Top End Gasket Kit   

for 1972-Early 1973 Ironhead Sportster 1000

Part #38452R

This is a top end rebuild gasket and seal kit for the 1972 through Early 1973 1000cc Sportster motor. If your engine is a Late 1973 or later model, please see our listings for the Late 73-76 gasket kit.

This kit contains Accel brand and other quality gaskets and seals. The head gaskets are a nominal 0.020″ thick copper. (Please be sure to read head gasket notes below for these model years.)

The photo shows you what parts are included in the kit that will arrive at your door. You will receive every gasket, seal and O-ring shown in the photograph! (The colors of some gaskets may vary.)

We pack the kit carefully.  We check the parts and pack your kit up securely so you can be sure every single gasket and seal will get to you in perfect condition – anywhere in the world.

****Some kit specs****

• Head gaskets are a nominal 0.020″ (approx. 0.5mm) thickness copper. (copper thickness varies within a slight tolerance)
• The 12 pushrod cover seal washers are rubber – about 0.175″ thick – that is 4.5mm or just under 3/16″ thick.
  Note: If you prefer cork cover washers, no problem – please ask us to substitute them or see our listing for Kit No. 38452 (same number as this one but without the “R”) .

****Applicable models****

• 1972 to Early 73 1000cc Sportster XL, XLH, XLCH
  Head gasket notes:
  1. These special head gaskets are the correct bore and thickness ONLY for 1972 to Early 1973 cylinders. They will definitely NOT fit other years. The bore of these is a little smaller and the head bolt pattern is also slightly different from other years.
  2.  Some engines have had the cylinder and head – or maybe even the entire engine – replaced with a newer model. If your cylinder is the newer type, you will need the Late 73-up style head gaskets. Except for the head gaskets, all other gaskets and seals will fit later model cylinders.
  3.  If you are not sure which model cylinder you have, a quick check is to measure the bolthead center-to-center distance between the two head bolts across the spark plug. It should be approximately 2.56″ for the 72-E73 cylinder head. (For a newer model cylinder it will be about 1/10″ more.).

****Package contains****  

• Every single part you see in the photograph
  Please Note: This kit will be packed individually for secure shipping. It does NOT come in retail store packaging.