Unbelievable, I just wrote the entire intro for this article and my Word program crashed, and I lost the bastard. Suppose I'm force to hit “save” every other sentence. Save. Okay, I'll try again. We've attempted to launch a series of JIMS special tool techs for a couple of years. The boss, Bandit brings it up every other Bikernet Editorial Meeting, like clockwork. We point fingers, blame the JIMS staff and hope for the best. Let's see if this crazy bunch of loons can keep the spirit alive once we kick it off the launch pad.
Nobody I know, can afford all of JIMS specialty tools at once, but we need more as our bike building education grows. So we're going to attempt to bring you groups of tools in motorcycle building and repair stages. Save. With the help of Bandit, Wilburn Roach, Eric and Bob Bennett, from Bennett's Performance in Long Beach we went over all of JIMS head operation and repair tools for helpful descriptions, and tips which we will add to the JIMS descriptions.
We know how vital and helpful special tools are to any operation. They can help a job reach a perfect precision outcome, save thousands of hours, and lots of cash on additional repairs, and or time to haul your part to a reputable shop to have them perform the job. So here goes: JIMS Head Tools. Let us know if you need anything else or what group we should hit next.
Compression Release Valve Tool
Guide Fixture For Drilling Compression Release Use this tool for machining all Twin Cam heads 1999 and later, for preparing heads to install JIMS No.727K compression release valves. Install on the front or rear head, with or without the valves installed. Simply drill, spot face, tap and install compression release valves No.727K. No.1169 – Use on all Twin Cam “A” or “B” models.
Suggested Retail Price: $360.70
“This is a great tool,” said Bob Bennett. “Compression releases are a necessity for any high performance engine.”
“Without them you'll eat starters, ring gears, batteries and wiring,” said Bandit.
Head Holder
(Valve Guide Remover and Installer)
Comes with adapters to fit all H-D and aftermarket heads. Adapters are supported by a support stand. Makes pressing valve guides in and out simple. A special guide alignment shaft is designed into this tool.
This shaft holds the right angle for the best possible guide installations. Save time and money by installing the guides, in line, with the valve seats, time and time again – for much less seat grinding.
JIMS Part No.2240
Suggested Retail Price: $570.20
This is the big daddy of head holders for performing all sorts of head operations. This system is available with a variety of adapters to fit various heads and valve sizes.
Head Holder Tool
Use to hold head in vice through spark plug hole. Has 14mm and 12mm ends. This tool allows you to easily position head for all types of work. Instruction Sheet No.2341-IS.
No.2341 -Use on Big Twin 1948-present. (Includes Twin Cam aftermarket heads.) Use on Sportster 1957-present. Use on Buell 1987-present, except 1125R.
Suggested Retail Price: $56.30
“This is a replacement for an old school head holder made out of an old spark plug welded to a chunk of conduit,” said Eric Bennett. “It's a simple and very effective tool that we use all the time. Natch, JIMS manufactured a more precision, stronger tool than our shop job.”
Thread Tap Tool
For cutting threads in the cylinder head to install JIMS compression release valves. Tap Size: M10 x 1.0. Use with 9mm (.354”) pilot.
No.1169-1 – Use on all Big Twins and XL engines.
Suggested Retail Price: $51.95
If you damage, lose, or wear-out your compression release tape, you can buy a new one through JIMS.
MINI VALVE SPRING TESTER
Hex design for more versatile handling and applications. Can be used in a vice, arbor, or drill press. Cylinder body and piston are manufactured from 2024 aluminum and a steel perch to provide years of service. Includes instructions. Protective rubber gauge boot re-duces shock to gauge during handling and use.
No.1090 – 0-600 PSI spring tester with drill-press flange.
Suggested Retail Price: $175.70
“I remember trying to test springs by comparing them, with no means of measurement,” Bandit said. “We just tried to match them up.” JIMS solves that problem and affords us the confidence of knowing if all our valve springs will work properly.
Dual Gauge Leakdown Tester
Includes 12mm and 14mm hoses
This tester is a superior 2-1/2” diameter dual gauge design incorporating an in-the-field adjustable right hand gauge, a precision air regulator, an aluminum black anodized main body, corrosion resistant solid brass coupler, and 12mm and 14mm hoses.
UV and oil resistant boots provide added protection to both gauges.
This tool enables the engine builder/tuner a way to pinpoint leakage of the piston bore, rings, valves, heads, and gaskets. Much more versatile than a simple compression gauge. lncludes complete instructions.
No.1087 – Use on all models. (Note: Includes Twin Cam and aftermarket motors).
Suggested Retail Price: $190.90
“This tool allows you to test the entire top end of any engine for leaks,” Bob said, “from the pipe through to the carburetor.”
“You can take the piston to TDC,” said Lee Clemens of Departure Bike Works, “and pressurize the cylinder with the valves closed, then witness how well the cylinder holds the pressure. We generally don't mess with the cylinder if it doesn't leak more than 10 percent. The neat thing is that you can hear where the air is escaping, so you'll know if it's the rings, the valves, a valve guide, etc.”
Hose Repair Kit 1/4” – 5/16”
Hose bared end is .3125 (5/16”), threaded end is 12mm. It can be used with either a .250” or .3125” hose. Works well to repair JIMS tool No.1087 Leakdown Tester, for the 12mm spark plug threads found on all Twin Cams, or XL, 1986 and later as well as Screamin’ Eagle EVO BT heads. See Instruction Sheet 1087-IS.
No.1087-2
Suggested Retail Price: $34.95
Basically this is a replacement hose fitting, if you happen to destroy the end of a crimped hose.
VALVE SPRING COMPRESSOR TOOL
This tool is necessary for removing or installing valves. Hardened ball bearing style tip at valve head end eliminates damage to valve. Comes with new valve collar receiver for safer tool usage, and can be clamped in vice.
No.96600-36B – Use on all OHV Big Twins and XL’s to 2003. Use on all Buells to 2002. Use on all Big Twin S.E. Models to present.
NOTE: For Beehive Springs, order No.988 Collar (shown above).
Suggested Retail Price: $174.15
This tool is essential for valve assembly and disassembly. “I made one out of a big C-clamp years ago,” said Bandit, “But JIMS did it right.” This squeezes the collar and spring to allow the builder to reach and remove the valve locks or keepers without damage to the valve shafts or your face from flying collars and springs.
CONICAL VALVE SPRING COLLAR
Add this collar to your JIMS valve spring compressor tool No.96600-36B to remove and re-place valves and conical valve springs (Bee Hive) H-D No.18245-02 or H-D No.18245-02.
A must-have tool for safe valve work.
No.988 – Use on all 2005-present Big Twins, except S.E. models. Use on all 2004-present XL’s. Use on all 2003-present Buell® Twins, except 1125R. See page 25-27 for JIMS® Beehive Springs. Suggested Retail Price: $77.80
JIMS makes adapters for various heads and valve spring configurations.
SHOULDERLESS VALVE GUIDE INSTALLER TOOLS
These valve guide installer tools will install each guide to the correct depth when installed into head. Remover handles are used as handle for installer tools. Must be ordered separately. Refer to chart for correct handle usage. Use tool No.1001 or No. 2240 for removing or installing shoulder type valve guides.
No.938Use on all T/C 2005 and later that use the 7mm valve guides. Use on 2004 and later Sportsters. Use on 2004 Buell Twins to present, except 1125R.
Suggested Retail Price: $37.60
No.949Use on H-D 110” CVO motorcycles 2007 to present.
Suggested Retail Price: $65.70
No.34731-84Use on all Big Twin motors with about .560” Dia.. O.D., Includes aftermarket heads.
Suggested Retail Price: $36.95
“We always bead-blast heads to remove as much harmful carbon deposits as possible,” said Bob Bennett. Bob and Eric hold several Bonneville records. “Then we heat the heads and the valve guides usually slip out.” It is absolutely critical that all the burrs and carbon are removed from the guides before they're pushed out, so they don't damage the head. These JIMS tools are designed to prevent damage to the heads.
VALVE GUIDE SEAL INSTALLER TOOLS
These valve guide seal installer tools will install each guide seal evenly square on the top of each guide. Factory driver spacer not required with Jims tool. Order handle separately for use on seal installer tools. Refer to chart for correct handle usage.
No.948Use on 110” valve guides requiring H-D seal No.18046-98
Suggested Retail Price: $37.60
No.34643-84Use on all Big Twin models 1984-2004 with .560” Dia.No.34740-84 Guides. Includes aftermarket heads.
Suggested Retail Price: $48.90
SHOULDERLESS VALVE GUIDE REMOVER TOOLS
Use to remove shoulderless valve guides including the newest 7mm size guides. On the 7mm guides there is no need to remove carbon off the guide because you remove from the spring side of head. Use chart to reference installer part No. Order separately.
No.937Use on all T/C 05’ and later that use the 7mm valve guides. Use on 04’ and later XL Use on 04’ Buell Twins to present, except 1125R.
Suggested Retail Price: $56.30
No.34740-84Use on all Big Twin motors and Twin Cam to 2004. Note: Includes all aftermarket heads.
Suggested Retail Price: $29.95
SHOULDERED VALVE GUIDE DRIVER SET
Use for guide removal and installation on all models. Manufactured from 1144 stress proof steel. Sold as 3 piece set.
No.1001 – Use on all models.
Suggested Retail Price: $40.85
VALVE GUIDE PUSHER SET
This kit lets you push the valve guide into H-D and aftermarket heads rather than drive it in with a hammer.
No.1058 – Use on 5/16” I.D. guides.
Suggested Retail Price: $152.25
No.1054 – Use on 3/8” I.D. guides.
Suggested Retail Price: $151.05
“Don't forget to heat the heads,” Eric said. “Makes the operation easy, with no damage to the head material.”
VALVE SEAT LAPPER TOOL
Use this tool to perform the final profile lapping of the valve seat. The suction cups affix to either dished or flat, and small or large valve faces. The handle is comfortably shaped, and ideal for quick and smooth rotations.
No.1774 – Use on all cylinder head valve types.
Suggested Retail Price: $13.15
SPARK PLUG THREAD CHASER
This double-ended, 14mm and 18mm thread chaser easily cleans-up sparkplug holes, reducing the chance of cross threading. Use with 13/16” socket. No.1770 – Use on all 14mm and 18mm spark plug holes.
Suggested Retail Price: $12.65
“This thread chase is handy,” said Eric Bennett. “You don't want to be forced to mess the sparkplug threads. Keep 'em clean.”
MANLEY VALVE SPRING SEAT CUTTER
This tool is for cutting the cylinder head lower valve spring seat area for high lift cams with .500” to .650” lift. Cuts 1.630” O.D. and .760” I.D. Includes a 3/8” diameter pilot.
No.1250 – Use on 74” and 80” Big Twins.
Suggested Retail Price: $147.30
These are also used for cutting additional clearance for taller springs.
MANLEY VALVE GUIDE SEAL CUTTER
These tools are used for cutting valve guides while installed in the cylinder head to convert them to accept valve guide seals.
No.1251 – Cuts a .530” diameter. Supplied with a 3/8” diameter pilot.
Suggested Retail Price: $155.50
No.1252 – Cuts a .562” diameter. Supplied with a 3/8” diameter pilot.
Suggested Retail Price: $155.50
No.1253 – Cuts a .625” diameter. Supplied with a 3/8” diameter pilot.
Suggested Retail Price: $155.50
CUTTER PILOT
No.1254 – 5/16” diameter pilot for any of the springseat or valve guide seal cutters.
Suggested Retail Price: $40.95
Head Bolt Torque Gauge
This accurate gauge allows the measuring of 90˚ when tightening Twin Cam or Evo head bolts. Torque sequence lasered on gauge, with instructions.
No.2392 -Use on all Twin Cam, EVO, and Sportster models 1984-present.
Suggested Retail Price: $17.50
The torgue procedure calls for so-many pound then another quarter turn. This helps you nail that turn.
VALVE GUIDE GO-NO-GO GAUGE
This tool is an easy way to check valve-to-valve guide clearance by inserting the gauge into the valve guide bore where it will either go, or not go.
Purchase all the gauge pins to quickly narrow down guide sizing. Gauges sold separately from holder.
No.1055 – Holder Only.
Suggested Retail Price: $24.55
EXHAUST STUD DRILL PLATE
This tool is designed to guide and keep alignment of drill bit in order to completely drill out broken exhaust stud. A follow up with a tap is all that is needed to clean up threaded hole.
This tool can be used with motor in most frames.
No.1705 -Use on all Big Twin 1984-present. (Includes Twin Cam and aftermarket heads.) Use on Sportster 1986-present. Use on Buell 1987-present, except 1125R.
Suggested Retail Price: $107.50
COMPRESSION TESTER
This quality American made tester is designed to test cylinder compression. Hoses fit into spark plug holes to fit all current models Harleys and Buells models including the new 10mm for Buell 1125R. Other hose sizes included are 12mm and 14mm for Big Twins and Sportsters..
No.929 – Fits all H-D and Buell models and aftermarket twins.
Suggested Retail Price: $139.55
Tappet Oil Filter Screw Plug Tool
Use to remove tappet oil filter screen plug without removing exhaust pipes. Instruction sheet No.2233-IS.
No.2233 – Use on all Big Twins single cam.
Suggested Retail Price: $28.00
We will attempt to bring you one grouping of tools a month. If the Bennett's don't kick us out for asking to many ridiculous question, we will include their feedback. Hell we'll include info from anyone who will take the time with this process. Hang on for the next batch. If there's something in particular you would like us to cover, drop us a line.
About Bennetts In Long BeachFather and son, Bob and Eric Bennett saw a need in the Long Beach area for a true, full-service independent shop dedicated to superior one-on-one mechanic/customer relationship. Our hunch was right; over the last seven years we have seen our business grow rapidly. One of our goals when we opened our doors back in 2000, was to house a complete service center. By doing so we are able to keep a large majority our work in-house, equating to a higher level of quality, along with reduced down time for our customers.
Bennett’s Performance Inc. has the ability to perform any service or maintenance required on your Harley-Davidson or other American v-twin motorcycles. It makes no difference whether you are in need of routine maintenance, or are looking to give your motor more power than it came with stock, you have come to the right place.
We currently have our own head and cam designs that allow us to build your engine exactly the way you want. From adding just a little bit of extra pep all the way to an asphalt-pounding drag bike ready for the strip, we have the knowledge, expertise, and experience to get the job done right.
From the beginning, and to this very day we strive to form and maintain a one-on-one relationship with our customers. There are no nine-to-fivers just waiting to punch out for the weekend. When you call or stop by you get one, or both of us to handle your motorcycle directly, we have no service managers, or writers here, just the owners.
Next time your motorcycle is in need of a little TLC, or a whole lot more, give us a call and see what we can do for you. We look forward to meeting many of you and thank you for your patronage.
Be safe, and Ride safe.
Bob and Eric Bennett
562. 498. 1819
