Looking to have heads ported / polished. Trying to remove and reinstall myself. I am an instrument mechanic, but not a motorcycle or automotive mechanic. Looking to find a document to read regarding removal and re installing of heads.

Or I could just get the local shop to do it. They are $95 an hour though.  

I'm thiking that if you have to ask this question, you probably should pay someone to do the job. The reason being that it is easy to screw up your engine if you don't know how to do it. Im assuming that you are also getting the heads decked with the port job, which means you will need adjustable push rods, and there are a few tricks to know before you attempt this job. You should at least get a harley repair manuel to start. You will have to remove the gas tank, exhaust, throttle body, intake manifold, rocker boxes, rocker arms, a few wires, push rods, and a few other items. You have to keep everything straight, and clean. You will need the right tools, like torque wrenches, maybe have to cut down an allen wrench. You will need to follow directions and understand what they are telling you, it is very important to follow the sequence of how things are done, like when torquing the heads down and adjusting the push rods. if you don't do it correctly you can damage the engine- like bend a valve and/or push rod. So I would leave it to an experienced mechanic, or do the research and make sure you are understanding the whole procedure before you start. Even reseating the exhaust pipes has a proper method. I hope this helps you make your decision. I encourage people to do their own work, but you should have someone that has done this before helping you. it's not rocket science, but it must be done correctly or it will cost you more in the end. good luck which ever way you go.  

Evrk1,

Ya you're probably right. I mean in my line of work, I've done it usually before, and someone else is paying the bill. Just that port / polish etc isn't warranty friendly, so I thought I'd try to be sneaky, buying 103+ head is probably the same difficulty??

I'll wait, the 96 is pretty good for me, and I'm considering the 103 warranty friendly kit [$3000 incl labour].

thanks again.

Harry  

i say rtfm- that is read the f'in manual.

i recently editorialized the importance of h-d's service manual- the same one the dealer uses in their shop.

it's the best 50+ bucks you will ever spend on your bike.

many years ago i learned how to build my whole bike with that book.

buy it, read it, live it.  

I did buy the Service Manual. Just my 'shop' facilities are a little lacking. Hand tools, single car garage, and no lift.

Did the change over to Amsoil two weeks ago, all three holes. Also used the Scavenger System flush. Engine runs 10 Deg C cooler [~ 20 deg F] so far.

Changed Transmission and Primary oil out with the amsoil too. Transmission oil was clean, I'd drink it. [ha ha] But Primary was a little grey. Engine oil was pretty dark, glad I did the flush.

Did most of my reading with Baggers. Then pointed to the internet for more detail.

Thanks for being an enabler in my FLHX addiction.

Harry