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Harley-Davison motorbikes are understood for their usage of huge V-twin engines. The business’s exclusive engine style has actually come a long method given that the intro of the very first 49.5 cubic-inch variation in 1909. In time, V-twin engine ranges consisted of a few of the very best Harley-Davidson engines ever made, such as the Flathead, Knucklehead, Panhead, Shovelhead, Evolution, Twin Cam, and Milwaukee-Eight. There were some problems along the method.
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Presented in 1936, the Knucklehead represents a significant turning point by presenting the Harley-Davidson V-twin faithful to overhead valves. Using OHV innovation wasn’t brand-new to Harley-Davidson, the business produced OHV songs for its bikes and V-twins for racing. There were problems with unsuccessful valve springs, valvetrain oiling, and oil leak that needed HD to provide dealership repair work sets for over 1,000 Knuckleheads currently in service.
Engine oil intake would be troublesome in early Panhead V-twins, however by the early 1980s, oil puddles underneath Harley-Davidson engines were an uncommon sight, according to Cycle World. There are likewise reports of extreme valve lash and oil starved tappets triggering early wear. The intro of the Twin Cam 88 as a replacement for the Evolution engine that powered a few of the most effective Harley-Davidson bikes would present brand-new problems.
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What’s so bad about the Harley-Davidson V-twin Twin Cam 88?
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Some may argue the Twin Cam 88 engine, especially the first-gen TC88A, began on the incorrect track by changing the popular Evolution V-twin. The Harley-Davidson Twin Cam TC88A V-twin engine is especially troublesome, providing some distinct concerns due to its style.
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In 1998, Cycle World reported that Harley-Davidson’s efforts to enhance the Evolution engine’s weak crankshaft led to broken engine cases. The solution was to move the camshaft further from the crank to permit bigger primary bearing journals. With that, a total V-twin engine redesign was required, and the twin web cam setup supplied the necessary area for a bigger crankshaft bearing.
The greatest Twin Cam 88 problems connect to using plastic timing chain tensioners, extreme engine heat, and crankshaft runout. In addition, the well-known oil leakages went back to the TC88A V-twins. While it’s a typical problem, it’s a fairly small hassle compared to its other issues.
Ways to prevent the most significant V-twin engine issues
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Among the simplest methods to prevent the problems with a troublesome V-twin engine is purchasing a bike that does not utilize one. You do not always have to swear off purchasing a Harley-Davidson to prevent the most typical offenders. S&S Cycle advises taking a look at Harleys besides those geared up with 1980s Evolution engines and TC88A V-twins produced in between 1999 and 2006.
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This leaves the 1990s Evolution, Twin Cam 96 and 103, and the enhanced TC88B as much better choices. If you discover yourself in ownership of a TC88A V-twin Harley-Davidson there’s still hope.