Interchangeable cylinder heads

[James1988]

My 1972 broke down on me a week or so ago. I was very bummed to find what i found.

The nut from the rear right tappet came loose and the cam munched it!

So i need a new cylinder head!! I think the only difference in the heads are that a few years (mine included) have a four bolt tappet cover? if anyone has any more info on Interchangeable cylinder heads or a lead on a 1972 head i'm all ears
thanks
J

 

[willis]

I don't know, but I sure love your tank mural !!!!

 

[James1988]

Oh thanks Willis,
But very unhelpful.

 

[weekendrider]

I believe any year head will work. You will have to use your cam maybe the left exhaust rocker?

 

[grizld1]

XS1 and XS1B had a different gasket surface pattern on heads and cylinders. Heads from 1972 forward will interchange. Be sure to buy a head with a matching rocker box. Those parts were line bored to allow a precise fit for the camshaft bearings, and they're stamped with numbers that should match.

 

[James1988]

Thanks grizld1,
If I found a 1972 head do you think it would be fine to use my old rocker box?

 

[grizld1]

I just explained why you'd be rolling the dice to do that. Sometimes you get lucky, but you'd be risking a warped rocker cover (fit too tight or off center) or spun camshaft bearings (fit too loose), but do what you want to do. Repeat--any head from 72 forward will fit, matching the gasket surfaces on XS2 cylinders. Deck height, etc. didn't change.

 

[James1988]

Thank a million for the knowledge.