Expert: Mike Wells - 11/2/2009

Question
I thank you for taking the time to read this. My husband has an 81 Harley Sportster. It has sat for 3yrs. Ive been helping him work on it but we are at the point it needs a valve job. I dont want to sound ignorant but I only have experience in working on vehicles with 4 wheels. What would I need to get started on it? Its his dads bike an he passed in 06 so he is sitting on his hands and I would like to see this bike out on the road. If you could give me some advise and point me in the right direction I would really appreciate it. Thanks again.
Sassy

Answer
First, you have to check the clearence of valves to valve guides. the guides usually wear and have to be replaced. Once the guides are replaced the valve seats have to be ground so the seats are square to the valves. This would take a special grinder. then the seats have to be lapped in to the valves.
You probably need to take the heads in to a shop and have them do the work for you. Its pretty costly to buy the equipment you need, only to use it once
Good luck and happy riding
Mike