2007 April 15: :
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Well, it's been quite a while since I've done anything on this project. Paying work, a little riding and some route planning for the upcoming Spring Ride (see Upcoming Events) has kept me busy. But, today I finally decided to see how much I could get accomplished since it was cool and rainy outside. The cylinder heads finally returned from the machine shop (guess I shouldn't have told him no hurry
) on Thursday, so instead of gearbox work I decided to do engine.
![](barney_blog_images/19b2da20.jpg)
Photo courtesy of Charlie Mullendore of Antietam Classic Cycle.
Mmm, shiny...
Cleaned the keepers, springs, etc. and in no time the heads were assembled.
![](barney_blog_images/19d32a60.jpg)
Photo courtesy of Charlie Mullendore of Antietam Classic Cycle.
![](barney_blog_images/19f31a50.jpg)
Photo courtesy of Charlie Mullendore of Antietam Classic Cycle.
The original cylinders were trashed from sitting around, so I replaced them with a pair of Gilardoni kits. They're really nice - no more worries about peeling chrome or any of the issues common with sleeved cylinders. Assembly goes quickly once the rings are on the piston.
![](barney_blog_images/1a130a40.jpg)
Photo courtesy of Charlie Mullendore of Antietam Classic Cycle.
![](barney_blog_images/1a32fa30.jpg)
Photo courtesy of Charlie Mullendore of Antietam Classic Cycle.
In no time at all the heads are on and torqued down. There are a lot of differing opinions on when retorquing should be done, but I do the initial torque during assembly, then let it sit for a day or so, retorque, finish assembly, then after five heat/cool cycles (during break-in) I retorque and reset the valve lash. Do it all again after 1,000 miles and change the oil.
![](barney_blog_images/1a534a70.jpg)
Photo courtesy of Charlie Mullendore of Antietam Classic Cycle.
Next, it's finish assembly, a few more bits to reinstall, a good cleaning and then it'll be ready to go into the frame! Can't wait - it seems once I get to that point, the pace of assembly picks up. Was hoping to have it ready for the British & European Classic Motorcycle Day in Germantown, MD (May 20th), but that's not going to happen. Gotta get the customer /2 BMW conversion (has a /6 engine, /5 transmission and electrics) finished for that event first. I'm thinking maybe by the VA MGNOC Rally in Buena Vista (June 22-24), might be a more realistic goal at this point.