Ironhead Top End Rebuild
Text and Pictures by Mark Trotta
Compared to the bottom end, rebuilding the top end of an Ironhead Sportster requires less time and less special tools.

The two main obstacles will be if the cylinder jugs need boring and if the valve seats need to be cut. This is where careful inspection and measurement pays off. If you're lucky, you may get away with just honing the jugs and installing new piston rings.
Tools Needed To Rebuild Ironhead Top End
Aside from basic hand tools, you'll need a few engine rebuilding tools such as a piston ring installer, torque wrench, dial caliper, and feeler gauge. There are also a few specialty tools needed, although some of them can be fabricated.
Read: Ironhead Special Tools
Cylinder Boring And Honing
New cylinders, whether they are new or aftermarket, need to be accurately measured, bored, and honed. A good straight bore with a proper cross-hatch pattern, and correct piston to wall clearances, is a MUST for good sealing and ring life.

Read: DIY Motorcycle Cylinder Boring
Read: DIY Motorcycle Cylinder Honing

Read: Ironhead Sportster Cylinders
The cylinders in the picture above are for an 900cc Ironhead Sportster. They are painted the original factory silver.
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Top End Gasket Kit
Simply the best gaskets available for your Ironhead, the James Gasket Top End Gasket Kit replaces H-D 17030-72, and includes everything you need to reseal your top end.

Shop: Ironhead Top End Gasket Set 1973-1985
This top end gasket set includes copper head-gaskets, oil seals, O-rings, and all other gaskets necessary to completely rebuild an 1973 through 1985 Ironhead top end. James Gaskets are proudly made in USA.
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Cylinder Heads
Ironhead Sportsters are named after their cylinder heads. Made from cast-iron, they're pretty durable and rebuildable up to a point. The biggest problem with these is often caused by the ham-fisted mechanic who tried fixing it before you.

Read: Motorcycle Valve Job

Read: What Is A Three-Angle Valve Job ?

Read: How To Remove Valve Guides

Read: How To Install Valve Guides

Read: Ironhead Rocker Box Assembly

Read: How To Polish Aluminum Motorcycle Parts
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