My first panhead

[echambers]

IMG_20251119_134415274.jpg IMG_20251122_103327730.jpg Hello to all that took an interest in this post and thanks for all of your input. Just to update the printed title arrived in the mail yesterday 1987 Harley Davidson, court order title . So the journey begins.

[echambers]

So I have pulled the heads for inspection and have found that the rear head has a bigger exhaust valve than the front head. The front measures 1 3/4" and the rear is 1 7/8" since it's the exhaust only would this be a problem? Rear head and piston are very dirty and it looks like had a head gasket leaking also. Pistons are both .010 over and seem a little loose going to pull the cylinders and measure . Any opinions will be greatly appreciated.IMG_20251122_154422431_HDR.jpg

[Rubone]

So I have pulled the heads for inspection and have found that the rear head has a bigger exhaust valve than the front head. The front measures 1 3/4" and the rear is 1 7/8" since it's the exhaust only would this be a problem? Rear head and piston are very dirty and it looks like had a head gasket leaking also. Pistons are both .010 over and seem a little loose going to pull the cylinders and measure . Any opinions will be greatly appreciated.IMG_20251122_154422431_HDR.jpg

Chances are the seat was too deep so an oversize valve fitted. On a stock motor it is a non-issue.

[echambers]

Robbie. Thank you I was thinking along those lines but it's always best to get verification from somebody that knows. I would expect that if it were an intake valve that it could be a problem. Is there a rule of thumb on seat depth and when it should be addressed? I'm not one to look for trouble but in this case would probably be in the best interest to disassemble the heads and inspect the guides along with seats and faces. Fingers crossed that it will all be good otherwise a new problem finding someone in my area that does head work.

[dukekleman]

Echambers,

Valve stem protrusion height is very important for many reasons.

Where are you located?

Duke

[echambers]

I'm in West Central Indiana. Sullivan county about 20 miles south of Terre Haute. I have a reprint of the service manual that I have just started looking at for specs. Thanks for the response Duke.

[echambers]

IMG_20251124_111134579.jpg IMG_20251124_111209180.jpg Found a belly number on the right hand case doesn't mean a thing at this point but it's there. Also found problems with the gear cover.the bushing for the breaker gear is pretty wallowed out. Problem is it's not an inserted brass bushing just machine into the aluminum cover. I expect it would be pretty hard to get that centered to bore for a brass bushing. Probably best bet just get a new cover? IMG_20251124_104612869.jpg

[dukekleman]

Ed,

I noticed that the crankcase has some extensive welding done to the gear case area.
Past experiences tend me to believe there is a connection to the gear cover issue you show in photos above and this welding repair...?

Duke Kleman

[echambers]

I hadn't thought about that angle but I do understand what you're saying that would be a lot to hold everything in place while welding. I've just noticed that the cover bushing for the cam is belled, it looks intentional like when the cover was installed after the welder repair things didn't quite line up.