Ironhead Reamer sizes

[SteelSlicer]

Anybody know where you can find the sizes of the reamers listed as special tools? I work in a machine shop and probably have everything I need, but when you look in the manual, it just says "Rocker arm bushing reamer" or something like that. I'm especially interested in sizes for 57-70 XL. BTW, this forum is great, glad to see how many Ironheaders are out there.

[bustert]

any machine shop supply outlet. too many to list. a adjustable set will fill more needs, just need some good measuring tools to set cut. that is what i bought and was cheaper than the single reamer. if you only use the single once, the cost is pretty stiff. with the adjustable, you have the option to under cut and hand fit if needed.

[74_XLH_WINCHESTER_VA]

Originally Posted by bustert

any machine shop supply outlet. too many to list. a adjustable set will fill more needs, just need some good measuring tools to set cut. that is what i bought and was cheaper than the single reamer. if you only use the single once, the cost is pretty stiff. with the adjustable, you have the option to under cut and hand fit if needed.

He was asking what the sizes of the reamers listed as special tools in the manual were. Not where to get reamers.

[SteelSlicer]

74 XLH is right, I already have tons of reamers, I can measure whats supposed to go into the bushings, but sometimes specific clearances are designed in, so the right size reamer can keep things from seizing up or bouncing around.

[74_XLH_WINCHESTER_VA]

Does the Shop Manual list the HD OEM part number? If so have you tried the Google for that part number, or calling a local dealer to see if they can give you any info on the size reamer for that HD part number?

Probably already tried that route if you had the HD part number, but figured I'd ask.

K.C.

[66xlch]

FSM will tell you the size, or just measure the part, and then ream to the clearance listed. There are numerous reamers need to rebuild an ironhead, between the cam, wristpin, rocker, and kicker bushings. Also there are valve guide bushings.

[russzx6]

I'd have to go with Bustert and say adjustable reamers are the go, these things were not built with exact tolerances as we deal with today, and the manufacturers of the replacement parts near prove that also, you can get new bushes etc that are all over the place in size. Also cams and the like wear, so if your installing something thats a few thou undersized, ream it close and sneak up to it by hand until it feels right and you will be good to go

[bustert]

oops 74, my bad!!!

dislexic fingers and now eyes. thanks for the correction.

[Hopper]

The factory manual tells you the size/clearances.

But the factory reamer for those rocker bushings has a long guide nose on it made to fit in the other unreamed bushing and a tail made to fit the reamed bushing. By using that you effectively line ream the two bushings. It is a special tool, not just a standard reamer.

My experience with those split cleveland bushings they use in the rockers is that the join throws a standard adustable reamer off track and the reamed hole will always end up crooked.

But I have found you can set them up in a lathe or vertical mill and carefully bore them true, maybe finishing off the last .001" with a reamer to get the smoothest finish possible.

You might have better luck by putting solid bronze bushings in there instead of the stock split cleveland bushings, which are essentially a flat piece of steel with bronze surfacing rolled into a cylinder, with the joint left unwelded and running the full length of the bushing.
But then you have to make sure you drill the oil holes exactly the right size to control flow, and in exactly the right location.

Although, if there is enought thread left sticking out the front of the adustable reamer you might be able to make a guide and screw it on there.

I am sure there are others here who have come up with different ways of doing this PITA job.

[SteelSlicer]

So far I can't find the sizes. I have the old 59-69 FSM, I did find the clearances in the engine specs, so I suppose I'll just mic the parts then use the appropriate reamer. I'll use an expansion reamer if I have to, but if I have the right size it's a lot quicker to do it once. Still appreciate the help.