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Author Topic: Piston and head questions  (Read 1182 times)

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lilcoot

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Piston and head questions
« on: July 02, 2012, 05:19:40 AM »
Recently took the top end apart on my 2012 CVO SG to have some mild head work done (gawd, I hope I can get it back together!), and have some questions and concerns regarding the condition of the pistons and heads.

This is my first Harley, and am still trying to figure out what is normal and what is not normal for these bikes.  I've taken apart motors before, mostly in dirt bikes, ATVs, and snowmobiles, and have never seen pistons and heads look like this after only 8 months.  I'm also concerned because I saw a set of pistons from a seized 2012 110 motor, that needed to be completely rebuilt.  Those pistons looked a lot like mine do.  

This first picture is of the front piston dome.  There is a thick crust of residue that has flaked off at places, and there is pitting everywhere.  What causes this?

Sorry, but I haven't figured out how to attach multiple photos to each message.  Here goes one at a time...

« Last Edit: July 02, 2012, 05:41:41 AM by lilcoot »
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lilcoot

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Re: Piston and head questions
« Reply #1 on: July 02, 2012, 05:24:07 AM »
Front piston again.  Even the gasket looks bad.

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lilcoot

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Re: Piston and head questions
« Reply #2 on: July 02, 2012, 05:30:20 AM »
Front head.  Lots of carbon, and the intake valve is dark compared to the exhaust valve.   ???
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lilcoot

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Re: Piston and head questions
« Reply #3 on: July 02, 2012, 05:40:55 AM »
Here's the rear piston dome.  Much less carbon and pitting than the front, but still looks like too much, IMO.  Smoother surface than the front, even a little metallic shine coming through.  May be irrelevant, but the gasket looks better than the front, too.

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lilcoot

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Re: Piston and head questions
« Reply #4 on: July 02, 2012, 05:45:37 AM »
Rear cylinder head.  Carbon build up is uniform, not too bad.  Both valves are lighter color.
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lilcoot

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Re: Piston and head questions
« Reply #5 on: July 02, 2012, 06:08:55 AM »
I told my HD salesman about this, and he said "That's why you have a warranty.  When it breaks down, bring it back and we'll fix it."  Bad answer!

I have several questions for the wise gurus here.

The motor has been very noisy since day 1. 

What is the possible cause?  Bore out of spec?  Bad rings?  Bad valve?

While I have it open, should I replace the pistons, get it bored, and just pay for it myself? 

What, if anything, should I do?  Just do the mild head work and CCing as I planned before seeing the condition of the motor, then wait until it self-destructs, and let the dealer take care of it?

Gentlemen, I appreciate any help and advice.  Thanks.

Dan

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HILLSIDECYCLE.COM

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Re: Piston and head questions
« Reply #6 on: July 02, 2012, 06:30:44 AM »
The carbon deposits are from burned oil, that is being pulled in from the breathers.
Scott
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prodrag1320

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Re: Piston and head questions
« Reply #7 on: July 03, 2012, 07:30:20 AM »
should have leaked it down before taking the heads off,could be rings or valve seals
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