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[cburch2]

Guys,

Need your input.  Dealership is saying I need some major engine work.  Read below.

I have a 2007 CVO Softail Springer, FXSTSSE.  Except for the 2 into 2 Vance and Hines pipes and Screaming Eagle Race tuner she is stock.
I purchased the bike used with 5,000 mile on it, immediately changed the oil in the engine and primary.  Around 9,000 miles I noticed she began to knock when resting on the kick stand.   Checked the oil and she was just about empty!  Crap!!  Refilled the oil and have just been monitoring it.  I understand now what Harley is saying is “normal” oil consumption on these bikes, WOW.  Curiosity got the best of me and I took it in for a look at the local Harley shop.

Harley said, “Technician performed compression test and leak down test.  Vehicle is not within specifications!  Compression is low @ front = 139PSI / rear = 190PSI.  Both should be at 10% of each other too!  Leak down at both cylinders @ greater than 10%!”
Their recommendation is to break down the engine.  At a minimum they are saying a ring change.  Won’t know until they get into it?  Said I am looking at $1,000, ballpark.

First, does their analysis sound reasonable?

Second, I am considering doing the ring change myself.  Is that something a shade tree mechanic can do?  I worked on a lot of cars but never pull a bike engine apart.  If so what are the key points to know as I break this thing down.

Third, hope I do not find additional problems.  If so, I could be out of my area of expertise quickly!

Thanks guys…appreciate any inputs!!

[DCFIREMANN]

The 2007 and some 2008 110 motors were the bastard children for Harley. There is a recall on that motor. Which included new heads, cylinders and rings. Also different base and head gaskets. Do a search on here for 110 Motors and problems. It was pretty ugly back in the day. It was so bad I have waited to buy a new CVO Ultra because of the 110 motor. They still have their problems just not as bad. Others may want to chime in on this thread and have some more info for you. Also I'm not sure if the recall has expired or not on that model year. Basically the dealer I think may be taking a shot at you.

I hope this helps!

Be Safe

THE DAWG

[porthole]

If so what are the key points to know as I break this thing down.

Make sure you don't put the cylinders back together like the dealer did on mine.

With the end gaps all lined up!

[HILLSIDECYCLE.COM]

The 2007's, at least from what we've witnessed, had a noteriety of the cranks sissoring.
2004 and early 2005 88"ers were the same/same.
Scott

[grc]

First, hopefully you now know that you can't blow off a regular oil level check on a Harley like you can on most other vehicles these days.  I suggest making it part of a weekly inspection of things like tire pressures, oil level, lights, etc.

Second, what the dealer is telling you actually sounds reasonable for a 2007 CVO110.  Many of those engines had similar issues right out of the crate, with severely tapered cylinders and oil consumption problems.  However, if you don't fully trust them (I never blindly trust a Harley shop on anything), I suggest getting a second opinion.  Take the bike to another shop (dealer or independent) and have that shop also do a full compression and leak down test.  If you get a similar diagnosis from a different place, odds are it's correct.

Third, while a good shade tree mechanic can definitely install new rings, odds are you are going to need a lot more than that.  Do you have the torque plates, micrometers, etc. needed to check the cylinders and pistons?  Do you have a trusted machine shop to bore and hone the cylinders for you?  Are you prepared to also thoroughly check the heads, cam chest components, crank and oil pump, etc., while you're in there?  If not, then I'd suggest finding a couple shops you can trust and get estimates to handle it for you.  If you're going to spend the money, may as well get it done right one time versus a shortcut that doesn't solve the problems.  Oh, btw, valve stem seals were also suspect and could cause oil consumption problems.

JMHO - Jerry   

[cburch2]

It appears that these bikes have a troubled past…awesome!!! 

GRC thanks for the recommendations.  Looks like I am out of my league concerning doing the job myself.  I will get another opinion and purse from there. 

I do wonder, and will ask about any recalls concerning that bike.  Assuming it is well past any time limit to get this fixed at Harley’s expense.

[sadunbar]

It appears that these bikes have a troubled past…awesome!!! 

GRC thanks for the recommendations.  Looks like I am out of my league concerning doing the job myself.  I will get another opinion and purse from there. 

I do wonder, and will ask about any recalls concerning that bike.  Assuming it is well past any time limit to get this fixed at Harley’s expense.

Attached is a pdf with the program update you'll be interested in...

[sadunbar]

It appears that these bikes have a troubled past…awesome!!! 

GRC thanks for the recommendations.  Looks like I am out of my league concerning doing the job myself.  I will get another opinion and purse from there. 

I do wonder, and will ask about any recalls concerning that bike.  Assuming it is well past any time limit to get this fixed at Harley’s expense.

another relevant pdf...

[sadunbar]

It appears that these bikes have a troubled past…awesome!!! 

GRC thanks for the recommendations.  Looks like I am out of my league concerning doing the job myself.  I will get another opinion and purse from there. 

I do wonder, and will ask about any recalls concerning that bike.  Assuming it is well past any time limit to get this fixed at Harley’s expense.

And another relevant pdf...

[grc]

This copy of the service bulletin is a little easier to read.  Click on it to enlarge.

Jerry

[cvojohn]

i bought my 2008 cvo springer a couple of months ago with 3000 miles on it put 250 miles on it and the cylinder base gaskets started leaking after joining this site and searching the forums i printed out the product enhancements that were posted in the above reponses, thank you by the way,headed to my local dealer with them in hand showed them the leaks and the paperwork and they shrugged there shoulders and told me those exspired 2 years ago and started quoting me prices to fix the leaks at that point i left the dealership and called the moco customer service number and pled my case to them i also told them this was my first harley and they really had a chance to be heros here they gave me a case number and asked me to go back to the dealership for them to verify leaks and vin and miles then have them call a service tech at the moco they are fully aware they have problems with these year motors but it was nice to have the paper work with incase they had forgot long story short they bought the parts i payed labor better than a kick in the crotch dont stop at the dealership call the moco they have the last word       good luck and i hope it all turns around for you   

[sadunbar]

i bought my 2008 cvo springer a couple of months ago with 3000 miles on it put 250 miles on it and the cylinder base gaskets started leaking after joining this site and searching the forums i printed out the product enhancements that were posted in the above reponses, thank you by the way,headed to my local dealer with them in hand showed them the leaks and the paperwork and they shrugged there shoulders and told me those exspired 2 years ago and started quoting me prices to fix the leaks at that point i left the dealership and called the moco customer service number and pled my case to them i also told them this was my first harley and they really had a chance to be heros here they gave me a case number and asked me to go back to the dealership for them to verify leaks and vin and miles then have them call a service tech at the moco they are fully aware they have problems with these year motors but it was nice to have the paper work with incase they had forgot long story short they bought the parts i payed labor better than a kick in the crotch dont stop at the dealership call the moco they have the last word       good luck and i hope it all turns around for you   

Short on punctuation, but long on good advice!   

[cburch2]

Thanks guys!

Wish me luck!!!