Bike has 17,000 miles in it recently replaced the water pump. Riding easy started knocking and died. Got it taken apart hung up exhaust valve got hit by intake valve and bent it. Alot of carbon build up on head and piston. Everything else looks good. What do you guys think could have caused this. Im on a budget so not sure what route Im gonna take. Let me know what you all think.

 

Probably going to need to re-ring the pistons/ cylinders...great time for a big bore but you have a tight budget so a hone and rings will work. Not sure of your mechanical abilities but the heads are definitely going to need some attention. How much attention depends on your wallet. A good thing is you have Scott at hillside practically in your backyard...wouldn't hurt to call Scott and get his take. Back to the heads...new valves, guides and seals. Get the heads nice and clean...yes you're going to do both...you wouldn't buy one new shoe would you? You could do the heads yourself if you have the ability and a few tools. A top end gasket set and your on your way. The cause? It's a great idea to vent the crankcase to the atmosphere or catch can/ filter, definitely keeps all that oily gunk out of your engine the way it should be. Could be getting oil into the combustion chamber by a leaky valve seal or a bad piston ring...both of which will be taken care of when you fix it. If you're going to do any of the work yourself then an official factory service manual is must have. At least crapped out towards the end of the season. Good luck

 

What you need is to repair the damage, best bet is bring the cylinder head to a reputable Harley cylinder head machinist.

At 17,000 miles you shouldn`t need pistons, rings etc. unless there is damage to the piston from contact with the valve.

 

Got both heads and cylinders off and to local shop. Great mechanic. He pretty much says the same as you except will replace lifters and pushrods also. Thanks for the quick response.

 

It is maybe interesting but a guy I ride with also has a CVO of similar vintage and his has done what seems like exactly the same thing. As it is under warranty though his gets a new head plus all the other parts.

 

My warranty ran out last year

 

There should not be a lot of carbon build up on the Heads or pistons on that low milage bike. Carbon build up can lead to other issues.

Carbon build up can be caused by poor quality fuel, excessive idling, inconsistent air to fuel ratio, riding habits and such. Leaking valve seals or valves not sealing well can also cause it.

 

I'm trying to understand how an exhaust valve got hit by intake valve. I can't. What am I missing?

 

The exhaust valve stuck open

 

Ah, ok got it.