Clean and examine heads carefully before installation. If heads, values, guides or springs require service, see 3.11 Cylinder head service.
If heads have been serviced, remove cam journal caps and cams prior to cylinder head installation. The cams will be reinstalled after the heads have been installed and the head bolts torqued to specifications. See 3.22 Installing and timing the cams.
Initial valve lash measurement and adjustment are to be completed as part of cylinder head service. However, after torquing the cylinder head and installing the cam drive and timing the cams, valve lash should be measured and a valve lash calculation worksheet completed. See 1.22 Valve lash.
PART NO. | SPECIALTY TOOL |
HD-45491 | Tappet compressing tool |
1. Place head gasket on rear cylinder with TOP marking facing up.
Note. Note the head gaskets are different for each head and are marked TOP.
2. See Figure 3-247. Make sure tensioner is locked in head as shown.

Figure 3-247. Tensioner position in cylinder head
Note. Tensioner position is the same in both rear and front cylinder head.
3. See Figure 3-248. Use Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Oil 20W50 to lubricate the four main head bolts. Lubricate the threads and under the bolt head.

Figure 3-248. Lubricate head bolts
4. See Figure 3-249. Tighten four main head bolts in sequence.
- a. See Figure 3-250.Tighten bolts to 35 Nm (25.8 ft-lbs).
- b. Loosen each bolt one full turn (360°).
- c. Tighten bolts to 20 Nm (14.8 ft-lbs).
- d. Position the Torque Angle Gauge (Snap-on Part No. TA360) per instruction sheet and tighten bolt an additional 90°.

Figure 3-249. Head bolt torque sequence (rear cylinder head)

Figure 3-250. Tighten head bolts
Note. The notation for this torque sequence is written: 35 Nm - 360°, 20 Nm + 90°.
5. See Figure 3-251. Install 5 mm head bolts and tighten to 9.7 Nm (85 in-lbs).

Figure 3-251. 5 mm head fasteners @ 9.7 Nm (85 in-lbs)