QuestionQUESTION: Okay...I hope I can convey this in a nutshell for you. I have a 1986 XL that looks like a small Heritage with the fat bob tank, wide fenders, large headlight, etc. When purchased, I was told it was an 1100.
I took it to "a friend of a friend's" two man Harley shop because the primary cover was warped and leaking, to get the blinkers working, new handlebar bushing, longer kickstand, rejet the carb, and the last time I started it, there was loud knocking coming primarily from the right side. They told me it sounded like I needed a top end and estimated approximately $1200 for it all.
Later, they said they could not get 1100 pistons anymore so they were going to bore it out to a 1200, which would be better for me all around. After having my bike for about 6 months, they said when they got "further into it", it turned out to be an 883 but would still be going to a 1200 and that the oil pump had stopped pumping oil, the lifters and cams were damaged, which would add about $350 on to the cost. They also said they could not find a new primary cover
ANSWER: What is your question?
Mike
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QUESTION: They also said they could not find a new primary cover It appears that all of my information did not get across to be answered. I will attempt to add it here: They also said they could not find a new primary cover and did not want to get a used one that could have more problems than mine, so they "machined" to get the warp out and stop the leaking. One year had gone by and my patience was exhausted from hearing different excuses (we are waiting on backordered parts, we need more money, it will be a couple of weeks when we get the backordered parts, still working on the wiring, need to go through your paperwork and see where we stand and how much you still owe, etc),with each phone call regarding when would my bike be ready? I told them whatever was being done to my bike needed to be buttoned up, do not order any more parts, I would be in the next Monday to pick up my bike. At this point they had not even started my bike up after putting it back together from the "rebuild". When i picked it up it was running, I paid them another $500 and something and rode my bike home. I did not notice that it ran substantially different than it used to. The blinkers did work but the neutral light did not come on anymore. The primary still leaked and the timing cover was missing. A couple days later my bike would not turn over at all, completely dead. I recharged the battery and then it would turn but not start. I checked for spark and it was blue. I cleaned the carbon off the plugs again. I called them to see what the gap for those plugs was supposed to be. They said .035 and it used to be .040. I just bought new plugs and gapped them at .035, bike still would not start. I put in another pair of new plugs and gapped them at .040 and it started right up. Then it became difficult to shift gears so I checked to fluid level after finally getting the plug loose and off. There was very little fluid in there. My bike would not idle well at all and it was still running too rich. I took my bike and the old parts to another repair shop. The first thing they told me was that the lifters and the gears returned to me for old parts could not have come out of my bike. They were for an iron head sportster, not an evo like mine. We looked at the "new wiring" and could only see 3 new wires under the seat, 2 blacks and one green. I was charged $520 for my bike to be "rewired". I was charged $520 for just the labor for doing the "top end". The new repair shop will be able to assess the size of the cylinders to see if there was even anything done to them. As I stated, my bike did not seem to run any different than it used to. I was charged $350 to replace the lifters and cams. I was charged $350 for the cylinder machine work which they subbed out and took 4 months for my cylinders to get done, due to the waiting period. I am going to give these guys an opportunity to "right their wrong" and then will take them to small claims court. What I am uncertain on is how to figure out the amount to be reimbursed for the work that was not done and the work that was done poorly. What price can be put on the sanity I lost going through this ordeal? I am amazed that anyone can actually do these things to their "brothers and sisters". We are supposed to be helping each other? So, my question is could you please help me assess this situation and provide me with some sort of guesstimate on what to ask for as reimbursement? What would be fair for them to "right their wrong". The "new" repair shop has given me some numbers but I feel that a third set of numbers is needed for a fair evaluation.
AnswerAn 1986 primary cover is not hard to find at all and they should have known that in 1986 harley didnt make a 1100. Your plugs should be gapped at .040.
Your best bet is to talk to a lawyer and see what he says. In my opinion you should be able to get all your money back.
If you feel he need, get another estimate to make sure you dont have another bad shop.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike
