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====== REF: Tools - 104 ======
====== Heads and Valves ======

====== Heads ======

===== Gaskets =====
If you are using MLS head gaskets, you need to test fit them with the heads on to make sure the rivets don't get sandwiched under the head surface. \\
Snug the bolts down lightly, and check the rivets holding the gasket together, you can see them in the pics below. \\
You want to be sure they are not trapped between the head and cylinder deck. \\

If you need to, you can remove the rivets with a Dremil rotary tool with the metal cutting blade. \\
You just have to go slow and cautious not to cut into the gasket. \\

{{:techtalk:ref:tools:mls_rivets_1_by_johnk.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo by JohnK of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-motor-engine/sportster-motorcycle-motor-top-end/132786-fixing-a-leaky-top-end-with-pics/page8?t=1422877&page=8)) {{:techtalk:ref:tools:mls_rivets_2_by_johnk.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo by JohnK of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-motor-engine/sportster-motorcycle-motor-top-end/132786-fixing-a-leaky-top-end-with-pics/page8?t=1422877&page=8))  {{:techtalk:ref:tools:removing_head_gasket_rivets_by_hippysmack.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo by Hippysmack)) \\

====== Valves ======
===== Valve Spring Compressor ====
|{{techtalk:ref:tools:valve_spring_compressor_1_by_hopper.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{techtalk:ref:tools:valve_spring_compressor_2_by_hopper.jpg?direct&300|}}|
|Homemade valve spring compressor, a G clamp and a pipe fitting with a slot hacksawed into it. ((photo by Hopper of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/63858-special-tools/page2?t=395586&page=2))||

===== Valve Guides =====
|{{techtalk:ref:tools:valve_guide_install_and_removal_tool_1_by_hopper.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{techtalk:ref:tools:valve_guide_install_and_removal_tool_2_by_hopper.jpg?direct&300|}}|
|Homemade valve guide drift, old guides and valves. (And legendary BFH, standard HD factory fix everything \\ tool, 2LB) The drift is slightly smaller than the hole in the smaller exhaust guide and stepped up to slightly \\ smaller than the part of the guide that fits in the head so it can knock the old guides out. ((photos by Hopper of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/63858-special-tools/page2?t=395586&page=2))||
|Wooden jig to hold head while working on it, changing guides etc. The valve stems and springs sit in the \\ slot when you turn head over. Piece of wood at the end means the intake stub bears against it when \\ knocking in the new guide and does not get banged up against hard objects.((Hopper of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/63858-special-tools/page2?t=395586&page=2))|| 

===== Torque Plates =====


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