Bubbie,
Near the end of last years riding season the dealer changed my 96" to a 103" and the SE255 cam I don't think he mentioned anything about a pressure relief valve. Is this something I should seriously consider? Just how much harder is it on my starter and compensator? It doesn't seem to be having any problem starting that I am aware of. How do I know if it is on there already? Thanks.
On bikes that are stock 96" factory, they will not have
Manual(off and on by hand) or electric Compression releases on them.. UN-less put-on when apart,,, Cost is More by a couple hundred $$ at least...
Manual reliefs are "drill and taped" into the heads while heads are Off, Usually by the porter(only if asked to do it).. done at extra cost when you have a bigger engine built..
There are many ways to build an engine going 103" and Keeping the Compression ratios in check where they will work well BUT the reliefs are a good thing to have installed while apart..
The person that does the head work CAN CC the Head valve chambers (larger) to size them UP a little IF NEEDED to lower the compression pressures. Also.
If you have just gone 103" and the SE255's.. A simple compression test showing the numbers of each cyl. That will tell you IF the relief Valves WERE Needed at the time of Your build..
If your static CYL pressures are At or Under 190# (200# is too much without reliefs IMO) and you are NOT having ANY hard starting or Kick-back issues, You might be okay... I would Not tear into the heads to Just do the relief valves,,, Especially when you say Not having starting problems.....
I would always put in the Manual relief valves REGARDLESS of compression pressures when going 103" of Larger.
Having problems with the stock Compensator at 96" is enough to tell me that Opening the pressure when starting the motor Will Be Easier all the way around on the starter and comp. (.)
So Why Not use them EVEN in the stock 96", It Is a Bonus..
IF you are Not having any problems starting Your 103" and If you check your compression to see What the Static Pressure is at Cranking. and fall under the 190 lb. area,,,, Good for you..
Did you also Know that Altitude Makes a very BIG difference in cylinder Pressure..?
SAY IF you are:
At sea level and your pressure is 200 lbs then checked at 800 foot elevation it will change to 195.1 then at 4400 feet where I am when In Az. it drops to 175.3... If you go to 6800 feet in Az. it drops to 161 lbs.
So Where you Live does Make a Big difference in starting Pressures...
Hope that Blaw Blaw Help you and Someone Else Out WHEN they build their Motor...
Knowledge BEFORE the Build is a MUST....
signed....BUBBIE