I posted this in the sportster section too. I have a 1999 sportster 883 custom with the 1200 conversion kit installed. I blew a head gasket 550 miles from home last weekend. I got the bike home yesterday. I have never been that far into the engine before. Is it a difficult job for a semi experienced wrench? Any info on gaskets would be helpful as well. Thanks!

 

Get a service manual.
Take a close look at the area where the trouble is. Something failed for some reason. Why did that happen?? Try to see if anything can be done better to provent this from happening again. Could be anything in the process.

 

I have the clymer manual for it. It dosen't seem to be too difficult. I am most interested in gasket info. I am also not sure about the comp. ratio. Stock is 9:1, the stock 1200 is 10:1 but I am not sure if mine is a true 10:1 with the conversion. Also am not sure if it matters. I was also interested in getting any tips from someone who has tackled this.
Thanks

 

I had some trouble with my ignition module in the beginning of my trip. IT was getting hot and not firing. It was acting like it had some bad fuel. I got it replaced and was on my way. I can't help to think the gasket blowing had something to do with that. Maybe the misfiring cylinder weakened the gasket. I don't know. I just hope there is nothing more wrong than the gasket.

 

Thats what I meant. Not trying to be not helpful.
Something caused the problem.
Could be anything but you are already thinking ignition problems.

For fixing, see what you got when you take apart. Could be anything. All depends what you see.

Also the whole thing now is a can of worms cause now what?, Heads, valves, rings. Overstressed? Cylender studs?

 

Wow, I hope it's not a can of worms. I hope all is well inside. The ignition module has been replaced. It ran great until the blown gasket. IT was a hard run to Tennessee for it. Maybe the head bolts loosened a little and I certainly did not give it ample time to warm up. I did hit second gear pretty hard on a semi warm motor. Definitely my bad!! I'm gonna pull the plug tonight and see what it looks like. Like always, hoping for the best, preparing for the worst!
John

 

It'll be alright.
If you can don't loosten the cylinder on the studes and the base gasket will stay tight.
Remember it takes about 10 min to warm up a HD engine. Lots of things have to fine their place.