First things first
After showing some of the images of the frame to some local Harley gurus, I’ve decided to go with their advice. I’m going to patch up the holes, primer, sand, primer, sand, then paint and get the tank modified so it will mount properly on the frame where it’s suppose to. Then I’ll clean up the engine, which will take forever. Living in Reno, EVERYTHING here gets covered with Nevada dust after 2 weeks. Dust on oil just makes for more of a mess.
I found a local shop that has a mechanic that has been working on these things for over 25 years. I’m going to drop it off to him so he can give it a go-through and tell me what is going on with the bike. I’ll know more from there if I need to tear into the motor.
I was so excited when I got home to start to tear the bike down a little to get it cleaned up, but I’m missing my small ratchet, so I’ve got to stop by sears tomorrow and pick up a new one. I think I have to take the primary cover off to get the starter off so I can clean up around there. It’s a dusty, oily mess. I want to coat the entire thing in easy off oven cleaner, and take it to the car wash… that may not be such a bad idea! I also discovered a yellow wire that abruptly ends under the fuel tank. I have no idea what it is. I’m going to have to trace it and consult my manual to see what it is.
I purchased a complete gasket kit for the engine (which I can’t find) and a new copper head gasket, which I finally found today after tearing apart my computer room, or my man cave as my wife calls it. It was hiding right were I put it so I wouldn’t loose it. I found these tappet guides that are suppose to help with oil leaking out of the bottom of the push rods. I think I’m going to pick up a few of them and use them. One less oil leak to worry about.
http://www.retrocycle.com/CustomChromeParts/3607/Tappet_Guide_for_Sportster_Models.html
Watch the youtube video on them here: