Machine Shop

sburns

sburns

Well-known member
I was reviewing the current state of my Harley and doing some research on their crankshafts. Seems HD though it was a good idea to press them together, it's not. Since I practically have most of the bike torn down, I thought I might as well rip out the crank and take it to a shop to make it true and have them weld it.

Anyone have a recommendation?
I'm in daHood (Scarborough) rather it be local in my area.
 
sburns said:
I was reviewing the current state of my Harley and doing some research on their crankshafts. Seems HD though it was a good idea to press them together, it's not. Since I practically have most of the bike torn down, I thought I might as well rip out the crank and take it to a shop to make it true and have them weld it.

Anyone have a recommendation?
I'm in daHood (Scarborough) rather it be local in my area.
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What's the problem with pressed cranks? Was yours showing any signs/symptoms of crank issues?

Welding one while keeping it perfectly straight seems like it could cause more issues in the future than when left stock. Things like residual stress could cause it to bend in the future or crack at the welds or . . . .

You are keeping power roughly stock right? If I wanted to add a few thousand rpm to the top, maybe I'd consider this but I am just surprised that you are concerned enough to spend that much time and money on something that I would be shocked if you ever had an issue with it.
 
@GreyGhost You probably know pressed cranks can twist out of tolerance, and the pin between isn't fixed. All of this depends on how well it was assembled in the first place. For such a vital part it seems silly to me they did this.

I am planning to keep it stock. But I have noticed some signs indicating it's less then true. Inside of the cam plate has some scraps around the oil pump (on one side). Plus very black oil (aerating/sumping). Last time I checked the tolerance, it was within spec. Will do it again just to confirm. Plus with the failure I had I'm a bit concerned about the cranks general condition.

Most reports after this is done seems to be positive from what I've been reading. I have found a shop in Winnipeg and the cost to do this is less then $200 for labour, not sure what parts they need.
 
sburns said:
@GreyGhost You probably know pressed cranks can twist out of tolerance, and the pin between isn't fixed. All of this depends on how well it was assembled in the first place. For such a vital part it seems silly to me they did this.

I am planning to keep it stock. But I have noticed some signs indicating it's less then true. Inside of the cam plate has some scraps around the oil pump (on one side). Plus very black oil (aerating/sumping). Last time I checked the tolerance, it was within spec. Will do it again just to confirm. Plus with the failure I had I'm a bit concerned about the cranks general condition.

Most reports after this is done seems to be positive from what I've been reading. I have found a shop in Winnipeg and the cost to do this is less then $200 for labour, not sure what parts they need.
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Wow. That is way cheaper than I expected. I wouldn't even think about welding on a crank for that little. So many ways it can go wrong.
 
GreyGhost said:
Wow. That is way cheaper than I expected. I wouldn't even think about welding on a crank for that little. So many ways it can go wrong.
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Yes which is why I am considering it. There seem to be a number of shops doing this, HD has really set up a mini industry to fix it. Just looking for someone who has a recommendation.

I'm going to talk to my brother it about. He's a machinist (not in town), and one of the first things he asked about was the crank when I told him about the engine failure.

FYI Here is the shop in Winnipeg for reference if you are curious.
millennium-technologies.com

Revolution Performance | Harley Davidson Crankshaft Services

Revolution Performance offers expert crankshaft services for Harley Davidsons. Improve durability and performance. Trust our skilled team. Contact us today!
millennium-technologies.com millennium-technologies.com
 
GreyGhost said:
What's the problem with pressed cranks? Was yours showing any signs/symptoms of crank issues?

Welding one while keeping it perfectly straight seems like it could cause more issues in the future than when left stock. Things like residual stress could cause it to bend in the future or crack at the welds or . . . .

You are keeping power roughly stock right? If I wanted to add a few thousand rpm to the top, maybe I'd consider this but I am just surprised that you are concerned enough to spend that much time and money on something that I would be shocked if you ever had an issue with it.
Click to expand...
Welding pressed cranks was a must on old Kawasaki kz900 and 1000’s with pressed cranks.They had a tendency to twist when ridden hard or raced. Just a couple of very short beads or a couple of tack welds with a tig machine is all it takes.
 
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Roger tenant in port Perry.

Worth the drive (or ride). Old school place, don’t expect a fancy reception area or anything, but it’s a place where they know their stuff. They did several blocks and heads for me on my last 6.5 rebuild, as well as some work on one of my past jetski engines etc. Always top notch results.
 
PrivatePilot said:
Roger tenant in port Perry.

Worth the drive (or ride). Old school place, don’t expect a fancy reception area or anything, but it’s a place where they know their stuff. They did several blocks and heads for me on my last 6.5 rebuild, as well as some work on one of my past jetski engines etc. Always top notch results.
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Thanks, you have any contact info, or are they easy enough to google them?
 
sburns said:
Perfect thanks, I thought they were going to be in that area. Ride past there all the time.
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Let us know how it works out if you opt for them. I can’t say I’ve ever asked them to weld on a crank, but it strikes me as the sort of place that if it’s possible, they can do it, and do it well, and if it’s not possible or unwise, they’ll tell you upfront, explain why, and not blow smoke up your butt in the process.
 
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