career: Nobody wakes up one morning know all there is to know!I would like to thank you for the extra effort you put into making your videos. It's obvious you love what you do! Your reputation is as solid as can be found in this industry. Maybe now that I have more time to get out and ride my bike I'll get the opportunity to meet you and say hi. Take care and ride safe!

[@dowhatyouwill]

Mr. Baxter, as a foreigner who works on his own Harley (no dealerships here, couple good mechanics tho), I cannot thank you enough for all the content you and your company have created thus far. Merry Whatever-You-Celebrate and Happy New Year!

[@kostartphotography]

You could read an hour out of a fridge owners manual and I would still want to listen to and learn from you. Thank you Kevin for all the amazing content you gave us over the past years and thank you for always being kind, warmhearted and authentic but never judgmental or arrogant. Have a great festive season.

[@jerrylong381]

Thank you Kevin, For freely sharing the insights you have gained over the course of your career. I learn something from every video you post. A lot of it isn't even Harley or motorcycle specific, it is the mindset of troubleshooting an issue, or approaching a project. I had a mentor that drilled into me the questions: What is the original, designed "good" state? (How is it supposed to work) What changed? What was happening when it changed? When and What was the last service performed? You look like you have recovered some from your hectic summer. Have a Merry Christmas!

[@johnlfrank8078]

I did watch all the videos of the new shop construction. I just realized that there wasn’t a segment on the FURNACE install !! 😂.

[@larrys.3992]

Merry Christmas Kevin and Happy New Years! Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@donwaltman4276]

Merry Christmas Kevin, Happy New Year!

[@dang2473]

Thank you for all of your insights, and taking the time to do the videos! Merry Christmas and happy new years!

[@KamaTanha]

Thanks for the videos, Kevin. Have a great Christmas and new year. Really appreciate the time you give us.

[@rogerkennedy8849]

Merry Christmas to you and yours ,awesome video as always ,thanks

[@scott531]

Happy Birthday Kevin. Another year of your awesome videos. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@adlodewijkx6386]

Thanks for sharing Kevin.

[@johnroethel5527]

Merry Christmas To you and yours Kevin. Cheers from Beaver Valley Ont

[@KruseProductions]

Merry Christmas to you and your family as well. Thanks for sharing the knowledge and concern. Good luck in the new year with your new location. Looking forward to a new year of informative videos.

[@richardwilcox2454]

Merry Christmas to you and your family Kevin.

[@mikedanaher3413]

Merry Christmas Kevin. Congratulations on all your success. It’s well deserved.

[@johnsb1550]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to too

[@SlickWhiskey]

Absolutely great information, thanks Kevin

[@dalebrander9361]

Great video , and have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

[@dougcox2537]

Kevin, it was good to hear from you this week. I am looking forward to bringing my bike up next spring. I certainly hope it is warmer then. I want again to Wish You A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I hope to hear from you soon after the 1st. As always I enjoy the video and the information that you share. Back in Georgia now. It was cold in Panama City Beach too.

[@mmusser62]

Another awesome video with interesting technical insights. I stopped riding a few years ago due to a hand injury. I keep thinking about acquiring a new bike, having you build it, and resuming my love for riding. Thanks for the awesome videos. Wishing you all the best for the holidays and new year.

[@johncasor9698]

Another Great Video... Happy Holidays...

[@og190]

Very i teresting video. Thank you for the year you have shared with us . Merry Christmas and a happy new year

[@boneshaker4466]

Dear Kevin, as always... great content from a REAL pro and a true builder and expert! It ist always a pleasure to listen to this fantastic and detailed information! I am fascinated again from your extreme good knowledge about the important special facts about HD engines that exists in your mind....!!! Thank you a thousand times , don't stop making these Videos!!! Merry Christmas and have a good and happy new year!!! Kind regards Boneshaker from South Germany!

[@philipwoodacre1644]

Merry Christmas and a Happy New year to you KEVIN. ALL THE BEST PHIL.

[@Sam590ss]

Merry Christmas, Kevin!

[@kfatbob1]

Thanks Kev. Useful information for us all.👌👍🇦🇺

[@barrickent184]

Back when I was building air cooled VW high performance engines, we always installed inserts. Great advice. Have a great holiday. Always make good memories.

[@charliewright4840]

Kevin !!! Marry Christmas ... Wishing U a great success in the new shop this. New year & hope Tennessee is good for U . hope to swing by next time I go to Asheville. Get do to wheels through time when U can, it's a great place .

[@boscodog4358]

Merry Christmas Man!

[@Jim_Berry]

Merry Christmas Kevin!!

[@bobgoes4129]

Merry Christmas and happy new year, big year for you and wishing you all the best. Enjoy your days off and recharge. Bob.

[@xidegel4494]

Cheers from Austin, Texas . Happy Holidays !!!

[@Ron-FabandBuild]

Thank you Kevin. This is huge information for me as I am about to embark on upgrading my motor on my 2015 Ultra Limited 103. I am going to do a complete build from the lower case up with all new cams, plate, and all the rest all the way up. Always enjoy your videos and appreciate your time dedicated to all of us that watch your channel Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year and we will see you in the next one.

[@Big.Ron1]

Thank you Kevin..perfect timing. I am pulling the top end off my old modified (SE 103 stage 4 kit, S&S cam chest upgrade kit, Thunder Max, Thunder Header, the list goes on....) Heritage in about a month. Cam change and inspection/refresh time. I will check this while I am at it. Merry Christmas to you and your family. Be safe.

[@mickrose6450]

Your a gem Kevin thanks for your awsome content all the best👍🍻

[@johnhammered3321]

Everytime I watch your video I learn something! Can't harley wait fir the next one! Thanx! Merry Xmas and Hap New Year to you and yours! God bless you sir!😁👍✌️🎅🎊

[@ChipsPlace1952]

Kevin, Once again congrats on your move. Congrats on your work epic. And.......if my notes are right...... HAPPY BIRTHDAY...

[@josefdolderer3686]

Merry Christmas to u and ur family ... and a happy and prosperous New Year !!!

[@DougyG76]

Good advice. Good to know 👍

[@stephenbirch9436]

All the very Best for Christmas and the New Year, And Thank you

[@jatiii]

I believe that the majority of the time you get what you put in. I havent had the opportunity to work with you directly but I'd wager to say if you are feeling the love then your customers feel it as well. Life happens. And there's always exceptions to everything. But I'd say that's something to be proud of.

[@62himself]

Good info. Thanks man

[@rickharper6320]

Background is getting better all the time ……..😆 Congrats on the new digs. Merry Christmas to you & yours !!!! Here’s to experiencing one of the most enjoyable Christmas of memory. When all the kids & dogs have settled in for the night, and your misses is snuggled up close. …. Take a sip of that warm beverage…..and may you both find peace & solace.

[@wtf0101]

Great info, thank you sir🍺

[@tommygreer9921]

Thanks Kevin good information cheers

[@davidsobey764]

Funny how Victory engines got it all right but not enough people were interested.

[@MrJwh3000]

Victory owners are funny.

[@stevebeard7667]

Damn good motorcycles. Wish they were still around.

[@natezenker3104]

Didn't help that they were fugly...

[@jondoe8816]

Is victory still made

[@kennethmabus381]

I think they built some good stuff but like a lot of things the look was going to take some time to sell. I think they've done well purchasing the Indian name as I see just a ton of them bikes now.

[@shameless6963]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family

[@martinwall7297]

another great info video Kevin, question? is it the metal in the block, the stud or misalignment, unequal tork or bad gaskets? so many variables in a changing thermal environment. Merry Xmas and a happy healthy new year.

[@jjones6173]

Great info. Blew a head gasket on the rear cylinder of my 17 road king and then found out that their was a lot of contradictory information regarding the cylinder studs, some say replace them, some say reuse them, some say buy the stronger studs, some say tighten the nuts using the HD service manual procedure which was revised by a technical service bulletin (in 2020 if memory serves), some say use the s & s procedure, some say use the head gasket manufacturers procedure, some differ on what type of loctite is to be used on the threads at the bottom of the stud, etc. 6,000 miles later the bike seems fine but I very much wish I would have done your initial check for piece of mind (one rear cylinder stud came loose at the engine when I attempted to loosen the nut on top).

[@ocglide2566]

Merry Christmas and Happy New year to you and your family.

[@Old940]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

[@bronsonwhite611]

Merry Christmas and good for you. Get some rest.

[@janyoung1633]

Merry Christmas!!

[@mitchelldarnell5334]

See you next year Kevin!! Hope you have a great Xmas and New Year and no hang overs😛😛😛😁👍🤠

[@rick-kx7gy]

In my 49 year career as an auto tech I drove many a service manager up a wall with refusing to be just a parts changer . Cause and effect to me was damn near OCD level . Shit happens for a reason . F comebacks .

[@throttleGod]

Could not agree with you more - I'm the same way.

[@kerrylewis2581]

Merry Christmas, Kevin. I hope Santa brings you all the GTX parts you need to finish your barn find.

[@derrickwing1079]

Nice information, if I found atleast more than one stud loose I would replace them all.

[@frankminakin1080]

Merry Christmas Kevin

[@hookdog8640]

Marry Christmas to you and your family

[@ChasCrewChief]

Well done my friend. Look forward to more in 2024

[@karolynfrench8098]

Kevin, thank YOU. HAPPY HOLIDAYS

[@TeIegram.TheWestenChamplin2]

I wanna have a nice discussion with you

[@davemay6014]

I learned this the hard way. Took my engine apart & sent the lower end to Darkhorse to do a timken bearing, true & weld the crank, cylinder studs & a few other things while the lower end was there. Fast forward a couple thousand miles & a trip to Sturgis. Fired the bike up one morning to go for what was suppose to be a beautiful day of riding. Pulled out after letting the bike warm up & I heard a rasping sound. Only under a load & over 3000 ish RPM. Would not do it sitting & just revving the bike. I spent hours tightening this & checking that only for this rasping to continue. As much as I wanted to be riding the Black Hills that beautiful sunny day, I knew there was something a miss. Came home later & started tearing things down. As I was pulling the heads off I started on the rear cylinder & when I went to the front cylinder to remove the head bolts, one was loose. Well that ain't right! If you looked real close you could see the shoulder pulled up from the case on the right front cylinder intake side. I called Darkhorse & informed them of this. To my surprise I was told this does happen sometimes. My choice to put an insert in the case & pin it or I could do all 8. Well I opted to do all 8. So far so good. My lesson is either don't touch the studs at all OR have inserts installed & pin them in place if you do remove & install new studs.

[@stevenfloyd7502]

Ione thumpers performance on a 2007 Street glide and when I went to put the heads back on I pulled a stud and time started it put it back on pulled two more so I pulled the motor down and did all eight studs with that's what I do with every engine now to guarantee that I have proper torque and the customer will not have any problems

[@briantodd9996]

Merry Christmas god bless

[@RandyCRR]

What is your opinion of the stock oil control valve versus the S&S unit on the M8? I don’t recall you ever mentioning it. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Kevin .

[@justanotherguy6359]

Oof..wasn't sure what the studs should've been at, but my '21 Streetbob front drive side stud came out completely by hand a couple weeks ago when I was tearing it down.

[@kevinfaherty9887]

Merry Christmas

[@cornbread8246]

Hey Kev, we appreciate the hell out of the relevant information you you are discriminating on your channel. I have learned a lot over time from your channel content. Thanks for putting in the work here for our benefit brother. Merry Christmas.

[@scottthornton9237]

Please post a video of a time cert install.

[@timnevitt2993]

merry christmas and my 22 rg st is at the dealer for sumping thought they fix that

[@JCunningham21]

All 8 of my studs were loose on my 21 M8 FXLRS. I did a 128. i have a slow base gasket leak on the rear cylinder. Ill be tearing it down over the winter. Im replacing studs and bolts with S&S. I used S&S bolts last time but im not going to reuse them.

[@stephenmazak7028]

Have a safe and happy holiday

[@throttleGod]

Thanks Mr. B - you know I've learned that 95% of most things that fail on an engine is nothing more than a result of either an action or bad assumption. It's a chain of events with a negative result. If a stator burns up ask yourself why, just don't replace it and move on. Investigate and find the root cause and you might surprise yourself. As Brian Tracy famously said, “incorrect assumptions lie at the root of every failure.” And they have to be brought to the surface and addressed head-on.

[@rickswindell1964]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 🎆🎈 🎊

[@danbarrette9888]

You get niceness because you give niceness. Merry Christmas.

[@mikebarron5805]

2 👍👍 for this one Kevin. Boring as heck for a non mechanic yet I liked every minute of it. Identifying some issue to be corrected and tracking down the root cause are two different chores.

[@MoeLarrycurly1]

Merry Christmas 🙏🖖✌️🎄🏍️🏍️🏍️🏍️

[@fredflint1797]

Apparently, it's beyond the manufacturer to design a more durable and serviceable configuration ..( That said, I've owned a KH model, Panhead, Evo, twin cams and an M8. I'm no stranger to finding a way to keep 'em going)

[@jclark6895]

Sure wish I had your experience and knowledge! How would a basic, mechanically inclined person go about learning more? *I'm a "hands on" learner, Should I find an old twin cam and rebuild it with cheaper parts to learn on, or go for it with performance parts right off the get go?

[@Duey_diditGarage]

It has been cold the past week but mid to high 50s

[@WillieD3521]

How are S&S crate motors? Got a lil project and considering a 143

[@jondoe8816]

My 99 king base leaks but it’s old let sit for 15 years before it was rode again. And only 25,000 miles I’m assuming not ridden enough for age I suppose

[@magic4221]

Seems like Gerry Merchant with Merch engines had the right idea when he designed his engine cases. As you know on all Merch engines there is a stainless steel "bullet" cast into the engine cases that the cylinder studs screw into. Super strong design, and expensive to do....,no way Harley is doing this to production engines. BUT i believe S/S has a fix or ARP with their high grade studs and head bolts being installed per the S/S procedure. Anyhow Merry Christmas and God Bless.

[@jerrymercer7683]

Whatever happened to cylinders that bolted to the cases and heads that bolted to the cylinders ? Why has Harley never used 4 gear drive cams in the big twins like has always been in the sportster engines ?

[@roncoburn7771]

I just check mine real close and put it together

[@ct895]

Merry Xmas see you next year happy new year CT of WV

[@jamesjacobs1909]

I got a VGS 30.

[@supakamario]

u left winder. middle tn where?

[@nelsonfernandez7473]

I need Help, my sister past away from copd at only 58 she left me a 2008 olive pearl roadking i need to put it away for awhile maybe a long time i just dont want to get rid of it yet i just cant how do i store it away someone tell me how or what to do thank you i really do appreciate the help 😢

[@stevenjacobson8177]

Get some help in the. Shop next year 🙏🏼please Kevin.

[@agb1953]

I like videos where you show shiny things better.

[@thomasobrien5976]

I have never pulled a stud on my harley...but then it's a shovelhead

[@TheLeevtr]

I'd love for you to build me an engine. Unfortunately England is the other side of a big puddle of water !

[@MichaelWindels-jc8hf]

You are a harley davidson doctor all the way.

[@TeIegram.TheWestenChamplin2]

I wanna have a nice discussion with you

[@gvaldezcurrie]

Merry Christmas and a Ho Ho Ho too you

[@oleksasirotinin1532]

Is it time to change "Winder, Ga" title in the intro?)

[@magic4221]

I miss Gerry, may he rest in peace in our Lord's arms.

[@denis9272]

👋

[@nickglorioso6266]

Cheers A M Honey