Compression Release location

[A DevilDog]

I searched for compression releases but I saw nothing on location of them. I am new to motorcycle world (as in working on them) and I am curious to where or if there is a location for it on my 03 Boxer. I seen a video of a guy doing a compression release manually through the holes on top. But when I feel and look it just seems that there is a bolt there. I know it probably a dumb question, but do I need to add compression releases by drilling or is there a spot for them? Hell, is there away to add a compression release without drilling?

 

[HMAN]

You are looking in the correct location. There should be a rubber cap over top of the CR's. If not, your bike may not have come with them installed. If its starting fine, why screw with it?....just my opinion. They can be installed but you are also correct that drilling amd tapping is required.

 

[Lorenzo]

In the middle of the heads should be a hole. There is a rubbery looking dome which covers the top of the compression releases. They are electronic so there will be small covered wires exiting both heads towards the middle of the engine. You should be able to push the releases on top and feel them move a little like pushing a button. If they are not moving then they are gummed up with carbon and stuck. They should be changed but there are ways to free them up

 

[awg]

I didn't think 03's came with them.

 

[A DevilDog]

There isn't a rubbery dome. It just looks like a bolt is there. Can I remove that bolt a replace it with a compression release?

 

[A DevilDog]

You are looking in the correct location. There should be a rubber cap over top of the CR's. If not, your bike may not have come with them installed. If its starting fine, why screw with it?....just my opinion. They can be installed but you are also correct that drilling amd tapping is required.

I am having some trouble starting the bike. Once it starts, it runs great. I figured compression release would help with the starting.

 

[knothead]

I believe alot of the 03s had a plug in there instead of the compression release...if urs has a plug you can get compressions releases for it

 

[A DevilDog]

I believe alot of the 03s had a plug in there instead of the compression release...if urs has a plug you can get compressions releases for it

how would I know if it is a plug or not? From what I can see it just looks like the top of a bolt in the hole.

 

[pknowles]

how would I know if it is a plug or not? From what I can see it just looks like the top of a bolt in the hole.

Post s picture from the top. Might get you answer.

 

[knothead]

how would I know if it is a plug or not? From what I can see it just looks like the top of a bolt in the hole.

Thats what the plug looks like is a bolt but like @pknowles said take a picture and lets see what you got forsure

 

[awg]

yea....just unscrew it and install the release.

 

[knothead]

Another thing if it is a plug, which im sure it is, take a air hose and blow the area clean and make sure nothing in down the around the plug before taking the plug out you dont want shit getting in the cylinder

 

[A DevilDog]

Big Dog answered this for me and yes that is a pre drill hole for releases. I'm asking if it can be non electronic releases. I'd rather not have electronic.

 

[A DevilDog]

On the manual releases......
"If you are going to install them in the factory head holes, then most likely yes.. They are sunk too deep the access them easily (manually) and I don’t know anyone that makes manual compression releases that will mount in those holes… You have to remove the rocker boxes to install them". From Big Dog.

 

[pknowles]

check thread sizes and look at what jpcycles has to offer in the manual units.

 

[A DevilDog]

He said that they might be too short to reach on manual ones, but i will check

 

[awg]

Isn't it the same size as a spark plug?

 

[john sachs]

At 1 time S&S offered manual replacements for the electric ones. I don't know if they're still available.
A suggestion to all who have the S&S or Harley releases: Anytime you remove your exhaust system, check to be sure the compression relief vent hole in the exhaust port is not clogged up. Use a piece of small diameter steel rod and grind a point on 1 end of it.
John

 

[A DevilDog]

Isn't it the same size as a spark plug?

I don't know but I would like too.

 

[TapioK]

S&S electrical set replaces the bolts, those are pain in the ass to install. Yes, rockerboxes need to be removed. I actually had to strip everything on rear cylinder head since the hole was not drilled straight... no way of just dropping the valve there and tighten... Was it worth the trouble? Didn’t have problems earlier, so no. Just figured it makes staters life easier.
Would I do it again? Yes would I be bored in Finlands dark winter...