A compilation of Sportster fixes
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Engine repairs

If you haven't followed the maintenance procedures, or if you are just unlucky, you will need to check out the repair procedure. This is one category, the other categories are at the bottom of this page.

The engine is the heart of your Sportster. These engines are tricky to learn, but once you get it down, you will see their superiority to big bike engines. Engine


I've broken a lot of Sportster parts. Here are some in the Engine category.
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Seven armatures for seven generators

Seven armatures for seven generators

An evaluation of seven armatures for the Harley Model 65A and 65B generators....

Harley 12-volt 65B generator rebuild

Harley 12-volt 65B generator rebuild

A guide to rebuilding the Hitachi 12-volt generator used on Sportsters 1982-1984....
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Iron Sportster bead blast LH case

Iron Sportster bead blast LH case

You need a special tool to remove the Timken bearing. Then clean and bead blast....

Harley 12-volt 65A generator rebuild

Harley 12-volt 65A generator rebuild

A pictorial guide to rebuilding the 12-volt generator used on Sportsters 1965-1981....
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Iron Sportster generator testing

Iron Sportster generator testing

I test and qualify dozens of Harley 12-volt generators with a home-brew test rig....

Iron Sportster generator overview

Iron Sportster generator overview

An overview of generators from the 1952 K-model to the 1984 Ironhead Sportster....
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Iron Sportster ignition systems

Iron Sportster ignition systems

An overview of ignitions from the 1952 K-model to the 1985 Ironhead....

Iron Sportster bead blast RH case

Iron Sportster bead blast RH case

Strip the bearings and studs off the case. Wash well, then bead blast; it looks new....
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Iron Sportster split cases, starter R&R

Iron Sportster split cases, starter R&R

Tips and tricks for getting the starter removed and splitting the engine cases....

Iron Sportster primary, tranny R&R

Iron Sportster primary, tranny R&R

Tips and tricks for removing and replacing the primary, and the transmission....
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Iron Sportster gearcase, oil-pump, R&R

Iron Sportster gearcase, oil-pump, R&R

Tips and tricks for removing and replacing the gearcase, oil pump, and sprocket cover....

Iron Sportster cylinder R&R

Iron Sportster cylinder R&R

The cast iron cylinders come off after removing the four cylinder base nuts....
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Iron Sportster rocker boxes R&R

Iron Sportster rocker boxes R&R

Tips and tricks for removing and replacing the rocker boxes....

Iron Sportster cylinder head R&R

Iron Sportster cylinder head R&R

Tips and tricks for removing and replacing the cylinder heads....
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Iron Sportster oil line R & R

Iron Sportster oil line R & R

Tips and tricks for removing and replacing the top-end oil lines....

Iron Sportster pushrod tubes R&R

Iron Sportster pushrod tubes R&R

Tips and tricks for adjusting the valves and removing and replacing the pushrod tubes....
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Keihin carburator repair #4

Keihin carburator repair #4

A 4-part video series guides you through the process....

Keihin carburator repair #3

Keihin carburator repair #3

A 4-part video series guides you through the process....
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Keihin carburator repair #2

Keihin carburator repair #2

A 4-part video series guides you through the process....

Keihin carburator repair #1

Keihin carburator repair #1

A 4-part video series guides you through the process....
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Honing the transmission mainshaft bearing

Honing the transmission mainshaft bearing

To get 23 rollers in, or with a new trap door, hone the main shaft bearing race....

Primary gasket leak (1996)

Primary gasket leak (1996)

My '96 developed a leaky primary cover at only 12,000 miles....
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