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.938 Use 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.949 Use on H-D 110” CVO motorcycles 2007 to present.

Suggested Retail Price: $65.70

No.34731-84 Use 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.948 Use on 110” valve guides requiring H-D seal No.18046-98

Suggested Retail Price: $37.60

No.34643-84 Use 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.937 Use 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.34740-84 Use on all Big Twin motors and Twin Cam to 2004. Note: Includes all aftermarket heads.

Suggested Retail Price: $29.95

On to Page 2...