hey everyone, I am working on my first Harley based build and I have come to a bizarre problem. I am using a stock EVO motor which is brand new, no miles. The problem is that the front cylinder gets way hotter than the rear cylinder when its started. It gets so hot that you can't touch the head but cylinder 2 can be touched. I have set the timing pretty close using a crane hi-4 ignition, and I have installed a older pre-cv carb. I am still fine tuning the bike as it does not want to run at idle yet, and the motor has never been run on the road.
My question is, is this normal for a EVO motor and if not, what could be the problem?

 

Sounds like the rear cylinder is not firing.

 

+1 on the rear cylinder not working correctly for whatever reason. I would check for the correct compression in the rear cylinder and I would also check for proper spark in the rear cylinder. If the front cylinder is getting gas, which it is because the engine is running, then the rear cylinder should be getting gas too! Good luck troubleshooting your problem and let us know what it turned out to be.

 

Check the compression on both cylinders. Sounds like you may have an exhaust valve sticking.
Check the tappet rod adjustment.

I have had similar problems with my blockhead and it turned out to be a bad tappet roller. Front cylinder ran cool and rear ran hot.

 

The rear cylinder is getting spark and is firing correctly. I will see if I can find a better timing light and re-check the timing. I will also check the compression, though I really hope it's not a sticking exhaust valve as this is a brand new engine and I don't want to break it open. I 'll keep everyone posted.

 

OK, I must admit I do not know how to check the tappet rod adjustment. How do I do that?