Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- techtalk:ih:engmech01g [2025/08/01 16:22] – [Inspection] hippysmack
+++ techtalk:ih:engmech01g [2025/08/01 19:40] (current) – [Inspection] hippysmack
@@ Line 3: / Line 3: @@
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 ====== Ironhead Gearcase/Cam Cover Removal and Installation ======
+====== Cam/Gearcase Cover Removal ======
+Article by Dr Dick of the XLFORUM ((https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/139758-1968-xlch-dust-off/page3?postcount=44#post2993600))
+  * Take the cam cover off without dropping anything in the drain pan or on the floor while preserving where all the shims are positioned.
+  * Try not take the cams out unless you Need to.
+  * Strip all needed parts to get to the cam cover only.
+    * Carb
+    * Mag
+    * Exhaust
+    * Pegs
+    * Kicker
+    * Shifter
+    * Breather tube
+    * Generator
+    * Kicker cover
+    * Pushrods
+  * Remove all screws from cam cover.
+  * Now look in the gap, and with a skinny screw driver, push all the cams back into the engine so that they won't come out with the cover.
+|  Gently work the cover to this position  ((photo by Dr Dick of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/139758-1968-xlch-dust-off/page3?postcount=44#post2993600))  |  With that done, open gap a little more  ((photo by Dr Dick of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/139758-1968-xlch-dust-off/page3?postcount=44#post2993600))  |
+|{{:techtalk:ih:engmech:cam_cover_removal_1_by_dr_dick.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{:techtalk:ih:engmech:cam_cover_removal_2_by_dr_dick.jpg?direct&300|}}|
+  * Now, you will be able to see the shims if there are any in there.
+  * Use an ice pick to work any shims, that are hanging on the cover bushing flanges, back onto the cams.
+  * Make sure the cams hang inside the motor using the skinny screwdriver again as you work the cover off. \\ Note that the cover is still engaged to the cams and that they are slid fully into the motor side.
+|  Keep this up until you have the cover off ((photo by Dr Dick of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/139758-1968-xlch-dust-off/page3?postcount=44#post2993600))  |
+|{{:techtalk:ih:engmech:cam_cover_removal_3_by_dr_dick.jpg?direct&500|}}|
 ====== Inspection ======
-  * Inspect the cam bishings. [[techtalk:ih:engmech02c#installing_pinning_and_reaming_cam_bushings|Click Here]] to view the page in Sportsterpedia on Installing, Pinning and Reaming Cam Bushings. \\
+  * **Inspect the cam bushings**. Check the clearances per the service manual and replace any out of service bushings. Also check for scoring or scratches. [[techtalk:ref:tools107#cam_bushing_measuring_removal_installation_tools|Click Here]] for Cam Bushing Measuring / Removal / Installation Tools. [[techtalk:ih:engmech02c#installing_pinning_and_reaming_cam_bushings|Click Here]] to view the page in Sportsterpedia on Installing, Pinning and Reaming Cam Bushings.
+  * **Inspect the point cover/ignition seal** in the cover (see below).
+    * Look for ID leaks; a marred cam journal, seal lip not getting up on the full journal diameter or a missing dog bone thrust plate on far side of cam. ((Dr Dick of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/128889-points-cover-seal-leak/page2?t=1341815&page=2)) Also look for a blocked drain hole (putting the seal in too far can do this). The seal goes flush to outer surface. A new bushing too long hitting the seal lip when the seal was installed would do it also. Same as the seal bore not concentric to the cam bushing (holds seal off center).
+    * Look for OD leaks; the seal bore nicked, tearing the seal OD when installing it.
+    * Look for scratches, gouges or wear marks on the cam shaft where the seal seats. If there are any, they need to be removed or the shaft changed. Also check if there are any gouges or cracks around the outside diameter of where the seal fits in (bore). These can be put there during seal removal and let oil seep out around the outside of the seal. They can usually be scraped or filed back flat. You can make a scraper by grinding the teeth off the end of a three-sided file.
+  * **Inspect the breather vent/bushing in the cover** for damage/debris/obstruction. [[techtalk:ih:engmech07#crankcase_ventilation|Click Here]] to go to the IH Crankcase Ventilation page in Sportsterpedia for pics and info for different year covers and breathing systems. The breathing passages can get stopped up, especially if you have sand blasted the cover, but it can also stop up from old oil on extended shutdowns.
 ====== Preparation ======
 ===== Breaker Points/Nosecone Ignition Seal =====
@@ Line 40: / Line 76: @@
 ===== Cam Cover Gasket =====
-[[techtalk:ih:engmech01#cam_cover_gasket|Click Here]] to view a list of cam cover gaskets and more information on case changes that affected the gaskets. \\
 **Make sure to use the correct gasket for your engine/cover specifics**. \\
+[[techtalk:ih:engmech01#cam_cover_gasket|Click Here]] to view a list of cam cover gaskets and more information on case changes that affected the gaskets. \\
 There were changes to the upper feed galley that dictate a specific gasket, especially between 1979-1982 models. \\
 The upper oil feed galley was redesigned during the 1979-1982 and according to the MoCo, the gasket must fit the case design. \\
+[[techtalk:ih:engmech01c#upper_oil_feed_galley|Click Here]] for pics of the changes to the upper oil feed galley in the right case. \\
 ====== Installing the Cover ======