How much does it cost to rebuild an Ironhead engine?
Ironhead Rebuild Cost Another offered to ship my motor from their shop to a place in Wisconsin. Estimates for a complete engine build ran from $2,400 to $3,100 in labor (parts additional). The customer (you) also has to pay any shipping, so factor in another $350-$500 (there and back).
Are Ironhead Sportsters reliable?
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.
Are old Sportsters reliable?
Although the Harley-Davidson Sportster is fairly reliable, there are a few issues worth noting. The OEM clutch springs can be somewhat weak; many owners fit aftermarket ones. Some of the exhaust bolts can also rattle free, due to their design. Installing more-secure ones, though, solves the problem.
When did the Harley Davidson Ironhead engine come out?
The Harley-Davidson Ironhead motor is the main reason for the enduring success of the Sportster. Considered by many Sportster purists as the last real Harley engine, the Ironhead is the throbbing powerhouse that lends heart and soul to a long line of Sportsters produced from 1957 to 1985.
When did the Ironhead XL Sportster come out?
Further modifications to the K in 1957 gave birth to the XL Sportster and thus began the Ironhead era. Although the XL engine displaced the same 883 cc as the earlier K, KH and KHK, it had a larger bore and shorter stroke. This resulted in a better breathing engine producing higher rpm and a higher cruising speed.
Why did Harley Davidson use cast iron heads?
This resulted in a better breathing engine producing higher rpm and a higher cruising speed. Most motorcycle manufacturers of the time used alloy heads in their engines; they ran cooler and lasted longer. Harley choose to use cast iron heads and cylinders for the 1957 Sportster XL.
What was the displacement of an Ironhead in 1972?
1972 to 1985 Ironhead Specifications In 1972 the cylinders of the XLCH, bored to 3.188 inches, increased displacement of the Ironhead to 61 cubic inches or 1,000 cc.
Where can I buy ironhead Sportster engine parts?
But when it’s time for a Ironhead Sportster engine rebuild, J&P is your source for all the parts you need. We’ve got a huge selection of parts like gasket kits, rocker arms, oil filters, cooling fans, cylinder & piston kits, and hundreds more to keep all the world’s trusty Harley-Davidson Ironhead Sportster engines going strong for the years ahead.
The engine design was so successful that HD engineers took the cylinder head design and used it on the Shovelheads. Through its lifespan from 1957 to 1986, the Ironhead powered many different styles of Sportsters. HD released many different configurations of the Sportster, from a Café Racer to flat track bikes.
What kind of valve train does a Harley Davidson Sportster use?
Be sure to also check out a new Harley Ironhead Sportster Valve Train, and a new set of Harley Ironhead Sportster Engine Mounts.
What kind of engine does a Harley Davidson Sportster have?
The birth of the now world famous HD Sportster also brought about the now legendary Harley Ironhead engine. Powering the Sporty for years, the Ironhead brought with it a new wave of performance. It vaulted the MOCO into contention with the very competitive British and Japanese cruisers that were coming over to the U.S.
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).
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.
Which is the most time consuming part of an Ironhead engine build?
The most time-consuming part of an Ironhead engine build is the bottom end. 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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.