Cylinder Base Gaskets

[rndrkeagle]

Hey all,

I have my heads off getting broken studs machined out of them (see my other posts in this forum for why it's gone to a machine shop). I'm curious though if anyone knows if I need to replace the cylinder base gaskets having pulled the heads (hence releasing the pressure holding the cylinders down)?
I was able to get the heads off by performing an engine rotate but if I have to pull the jugs up to replace the base gaskets, I'll have to pull the entire engine so I can properly reseat the piston rings. I'd rather not have to do that if it's not necessary.. Thoughts?

 

[strmvt]

anytime you release pressure on a gasket that has been torqued should be replaced IMO if not you'll be asking for trouble and replace it at a later date b/c you didn't replace it now boy I learnt that lesson the hard way lol

 

[tattoo72]

Yup like others have said. You need to replace the gaskets. Engine removal is not required. I know because I just did mine. Rotating the engine down gave me enough room. I left pistons in the cylinders. Simply slide the cylinder up far enough to be able to remove the circlip that holds the wristpin in place. Slide the wristpin out then remove the cylinder with the piston still in it. Make sure to put a nice clean rag in the case bore to keep any thing from getting down inside the case. This will also keep the circlip from falling in there when you remove/install it.

 

[rndrkeagle]

thanks for the help guys... Tattoo72, your technique will come in handy..

any idea if the top end gasket kit comes with those cylinder base gaskets?

btw... my harley shop said that the proper gasket kit for the '04 XB12 is pn 17059-02B there's a guy on ebay lisitng PN 17059-02 (without the "B"). Any idea if this kit will work and what might be different?

 

[BuellPartsGuy]

It will work and it is the right kit. The "B" kit has just had 2 revisions done to it. The "B" would be a better kit but they would both work

 

[rndrkeagle]

awesome... thanks for the help BPG.... got the kit on Ebay for $40 total... so saved $60 from what my dealership quoted me