If you're trying to give your own bike a little bit of a renovation, changing your harley twin cam timing cover will be honestly one associated with the easiest ways to do it. It's a relatively small item of hardware in the grand structure of things, yet because it sits immediately on the right side of the engine, it's one of the first things people notice when they're checking out your own ride. Whether you're trying to get reduce that stock look or you're deep into the full engine build, that cover is definitely the face of the cam chest.
The Twin Cam engine has already been the guts of a lot of Harleys for a long period, from the early 88s all the way up to the particular 110-inch monsters. A single of the best reasons for this engine platform is simply how much you can customize it. The particular timing cover, sometimes called the "nose cone" by a few of the older guys, is basically the gateway in order to your cams, tensioners, and oil pump motor. But for most of us, it's also the blank canvas regarding some chrome, blacked-out powder coat, or a custom-engraved item that tells a bit of a story.
Why bother changing it?
Most share Harley-Davidsons come along with a pretty standard, plain-jane cover. This does the job—it keeps the essential oil in and the dirt out—but it's not exactly a showstopper. A great deal of riders choose to swap theirs away when they're performing other upgrades. If you're already inside changing your cams or checking your own cam chain tensioners (which, let's be real, every Twin Cam owner considers about), you've currently got the cover off. It's the perfect time to put something back again on that appears a lot better than what the factory provided.
It's also regarding matching the sleep of the bicycle. If you've long gone through the problem of blacking the exhaust, primary cover, and rocker boxes, that will lone chrome harley twin cam timing cover is going to stick out like an aching thumb. Swapping it for a -wrinkle black or satin finish ties the entire look together. It's all about the particular details.
Picking the right design
The marketplace for the covers is usually massive. You've obtained the state Motor Co. options, which are usually high-quality plus fit perfectly, but then you've obtained a whole planet of aftermarket creative designers. You will find covers with 3D designs, transparent windows that let you see the gears turning, or even minimalist "smooth" covers that will give the motor a very clear, industrial look.
One thing to maintain in mind is usually the material. Many are cast or billet aluminum. Billet is usually the way to move if you want something that will looks crisp and has those sharpened, machined edges. When you're into the particular old-school look, some companies even make covers that mimic the style associated with the old Shovelhead or Panhead motors, which is the cool method to give your modern Twin Cam a bit of classic soul.
The installation isn't skyrocket science
In the event that you've got a basic set associated with tools and also a small bit of tolerance, you can definitely manage this yourself within the garage. A person don't have to be the master mechanic in order to swap a harley twin cam timing cover . It's usually just a number of mounting bolts holding it on. However, there are a few "gotchas" that can convert a quick mid-day project into a headache if you aren't careful.
Very first off, you're going to need a new gasket. I can't pressure this enough: don't reuse the old one . Even though it looks fine, it's already been compressed and heat-cycled one thousand times. A new gasket is cheap insurance towards an annoying essential oil leak that'll damage your boots as well as your driveway. Some people want to use a little bit of assembly lube or a tiny pat of grease in order to hold the gasket in place whilst they're lining up the cover, which usually is a strong veteran move.
When you're using the bolts out, pay attention in order to which goes exactly where. On many Twin Cam models, the bolts are the particular same length, but it's always an excellent habit to keep them organized. Whenever you're putting the particular new cover upon, the most important part is the particular torque sequence. You don't just tighten up them in a circle. You need to go within a "star" or even "cross" pattern to make sure the particular cover seats evenly against the motor case. If you crank one side down too much prior to the others are usually snug, you might warp the cover or, worse, end up with the leak because the gasket didn't crush evenly.
Coping with the "weep"
We've most seen it—that little bit of oil mist or a single hanging drop at the bottom of the timing cover. It's often called the "weep. " Usually, preparing because the particular bolts have vibrated loose as time passes or even the gasket provides finally given up the ghost. In the event that you notice this particular on your present cover, it's a sign that it's time to pull it off, clear the surfaces, plus reseal it.
When you have the cover off, take a second to look in the mating surface area on the engine motor. You want this to be perfectly clean. Use a plastic scraper or a rag along with some parts solution to get any old gasket residue off. Just be cautious not to nick the particular aluminum with a metal screwdriver, or you'll be battling leaks forever.
What about all those "points covers"?
There's often a bit of confusion when individuals begin looking for a harley twin cam timing cover . On older Harleys, presently there was a small, round "points cover" that sat on top of the bigger timing cover. Around the Twin Cam, that small round gap is still there on many covers, but it's mainly decorative or used for access to the crank place stuff on certain years.
Some aftermarket timing covers are a single solid piece, while others have that will removable center drive. If you possess the two-piece design, you can actually swap away the "timer cover" (the small disk) even more effortlessly than the entire main cover. It's a terrific way to add the custom logo or even a bit associated with flair without also worrying about an oil mess.
Tools and preparation
Before you start, make certain you have a collection of good quality Allen head or even Torx bits, based on what mounting bolts are on your bike. Harley changed things up more than the years, therefore it's always the gamble. Also, have a drain pan perfect. Even if you've drained the essential oil, there's always the little bit of "puddle" oil seated behind that cover that's going in order to want to escape as soon because you break the seal.
It's also a wise decision to have some blue Loctite upon hand. You don't want these bolts backing out whilst you're cruising down the highway, but you also don't want to use the red stuff and create it impossible in order to get the cover off next time you need in order to do cam work. A little little bit of blue is definitely the "Goldilocks" zone—just right.
Final thoughts
At the end of the day, your bicycle is a representation of what a person like. Some men want every single piece to be protected in chrome therefore it shines under the streetlights, and other people want that "murdered out" look where everything is dull black and mean to say. The harley twin cam timing cover is a huge part of that aesthetic.
It's a fun, low-stakes project that provides you a real sense of pride when you action back and appear from the bike. In addition, it gives you a chance to get upward close and personal along with your engine. You may even find your self peering into the cam chest along with a flashlight while the cover is away, just marveling on the machinery. That's what owning a Harley is all about, right? It's not only about the destination; it's regarding knowing your machine inside and out—starting with the cover that protects its heart.