Hi all,
I will be removing the cylinder heads from my 1951 Rapide soon, this winter as I am assuming they need valve work (significant smoking on start up and trailing throttle; poor results in leak-down test. I also would like a couple of broken fins repaired. Any suggestions on who does the best work on these? Of course, I will check rings and cylinder surfaces, also
I live smack in the middle of the U.S., by the way, in case there is someone reasonably close by.
Thanks in advance,
Paul

Paul,

Glenn Bewley is a person who works on these bikes, he's in Tennessee. When you say trailing throttle, are you spaying the revs stay up for a bit before dropping to idle? If so, does it do this when cold or more once warmed up?

Thanks, goodtry, it happens both when cold and even after a good long shakeout at operating temperature. Will contact Mr. Bewley.
Kindest regards
Paul.

Would like to find out if you resolved the issue? Please keep us informed.

Hi Goodtry, my cylinder heads, barrels and pistons are in the good hands of Mr. Bewley, as per your recommendation. I await his verdict and expert repairs.
Cheers,
Paul.

As a follow-up - Glenn Bewley did some very nice work on my bike parts: cylinders were bored out and upsized pistons provided and the heads were thoroughly gone through with new valves, seats and guides. I have rebuilt it and just had a chance to ride it around my neighborhood thus far. No smoke from the exhaust! Very pleased with Glenn’s work and his readiness to be available for follow-up questions, whether related to his work or not.

Paul.