

Repairing the lower end requires specialty tools and skills, and can take considerable time to properly measure and rebuild.Īside from the labor, factor in the cost of parts and special tools needed. The most time-consuming part of an Ironhead engine build is the bottom end.

Read: Ironhead Engine Cases Ironhead Bottom End
#Ironhead sportster chopper how to
The transmission is housed inside the engine cases, so at a minimum you'll at least need to know how to remove and install it. Unlike Harley Big-Twins, you can't ignore the transmission when doing bottom end work on a Sportster engine. On average, a Sportster top end will get rebuilt twice before a bottom end rebuild is needed.īut when dealing with a 50 year-old machine you don't have a history of, it would be wise to consider doing a complete engine rebuild from the flywheels up. Some side to side play is normal and actually needed for when the engine gets hot and metals expand. These include the top end, bottom end, transmission, clutch, carb/fuel, oil pump, and electrics (distributor, generator).īecause no two engine builds are alike, you won't know what tools and skills you'll need until a complete disassembly and careful inspection of parts.Īfter the cylinder jugs are removed, check the connecting rods for up and down play. Read: 900cc Ironhead Engine Build Planning An Engine BuildĪn Ironhead engine build can be broken down into several categories.
