S&S Cycle Sidewinder 3 5/8 Big Bore Cylinders for 1936–1999 Big Twins - Manual (Page 27)

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Specifications and Recommendations
• Centerline measurement—Rod sets #34-7004, #34-7011, #34-7206, and #34-7212, #34-7214 measure 7.440" from wristpin centerline to
crankpin centerline. This measurement equals stock Big Twin rods from 1974–'99 and is .030 less than stock, 1936–'73 big twin rods. S&S big
twin rods can be used in applications replacing earlier, long stock rods with the most noticeable effect being a drop in compression of about
1⁄3 to 1⁄2 a point piston to piston and piston to flywheel clearances should be checked. Rod to rod clearance—S&S rods have been machined
to fit stroker flywheels up to and including 5" stroke without additional rod to rod clearance. If a longer stroke is to be used, this clearance
must be checked and increased as necessary—.060" clearance is recommended and must be removed from the point of contact on the
female rod. Only remove enough material to obtain recommended clearance. Smooth blend all clearance contours.
• Roller bearing clearance—S&S rods have been honed for street applications and require a new engine break-in over a period of 2000 miles
minimum.
NOTE: I f they are to be used in a drag machine or other racing application where proper engine break-in is not possible, additional roller bearing
clearance of .0005" minimum must be honed into the rod bearing races.
• Polishing - All S&S rods and are shot peened to increase fatigue resistance. Grinding and polishing the surfaces reduces this effect and is not
recommended.
NOTE: S&S voids its guarantee if any S&S rods are ground, polished, or modified in any way.
• Rod side play—Recommended rod side play is .015" to .035". If additional side play is required, grind equal amounts off the thrust faces on
both sides of the female rod. Recommended bearing cage width is .008" to .020" less than the female rod width.
NOTE: When this combination is used in some early S&S® flywheels, additional crankpin nut socket to flywheel clearance may be required. In these
instances, S&S recommends removing the required material from the flywheels.
• Torque specifications—Use green grade Loctite® on the threads during assembly. Tighten crankpin nuts to stock Harley-Davidson® factory
specifications in stock cast iron flywheels. When using S&S forged flywheels, tighten crankpin nuts to 400 ft-lbs. minimum.
• Preassembly cleaningDisassemble and thoroughly clean all parts in lacquer thinner to remove dirt, filings, etc. Pay particular attention to
the crankpin oil passageways. Reassemble using high quality break-in grease.