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[Royalroadie]

I have read so much about bad lifters on these motors it has me a bite curious about my motor.  I do have a little bit of chirping on the right side of my motor.  I would like some input from those who know more than me.   

[HILLSIDECYCLE.COM]

Usually starts by a noise upon start-up, as the lifter is losing is ability to stay pumped-up when sitting, then after a while it'll be at most of the engine operating rpms.
If those are under suspicion, install the best lifter on the market today...........S&S, with their adj. pushrods, loading the lifter to .140" and enjoy the peace and quiet.
Been using that method here for over 10 years now.
Scott

[grc]

Once again, there are two different issues with Harley's lifters.  The leak down and slow to pump up issue is fairly easy to determine, since it causes abnormal lifter noise on startup that slowly clears up as the engine runs.  The other and more serious problem is the failure of the rollers, which can often trash the engine.

Several things can make a chirping sound on a Harley, so it doesn't necessarily mean the rollers are about to fail.  But it is a possibility.  If I had a CVO110 from model years earlier than 2013, and especially the 2011 and 2012 model years, I'd do myself a favor and just change the lifters to a better quality product like the S&S lifters.

Jerry

[deldago]

Is there enough evidence at this point to say the '13 lifters are better?

[grc]

Is there enough evidence at this point to say the '13 lifters are better?

Don't know for sure if they totally fixed the problem, but we do know the "C" lifters in the 2011 and 2012 failed at early miles and often enough that Harley came out with the upgraded lifters for 2013 models.  Some of those 2013 bikes are now going on 2.5 years and I haven't seen any reports yet of the roller failures that were so common before.  I guess we won't know for sure until a large number of people put 30k plus miles on their 2013 and later CVO's.

Jerry

[Royalroadie]

Several things can make a chirping sound on a Harley, so it doesn't necessarily mean the rollers are about to fail.  But it is a possibility.  If I had a CVO110 from model years earlier than 2013, and especially the 2011 and 2012 model years, I'd do myself a favor and just change the lifters to a better quality product like the S&S lifters.

Jerry

Jerry,

I have a 2012 Street Glide SE and I am more worried about he rollers causing the chirping when I am running down the road.   I still have another year left on my ESP and just don't know what is the best way of going about making sure I do not trash the engine and I do not get stuck with a repair bill.  Any ideas?

[prodrag1320]

chirping would be more likely a bearing going out or a stuck roller (both not good at all).with the lifter roller & cam bearing probs HD has had,ANY new noise coming the cam area should be inspected immediately

[johnsachs]

In the last month, I've had 3 bikes in for a bad lifter/cam problem.
1-'08 CVO Dyna
2- '13 120R
3- '12  103" Street Glide.
All 3 had intermittent chirping.    Rollers to axle had play allowing the bottom of the lifter to contact the cam. All were front cylinder. 1 exhaust, 2 intakes. As a side note the scavenge side of the oil pump was done. Needed to replace it. 
John

[panheadscooty]

Bought a  CVO 2012 SG last summer with 3500 miles.  At 7,400 miles, the topend  had loud chirping noise.  Found out that a lifter had gone bad with filings in oil pump. Went with 113" build.

[muddypaws]

My rollers broke and you will for sure know when it does.

[adkg12]

Mine didnt grenade anything, the engine got "noisy" at nearly all RPMs.  Enough to make me uncomfortable...so easy fix.  You can save some money if you are stock.  Its a little more time, but I removed the rocker box covers for inspection, so I reused my pushrods over.  Yes I rolled them on glass to be sure they were straight.
Glen

[HILLSIDECYCLE.COM]

Grab a set of S&S lifters/pushrods/cam bears/gaskets.
Simple install for long lasting quality.
Scott

[adkg12]

Well, it doesn't HAVE to be S&S lifters...Just saying .
Glen

[HILLSIDECYCLE.COM]

Here it does, that way we can be insure our clients will have the best currently available, at a great price.
Scott

[adkg12]

I can understand that.  I went with GMR Lifters.  They came highly recommended and the price was right where I wanted to be. 
Thanks
Glen