I have a 2002 Deuce (carbed) that "has been bored". That is all I know about the motor. It has an Ultra 6 Speed trans (marked right on case) so I know that it is not "stock". Anyway, is there any way to tell what if anything is stock or after market on the engine? Like head markings, jug markings? Can I fill the jug with oil and measure it to find displacement? That is to say without taking it apart and measuring everything? It does not matter really in the long run, I just want to know LOL.

It is the only 88 I have ever ridden. The only Softail I have ever ridden. That being said, I traded a CVO Roadglide with a 110 for this deuce and I am pretty sure it would wax that 110. I know weight difference wiind difference and I do not race either nor plan too. It is just that what I had read about the 88 (will not get out of its own way) made me nervous about buying one. Riding this one makes me think it is either BUILT or the lack of power is a major exaggeration

Thanks for any input. Loving my 88" Deuce!

 

Well if it's been bored without replacing the crank (original is 4.0" stroke) It's either a 95"or a 98"er... One thing you can do is take a compression test to know where your at but to get the specific's you're gonna have to tear it down.. Even if you want to know what cam is in there.. If it runs real well then leave it till you have to rebuild it... Maybe you can find out who did the build and get more info from him.. 2002 88"er had a solid crank in there unlike the 04's up, I believe...

 

I need to run compression anyway as when the engine is warmed up, it does not want to turn over to restart unless you let it set a while. So plan on having a drink and a rest when you get fuel LOL. But I hope to get that sorted out soon. Compression test and load test battery are first on my list.

 

Might need compression releases on the heads.. do the test and post up the results...

 

Compression is 180 psi. Both cylinders. No significant difference wet or dry.

I have built trucks, tractors, and mowers but never done much with bikes. Some carb work and general maintenance but nothing real engine technical on bikes. That being said, 180 seems pretty stout. However google seems to think 180 is not tremendously high. What say the 88" gurus?

More to come on battery load test and general fiddling. Gonna be slow as I am riding it and working on lots of other projects lol

 

Stock TC88, carbed CCP would be closer to 160psi. 180psi would be the range for a 95" motor, maybe .030" head gasket and mild bolt in cam. No difference wet or dry is a good thing. Pull the cam cover and see what is stamped on the "nose" of the front cam.

 

Yeah that's healthy... Bet it's got a 21 in it...

 

21, SE203 or 509; however, the 21 is a very popular cam for his situation. Maybe he will pull the cover and take a look.

 

I am quite curious, so I likely will. I just have to find the time. And as curious as I am to know what cam is in it, I am more worried about it starting after a fill up. So what time I have may be more delegated to diagnosing my "hot start" troubles.

Some searching says 190psi is the "line" for compression releases. I know it is not as simple as just a number, but out of curiousity..... any body got any thoughts on that while we wait on me to pull a cam cover?

 

Make sure you give your charging system a good checkup... It's possible that you have a lifter bleeding down and when it does it actually allows you're ivc to be sooner which will increase cranking compression. More so on a hot soak than a cold start.. Do you have noisy lifters at start up?