Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[Maladjusted]

Getting ready to do a cam upgrade... are the stock lifters sufficient with 13k miles on the clock?  Or should I just replace them while I am in there.

On another note... do the instructions for Cams / Adjustable push rods include how many flats or turns to adjust the pushrods?

[Unbalanced]

I would replace the lifters with 13k on them if you are going with a new cam.   The harley pushrods are 2 1/2 turns or 15 flats, but typically most go 18 flats to help quiet the valve train.   You may also want to go with the tapered if you go harley.

Otherwise I would recommend S&S or Smith Brothers Pushrods they make them for many of the vendors.

[Maladjusted]

Thanks Unbalanced... I will likely go with the S&S pushrods... 

So if I go with Feuling lifters (hydraulic) and S&S pushrods... how will I know how many turns once the slack is taken out?... or is 18 flats pretty standard?

[BigLew55]

Depends on the lifters and pushrods.

Here are some instructions from the websites of the vendors you mentioned.  These may not be the specific parts you have chosen, so do your own research.  These are just posted as an example.

http://www.sscycle.com/feature/featureview.php?s_id=38

http://www.feulingparts.com/feulinginstructions/4000.pdf

[Unbalanced]

Thanks Unbalanced... I will likely go with the S&S pushrods...  

So if I go with Feuling lifters (hydraulic) and S&S pushrods... how will I know how many turns once the slack is taken out?... or is 18 flats pretty standard?

Of the lifters out there Fueling wouldnt be ones I would put in any of my motorcycles.   Recommend the S&S.

The flats are determined by the threads per inch on the pushrods.   S&S would be different

Here are the directions from S&S hope this helps you.

Bring Cam to Base circle for the tappets you wish to adjust.
Rotate the engine. Watch the intake valve open (pushrod goes up) and then close (pushrod goes down). Continue rotating slowly until the cylinder's piston reaches top dead center (TDC). The cylinder that you're adjusting will now have both its tappets on the base circle of their camshaft lobes. This is the lowest point in the tappet blocks for the tappets. Notice: Valve is on its seat and fully closed.
Adjust the pushrods
Bring pushrods to Zero lash, no up and down movement, tight against rocker arm, and tight against tappet/lifter.
Mark the pushrod with a marker or paint stick.
Extend the pushrod (4) four full turns or 24 flats (if using S&S Pushrods, S&S pushrods have a 32 Threads per inch)
Allow the tappet/lifter to bleed down 20/30 minutes, longer is better.
If after 20/30 minutes you can spin the pushrod with your fingers you do not have limited travel tappets (HL2T kit).
If you do not have HL2T or Travel limited tappets, lock the pushrod down. Repeat process for the other cylinder and pushrods, you are now done adjusting.
If you do have HL2T or Travel limited tappets move on to the next step.
If you cannot spin the pushrod, you have S&S Limited Travel tappets (HL2T kit).
From this point you want to shorten the pushrod. While shortening you will feel drag on the pushrod, this is the valve spring tension.
While shortening, you will feel the valve spring release the pressure on the pushrod. When the adjustment is correct, you will again be able to spin the pushrod with your fingers. The pushrod must spin freely. with NO up and down movement.
From this point you want to shorten one full turn, 6 flats.
Lock down the pushrod and repeat for the rear cylinder.

[prodrag1320]

with 13K theres no reason to replace the lifters.the whole "replace lifters when you install cams" comes from automotive cams (and shady or mis-informed shops that want to get some more cha-ching out of you)that have flat tappets,HD`s have roller tappets and dont have to "break in" to the cams (check them @ 25K,if the rollers are not loose,their OK)

[HD Street Performance]

Lifters often times fail / collapse due to a change in the operating position of the plunger after a cam change or other factors that affect the stack height. A new lifter is not affected. Roll the dice, your call.

[guppytrash]

No question!!! Replace them! 
It is a 110 and there are many many who have had the lifters fail around 25k.

[guppytrash]

Note the far left lifter in the picture of my previous post and you will see it is no longer a roller and was a seized skid.  25000 miles.
I went with S&S stop limit lifters.  Do your own research and people will recommend all different brands and you will also hear what not to use.
You do NOT hear or read anyone saying " Don't use S&S lifters "