Is the IronHead a good engine?
They are rudimentry and easy to work on and a well maintained one is as reliable as anything else. This is exactly my experience. Look at my sticky “IronHead Maintenance Schedule”. The IronHeads do require a lot more maintenance than virtually any other bike you may choose.
What years did Harley-Davidson make the IronHead motor?
The ironhead was a Harley-Davidson motorcycle engine, so named because of the composition of the cylinder heads (Iron instead of Aluminium). The engine is a two-cylinder, two valves per cylinder, pushrod V-twin. It was produced from 1957 until 1985 and was replaced by the Evolution engine in 1986.
How many cc is an Ironhead?
| Make Model | Harley Davidson XLH 1000 Sportster |
|---|---|
| Engine | Four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder. |
| Capacity | 997 cc / 60.8 cu-in |
| Bore x Stroke | 81.0 x 96.8 mm |
| Cooling System | Air cooled |
What’s the difference between an Ironhead and a Shovelhead?
Sportsters have always had cast iron heads, shovelheads have always had aluminum heads. Sportsters are refered to as Ironheads for as long as any of us can remember to denote they are different from the “more expinsive” big twins.
Is the Harley Davidson ironhead Sportster engine still going?
The Harley Davidson Ironhead Sportster engine was designed to last a long time, and lots of them are still going strong. But when it’s time for a Ironhead Sportster engine rebuild, J&P is your source for all the parts you need.
How long does it take to repair an Ironhead engine?
Repairing the lower end requires specialty tools and skills, and can take considerable time to properly measure and rebuild. Aside from the labor, factor in the cost of parts and special tools needed. Line boring is the process of centering and re-fitting the bearing races in one or both cases.
Can a push rod be removed from an Ironhead engine?
Ironhead cam removal is easier when the four push rods are removed, although the tappets can just be loosened to remove them. Old Sportsters do not have as close tolerances as modern engines have, but cam clearance should be set to factory specs if not a tad bit looser.
What are the different types of Ironhead engines?
An Ironhead engine build can be broken down into several categories. These include the top end, bottom end, transmission, clutch, carb/fuel, oil pump, and electrics (distributor, generator).
The Harley Davidson Ironhead Sportster engine was designed to last a long time, and lots of them are still going strong. But when it’s time for a Ironhead Sportster engine rebuild, J&P is your source for all the parts you need.
How much does it cost to rebuild an Ironhead engine?
A vintage Sportster engine requires special skills and tools to rebuild properly. If you’re thinking of having it done at a motorcycle shop, a complete Ironhead engine build could easily run $2,000 with some shops quoting over $3,000. And if you don’t have a qualified shop in your area, factor in another $350-$500 for shipping (there and back).
Where can I buy a 1974 Harley Ironhead?
Located in NY (Oswego) for local pickup or will help with delivery! 1974 Harley Davidson Ironhead 1000cc hardtail chopper (1977 frame) with springer front end! Electric start brand new battery….
Can a aluminum engine case be repaired in an Ironhead rebuild?
Engine cases are the most important component of an Ironhead engine rebuild. Always check carefully for cracks upon disassembly. Aluminum engine cases are repairable and can be made as good as new, provided the repair was done right.