1200 sportster blown head gasket what are the steps to fix it?

Answer 1

Buy a VTX. But if you must...

1. Remove all parts attached to the offending head. (Intake, exhaust, spark plug, valve cover, etc.)
2. Crank engine until both rocker arms are free (cam followers on base-circle, valve closed.) COMPRESSION STROKE RIGHT AFTER EXHAUST WITH PISTON AT T.D.C.
3. Remove any other parts that are in your way. Trust me, it's easier than working around them.
4. Remove cylider head bolts. Place in a clean, dry place.
5. GENTLY tap and pry head away from cylinder and gasket.
6. Pull out the pushrods and tubes and place in a clean, dry place.
7. GENTLY tap and pry cylinder away from crankcase and gasket. WITH YOUR HAND

(SEE BELOW)

1. Using a razor-blade scraper, remove the old gasket and any sealant residue from both cylider and head.
2. Wash away all grime and debris with solvent or Formula 409.
3. Tape a full sheet of 400 grit sandpaper to a firm, flat surface.
4. Move the cylinder sealing face over the sandpaper in a figure-8 motion until any evidence of etching from the leak is gone. Repeat with the head. Wipe off dust and grit.

WHAT A HORRIBLE IDEA. THIS WILL RUIN GASKET SURFACE AS WELL AS CAUSE CLEARANCE PROBLEMS WITH VALVES, CLEAN LIGHTLY BUT TO NOT DIG INTO THE SEALING SURFACE OR YOU WILL BLOW HEAD GASKETS LEFT AND RIGHT.

1. Clean the crankcase sealing surfaces and re-install cylinder using a piston ring compression tool. Seal with Permatex high-temp RTV if needed. Do not use RTV on O-rings!
2. Install new head gasket.
3. Install pushrods & Tubes.
4. Install head. Torque bolts equally in a cross pattern. !!!SEE BELOW!!! 350 ft-lbs should be enough. ARE YOU KIDDING? NOOOOO.

TIGHTEN BOLTS IN A CROSS PATTERN, OUTSIDE LEFT, INNER LEFT, OUTSIDE RIGHT, INNER RIGHT TO 7-9 FT LBS, THEN TIGHTEN ALL IN SAME PATTERN TO 12-15 FT LBS, THEN TIGHTEN ALL TO 22-25 FT LBS, THEN FINISH TIGHTENING TO 38-42 FT LBS. IF YOU TIGHTEN THEM TO 350 FT LBS, YOU WIIL TWIST THE STUDS OUT OF YOUR ENGINE CASES AND RUIN YOUR MOTOR. THE PERSON WHO TYPED THIS ORIGINALLY SHOULD HAVE DONE THEIR HOMEWORK.

1. Install remaining chrome gobbledy-gook. (OBVIOUSLY HATES HARLEYS)
2. Ride until next head fails. About 10K miles. (IF YOU DO IT LIKE HE SAID YOU WONT EVEN MAKE IT A MILE)
3. Lather, rinse, repeat.