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The day has arrived and you are ready to order the new engine that you have been wanting. S&S Cycle tells you that you should begin planning the installation when you order your engine. Here are several things to check during installation that are often overlooked.

1- When ordering the new engine it is wise to order replacements for any questionable parts. If the battery cables, throttle cables, oil lines, primary chain, spark plugs, etc. are old and worn, order replacements when you order the engine. This will save you down time.

2- Once you have removed your old engine it is time to prep the rest of the chassis. Replace any worn motor mounts in rubber mount chassis. Remove the oil tank and oil lines (if tank is removable from chassis) and flush thoroughly. If the tank is not removable flush it in place. This step is often overlooked and leftover debris is drawn into the new engine the first time it is fired, this debris can cause premature wear or damage. Also remove any paint or powder coat from the motor mounts. If the mount is not clean the paint will wear away over time causing the engine to be loose in the frame.

3- Install the engine and check that the bottom motor mounts are sitting flat, if not shims may be needed between the engine and frame to fill the gaps. Check that the top motor mount is flush to the engine and the heads, if there are gaps between any of these shim them to fill the gap. Check the primary drive alignment during the installation and correct if needed. Use new locking nuts on the bottom motor mounts.

4- Triple check the oil line routing to the new oil pump using the S&S instructions. Once oil line routing is verified prime the oil pump according to the instructions. Make sure the freshly cleaned oil tank has the proper amount of oil in it. Install the correct S&S oil filter for your application and engine.

5- Use new spark plugs of the correct heat range and proper gap. You may need to flush your fuel tank if rusty or full of debris; installing a good quality inline fuel filter is advised as well. Lubricate the throttle cables, connect and adjust as needed. Once adjusted verify the throttle opens and closes completely and smoothly. These are just some of the many things to watch for when changing the engine. Attention to detail can save time and repair costs.