Need help ASAP with 86 FLH : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

BamaFXSTS · 06-30-2009, 02:15 PM

I have a friend wit a 86 FLH. It started blowing oil really bad out of the breather pipe. As i learned this is a common problem with the EVO motors. One problem is th oil pump check valve and the other is the plastic vent gear in the horn. I don't have a manual at this time, (have one ordered), and would like to know how to remove the timing advance unit so I can remove the side cover and inspect the gear. Could someone tell me how to do this? What holds it on? Pressed, splines, key? Any help would be apreciated because I have a big run planned for the weekend. Thanks.

Dr.Hess · 06-30-2009, 03:05 PM

When does it blow oil out? Only after it has been sitting a while and then started up or all the time? A little oil or does it puke a quart or all of it?

Anyway, there is no timing advance unit on a 86 FLHT (Evo). Drill out the pop rivits holding the cover on, if it is original, remove the outer cover, unscrew and remove the timing plate. Then you can unbolt the spinning thingie (rotor) from the end of the cam.

BamaFXSTS · 06-30-2009, 04:01 PM

It has always puked a little oil but now it wont stop. The rocker cover vibrated loose. When I slid it up to clean te gasket, I noticed a piece of black plastic laying up by the lifters. I removed it ofcorse and reassembled the block. From that point on it has puked out a couple of quarts. I didn't realize that the crankcase breather gear is plastic. The problem I'm having is removing the advance from the cam so I can remove the cover. I have removed the outer cover, the pick up and even the slinger weights and springs. I thought the base for the advance just sliped off but apparently not. Do you know what holds it on to the end of the cam gear? I can't find any bolts that hold it. Think it is just splined and never removed so it is stuck? Thats all I like doing to remove the cover so I can inspect the breather gear and find out what that piece of plastic I found is. It could also be part of an umbrella seal I was told. I thank you for your response and look forward to your help with this problem.

springer- · 06-30-2009, 04:38 PM

If I understand you correctly, you removed the weights and springs from a mechanical advance unit. The only thing that holds that on is bolt through the center of the advance weight base. It is typically has a 1/2" (or something close) hex head. If that is already removed then the advance base is just stuck as there is nothing else holding it. It is not a splined shaft, just a shaft with a single alignment pin. Try wiggling it up and down, side to side. Maybe a shot of PB Blaster will help. If you feel so inclined, a few LIGHT taps with a plastic hammer to help jar it free might help.

Dr.Hess · 06-30-2009, 04:52 PM

Yeah, sounds like someone has butchered the ignition on that. Also, the bike should have no umbrella valves, as the '86 was a bottom breather. Once the bolt in the end of the cam is out, the rest should come off, unless they somehow butchered that too. Those bolts would sometimes break with points when the cam bearings got loose, leaving you on the side of the road. Maybe the glued it all back together?

claydbal · 06-30-2009, 05:00 PM

with both. let the pb blaster soak overnight, screw the bolt back in and ack it out a few threads, place some wood chips behind the advance and lightly tap the bolt. if it moves, unscrew a few ore threads and repeat. once you can wiggle, it should slip off.

where ya at in bama? i have a new mallory ignition if you need it.

BamaFXSTS · 06-30-2009, 05:06 PM

Thanks fellers. That answered my question. Sounds like it just needs a little light encouragement! I didn't know what the "black part" could be. I think it has to have something to do with the breather gear. The bike has been into before for sure but for what I don't know. But one thing is for sure, I'm glad I ride a TC ! Thanks again and I will post what I find for future reference.

BamaFXSTS · 06-30-2009, 05:10 PM

Hey claydbal. Little north of Mobile. I'm in Washington state now on a Polysilicone project. The bike belongs to a friend but I will ask. thanks for the advise, I will do that with the bolt and wood.

claydbal · 06-30-2009, 05:32 PM

bama, holler at me, we will go stir trouble. im around dothan.

pollisilicone, is that like artificial titties?

BamaFXSTS · 06-30-2009, 06:05 PM

I will do that claydbal. Sounds right up my ally! What we are making is for solar panels. Wish they were for titties, Maybe they would let me install them! That sounds like fun huh? You take care and I'll look you up when I get home...
Greg.

claydbal · 06-30-2009, 07:00 PM

solar powered titties! that will keep ya warm and fuzzy, and charge your cell battery at the same time.

BamaFXSTS · 07-01-2009, 09:26 AM

Found problem!! The crank case breather was in six pieces. I guess over 23 years and 50K miles, the plastic gear had all it could take! Anyway, Harley now builds plastic and steel replacements. Need not guess which one I bought! Anyway, thanks again for the help. Nice to know there is a sight where people can exchange info without wanting to get paid for it.