'86. Can you pull the front cylinder head without removing the engine?

Inquiring minds want to know. Looks like there might be enough room. "Someone" broke off the #4 spark plug in the head. @#$%!!!

 

I would put money ......even a little beer, on it that you can .

 

Would have had my answer if I just bothered to look in the service manual, yes. Slowly plugging away at this super fun (not really) project. Headers are pulled carbs are off, all that's left is camshafts and engine hanging bolts. I'll need to stack some 2x4's or some thing under the oil pan to support the engine.

 

There will be some pictures of this broken plug? The one who cuts with toes would probably like to see them also.

 

This was before I broke off an ez out (ez break more like it) in the left overs.

 

I don't care what NGK claims about "dry fit" plugs. I'm using a thin film of anti seize from now on.

I soaked the broken plug in PB blaster for a few days and it still didn't want to budge. Over the course of a few hours I was able to carefully drill through the remainder. Then ran a tap through to cut out whatever was left.






Threads aren't exactly 100% as they used to be, but plug grabs and threads with minimal free play. Able to torque down and compress the crush washer. Any no heli-coil day is a good day.

 

Well done good effort

 

I'd have guessed the threads would have given up before the plug broke like that ?? Someone screwed up Royally !:grief:

 

Well, got it runnng again. Looks good so far, have my concerns about the head gasket but I don't see anything alarming yet. Took me probably 12 hours to get this thing back together, cleaning off gasket material etc.. Did a valve clearance check while the covers were off. Amazingly the rear head required no adjustment. The front head only needed 3 exhaust valves loosened up a bit and the cams were removed, all intakes were in spec. Tappet adjustment for the win, feel sorry for all you shim under bucket folks, lol

Worst part was reinstalling the carbs. New boots and that angled configuration made the install maddening

 

Did you reuse the old head gasket?

 

No, and you really can't. The OEM gasket is coated with something that bonds to the metal once it heats up to operating temp. Let's just say the sealing surfaces were compromised a bit. I decided to use some permatex hi temp copper spray a gasket sealant along with the new gasket as an added precaution. Put some miles on the bike, still looking good so far