Caution – S&S Cycle Stroker Kits 106 for Harley-Davidson Twin Cam 88 Engines User Manual

Page 6

Top end assembly procedure.

1. Thoroughly clean all top end parts and blow dry

with compressed air. Use high grade lacquer
thinner on gasket surfaces.

Apply an assembly lube to the wristpin and wristpin
bushing in the connecting rod. Install pistons on
connecting rods, keeping note of proper placement
and orientation. Install piston rings.
a.

Install oil ring support rail in the bottom of
the oil ring groove. See Picture 8.

Install oil ring separator and the oil control
rings.

The plain cast ring is to be installed in the
second ring groove, dot facing up.

The chrome-faced ring is to be installed in the
top ring groove, either side up.

Install wristpin retaining clips.

NOTE - S&S

recommends the use of clip installer, part number

H-D

42317, available from Kent-Moore, through Harley-

Davidson

, or similar tool, for clip installation.

All reference to Harley-Davidson

part numbers is for

identification purposes only. We in no way are implying that any
of S&S

Cycle’s products are original equipment parts or that they

are equivalent to the corresponding Harley-Davidson

part

number shown.

Coat piston skirts with engine oil and install
cylinders.

4. Install head gaskets dry. Be sure head gaskets are

properly positioned.

5. Before installing heads spin each head bolt down

on its respective stud to be sure threads are clean
and free of contamination. Place a drop or two of
oil on threads and under head of each head bolt
just prior to final assembly.

NOTE - Light coating of oil on head bolt threads minimizes
friction so torque values will not be distorted. It cannot be
emphasized enough that these steps must be done carefully.
Maintaining a good head gasket seal depends on it.

Improper torquing sequence and head bolt torque values may
cause head gasket failure.

6. Bolt heads on cylinders. Follow the stock bolt tightening

sequence, and use stock three stage procedure and
torque values shown in Figure 2. See Figure 2.

IMPORTANT NOTE - Proper first time engine start-up and break-
in is critical to achieve permanent and lasting head gasket seal.
Follow “Engine Break-In” procedures at end of section.

Improper first time engine start-up and break-in procedure
may cause head gasket failure.

7. Finish assembling top end per Harley-Davidson

specs.

Install pushrods and adjust.

NOTE - The earlier Harley-Davidson Twin Cam 88

lifters, H-D

part numbers 18538-99 & 99A, require the S&S HL

T kit number

33-5339. The later lifters, H-D

part number 18538-99B, require

the S&S HL

T kit number 33-5338. Both kits are included with the

Stroker engine kits, and either kit is installed & adjusted the same
way - remove the retaining clip from the top of the lifter, and
remove the piston assembly and spring from lifter body. Place the
appropriate HL

T travel limiter into the bore of the lifter and

replace removed components in the order that they were
removed. To adjust pushrod, rotate engine until the lifter is at its
lowest point, collapse the lifter with the pushrod until it bottoms
against the travel limiter, and then shorten the pushrod one
complete turn (6 flats of the adjuster). Tighten the locknut of the
pushrod adjuster. Repeat for remaining pushrods.

NOTE - If S&S compression releases are to be installed, it is much
easier to install them before rocker covers are installed and the
engine is installed in the frame. S&S die-cast rocker covers for
Harley-Davidson Twin Cam 88 or similar rocker covers with a
center hole must be used if S&S electric compression releases are
to be installed.

Picture 8

Rear Head

Front Head

Top View
Driveside

Camside

Figure 2

S&S

Heads or Stock Heads

Stage 1

7 Ft.-Lbs.

Stage 2

14 Ft.-Lbs.

Stage 3

Turn additional 90˚

CAUTION