70-79 Harley determining pistons and rings

Jerelazu

Hi all

So I've got a classic Harley 3 wheel cart that sadly passed on. I know I am going to have people shaking their first at me when I finally ask my question but I am hoping for some help.

I did a compression test and it was 0, pulled the head off and found the rings had shattered, pieces went into the muffler. Shockingly the head is smooth, I have no marking at all, but the rings and piston are pooched.

Here is my question how do I determine what piston and rings to buy? Standard? There is a massive selection out there and I want to ensure I order the right ones. I would love to order a complete top end rebuild kit but times are tough and I'm hoping I can get by with just a piston and rings as its a 1/4 of cost

BGW

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raydhd

If the cylinder is not damaged just measure the bore and order that set. If it is then have it bored to the next size up.

Lochlin

To be honest, I would just pony up for a whole new top-end kit. That will assure that you have matching piston / perfectly smooth cylinder. Just my thoughts, though.

Scooter_Trash

Does the top of the piston have any lettering or numbers stamped in it?

raydhd

I still have the original harley cylinder that went thru quite a few pistons and it is only .010. Pistons and rings are a whole lot cheaper than the entire top end and if measured properly work great. There are for sure pistons out to .030 and maybe further than that. P.S. I just checked vintage carts has pistons to .060 overbore. There is a whole lot of life in those original cylinders. I can't say on the aftermarket cylinders.

Jerelazu

You guys are awesome, another question for you, I have been looking at some replacement pistons and even the whole top engine kit and it mentions 3 ring pistons can be substituted.. would that involve installing all 3 or just the top 2.. I would hate to go this far and bugger it up .. Just for the record after a good nights sleep I am leaning towards biting the bullet and doing the kit, I don't have the ability or tools to bore it out and by the time I buy, learn or more likely hire someone to do it... im looking at the same cost of the kit.

raydhd

All the pistons I have seen lately are the 3 ring. You don't have to change anything when buying the piston/ring to go to the 3 ring.

Jerelazu

Thank you all, I finally actually pulled the head, found the shrapnel, cleaned it out, did the upper end kit including new cylinder piston rings etc.. Went perfect, I would not have been so willing to attempt without this forum