64 Harley Flathead-head bolt leak

[epatterson]

I have a 1964 Harley Flathead motor in a solo frame. It's running great but I have noticed a bit of oil seeps out of both the front and rear cylinder's motor mount head bolts. I have two questions:
-Is this just a matter of the bolts not being tight enough (none of the other head bolts seem to be having an issue)? I bought the motor assembled so I have idea what torque was used on these bolts.
-Is there any danger to the motor to continue running as is?
Thank you in advance for any help!

[Jerry Wieland]

I would pull it apart. You basically have the start of a blown head gasket. There is no oil intentionally that high on a flathead so what you are seeing is actually combustion debris (oil, fuel and carbon). You keep running it and the leaky combustion will erode the metal away - especially on an aluminum head. Besides flathead are very easy to remove the heads on... and yes it could have started because of improper torqueing.


Jerry

[epatterson]

Thank you for replying especially on a holiday! I have a few additional questions if you wouldn't mind ��
-Would you recommend blue Teflon gaskets?
-And if yes, do you need to coat them with a type of gasket sealer?
-Reuse existing bolts, washers or new?
-Is there anything you recommend to clean cylinder and head?
-Is 65ft/lbs the torque you would recommend?
Thank you again!!!
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