overheating 1200 sportster sport?

bought a 98 sportster sport which ran poorly and seemed to get hot quickly
took apart top end and found a MELTED exhaust valve unlike i have ever seen before
redid the top end including ignition components other than coil but the rocker boxes still seem to get VERY hot fairly fast even though oil temp in the tank isn’t even at operating temp
this is a dual pluged head job from harley that they only made for 3-4 years
any advice would be greatly appreciated

It sounds like jetting or intake/exhaust leak or ignition timing. Timing more likely. HD’s stock timing is 35 BTDC and when dual plugged, you don’t need as much advance. Most stock bikes run better at 32 as compared to 35. Try retarding the timing a few degrees. Set the mark in line with the front edge of the hole instead of centered, this will set it to about 32.

Also, the fitment of HD’s stock intake manifolds back then was crap, try using an S&S manifold, they fit MUCH better and flow better………..WHAT CARB are you running, stock? Stock carb jetting should be a 45 pilot jet, 195 main and mixture screw set to 2 1/2 turns out as an overall baseline.

To check for leaks, REMOVE the air cleaner, leaving it on will give false readings. Let the bike warm up, then using a can of brake cleaner witha straw, point the straw directly at the intake flanges where they meet the head and at the rubber seal between the carb and manifold. ANY change in idle means they are leaking and need replaced. Replace ALL seals. Also do this check on the exhaust, at the heads and if you have mufflers or cross-over pipes, check those joints as well. Exhaust leaks will also cause a lean condition.

You can email me here through my profile….Did you do the engine work or a shop??…let me know EVERYTHING that was redone on the engine and what parts were replaced and makers of the parts and the procedures you used to put the engine back together. Also, what was the condition of the rest of the top end components…rocker arms, shafts, rod bushings, etc??? Did you verify oil flowing and pressure???

My Harley Sportster Sport spitting a Flame

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