Hey guys, my 2002 Superhawk 996 has been diagnosed by the shop following the failure mentioned in my first thread. Shop says: “I'm afraid I have bad news. Complete rear cylinder CCT failure led to piston strike on valves. The entire upper end will have to be rebuilt.” I responded by asking if I can just order a replacement rear cylinder head and swap it on, they said it would save some $ and time but they seem a bit hesitant about it and said there’s a chance after the rear head swap there could be more piston/valve issues? Don’t remember exactly what they said but basically they’re nervous the new head potentially wouldn’t fix it… Should I order both front & rear heads and replace both, or would it be a waste since CCT failure was only in rear? I very fortunately found a listing for both heads sold as a pair which I have never seen, not a single front head ever or a pair of both so this might be my only chance for a front, which didn’t have CCT failure. What do you guys think, just rear cylinder head or send it and swap out both front and rear? Can’t wait to be back on the road with my Hawk and I appreciate you fellow riders infinitely for your wisdom on this forum.

 

Rear cylinder head a send it, as long as it's done competently. Absolutely no reason why just front or just rear couldn't be swapped.

 

Not sure if you intentionally changed font color but those of us that use the dark mode, your text is completely invisible.

 

A front for rear or other way around swap isn't a direct plug 'n' play. There is a bit of machining needed for the cam chain tensioner location. I know this has been discussed, but I don't recall anyone posting about actually doing it. That don't mean much as I'm getting old and the mind is going along with the rest of it.