Swapping Out Your Harley Twin Cam Timing Cover
If you're looking to give your own bike a little bit of a face lift, changing your harley twin cam timing cover is definitely honestly one of the easiest methods to do it. It's a comparatively small item of hardware in the grand system of things, but because it sits immediately on the particular right side associated with the engine, it's one of the first things individuals notice when they're checking out your ride. Whether you're trying to obtain eliminate that stock look or you're deep into a full engine create, that cover will be the face of the cam chest.
The Twin Cam engine has already been the center of several Harleys for a long time, through the early 88s all the way up to the particular 110-inch monsters. One of the best reasons for this engine platform is just how much you are able to customize it. The particular timing cover, sometimes called the "nose cone" by a few of the old guys, is essentially the gateway in order to your cams, tensioners, and oil push. But for the majority of us, it's also the blank canvas intended for some chrome, blacked-out powder coat, or even a custom-engraved item that tells a bit of a story.
The reason why bother changing it?
Most share Harley-Davidsons come with a pretty standard, plain-jane cover. It does the job—it keeps the oil in and the dirt out—but it's not exactly a showstopper. A lot of riders decide to swap theirs out when they're doing other upgrades. In case you're already inside changing your cams or checking your own cam chain tensioners (which, let's be real, every Twin Cam owner thinks about), you've already got the cover off. It's time for you to put something back again on that looks a lot better than what the particular factory provided.
It's also about matching the relaxation of the bike. If you've eliminated through the problem of blacking out your wear out, primary cover, plus rocker boxes, that lone chrome harley twin cam timing cover is definitely going to stay out just like a tender thumb. Swapping it for a wrinkle black or satin finish ties the entire look together. It's all about the details.
Picking the right design
The marketplace for people covers is massive. You've obtained the state Motor Co. options, which are usually usually high-quality plus fit perfectly, but then you've got a whole world of aftermarket developers. You could find covers along with 3D designs, transparent windows that let you view the gears turning, and even smart "smooth" covers that give the motor a very clear, industrial look.
One thing to maintain in mind is the material. Many are cast or billet aluminum. Billet is usually the particular way to move if you would like something that will looks crisp plus has those sharp, machined edges. In the event that you're into the old-school look, a few companies even create covers that mimic the style associated with the old Shovelhead or Panhead engines, which is the cool way to provide your modern Twin Cam a little bit of vintage soul.
The installation isn't skyrocket science
If you've got a basic set associated with tools and also a very little bit of endurance, you are able to definitely manage this yourself in 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 upon. However, there are some "gotchas" that can convert a quick afternoon project into the headache if you aren't careful.
Very first off, you're going to need a new seal. I can't stress this enough: don't recycle the old one . Even if it appears fine, it's been compressed and heat-cycled one thousand times. The new gasket will be cheap insurance towards an annoying oil leak that'll ruin your boots as well as your driveway. Some people prefer to use the little bit associated with assembly lube or a tiny sprinkle of grease to hold the gasket in place whilst they're lining upward the cover, which is a strong veteran move.
When you're having the bolts out there, pay attention to which one goes where. On many Twin Cam models, the bolts are the particular same length, yet it's always a great habit to maintain them organized. When you're putting the particular new cover on, the most important part is the torque sequence. You don't just tighten up them in a circle. You need to go within a "star" or "cross" pattern in order to make sure the particular cover seats equally against the motor case. If you crank one aspect down too hard prior to the others are usually snug, you might warp the cover or, worse, finish up with the leak because the particular gasket didn't grind evenly.
Dealing with the "weep"
We've almost all seen it—that tiny bit of oil air or an individual hanging drop in the bottom from the timing cover. It's often called a "weep. " Generally, this happens because the bolts have vibrated loose with time or even the gasket provides finally given upward the ghost. In case you notice this on your present cover, it's the sign that it's time to draw it off, clean the surfaces, and reseal it.
When you have got the cover off, take a second to look from the mating surface area on the engine block. You want this to be perfectly clean. Use a plastic scraper or perhaps a rag with some parts cleaner to get any old gasket residue away. Just be careful not to nick the particular aluminum with the metal screwdriver, or even you'll be fighting leaks forever.
What about those "points covers"?
There's often a bit of confusion when individuals begin looking for a harley twin cam timing cover . Upon older Harleys, presently there was a small, round "points cover" that sat on top of the larger timing cover. Around the Twin Cam, that will small round opening is still right now there on many addresses, but it's mostly decorative or used for access in order to the crank position stuff on specific years.
Some aftermarket timing covers are 1 solid piece, whilst others have that removable center storage. If you have got the two-piece style, you can actually swap away the "timer cover" (the small disk) even more very easily than the entire main cover. It's the best way to add a custom logo or even a bit of flair without actually having to worry about a good oil mess.
Tools and prep
Before a person start, make sure you possess a set of good high quality Allen head or Torx bits, based on what mounting bolts are on your own bike. Harley changed things up over the years, therefore it's always the gamble. Also, possess a drain pan perfect. Even if you've drained the oil, there's always the little bit of "puddle" oil sitting down behind that cover that's going to want to get away as soon since you break the particular seal.
It's also a good option to have some blue Loctite on hand. You don't want these mounting bolts backing out whilst you're cruising lower the highway, but you also don't wish to use the reddish colored stuff and create it impossible in order to get the cover off next period you need in order to do cam function. A little little bit of blue is definitely the "Goldilocks" zone—just right.
Conclusions
At the end of the particular day, your bike is a reflection of what you like. Some guys want every single item to be covered in chrome therefore it shines under the particular streetlights, and others want that "murdered out" look where everything is matte black and just mean. The harley twin cam timing cover is a huge part of that visual.
It's a fun, low-stakes project that provides you a genuine sense of satisfaction when you stage back and look with the bike. In addition, it gives you an opportunity to get upward close and personal with your engine. You may even find yourself peering into the particular cam chest along with a flashlight while the cover is away from, just marveling on the machinery. That's what owning a Harley is about, right? It's not only about the particular destination; it's about knowing your device inside and out—starting with the cover that protects its heart.