I have one of the very early 18 Softails. So I am not even sure what version of the oil pump I have. Should have the pump ending in #178 but no way to know for sure on the really early ones. Some folks are replacing theirs as prevention. I thought about doing it but decided not to. Knowing my luck some issue would be injected into an engine that currently doesn't have one. I once owned a Jeep with the 4.0 inline six. That was known as a very reliable engine. But the experts all said it needed an upgraded oil pump. The oil pressure was low on that engine. Yet mine and many tens of thousands of others were still running good at 200K miles. So I didn't waste my money on the Jeep. And don't think I will on the Softail. Interested in others take on this.

 

I wouldn't go in there just to change the pump.
Eventually, when I get bored enough this Winter and want to change the cam or install a 124" kit, the "new" oil pump is on the list too.

 

If I ever change a cam I would do the same. But I plan on staying at Stage 1. Famous last words,

 

Funny how HD has been building engines for over a hundred years and yet its an oil pump that becomes the achilles heel of the new M8?
Sure any modification past stage 1 should included an upgraded oil pump, it only makes sense. If it fails under warranty HD will only replace it with the same stock unit as supplied. Proper interval maintenance and common knowledge from these forums are the best thing for keeping our precious rides going.

 

It seems like it’s always something. On the Evo it was the tappet rollers. On the Twinkie it was the timing chain tensioner shoes. On the M-8 it’s apparently the oil pump (so far, I’m still wondering about tappet rollers and tensioner shoes).

 

No, HD will replace it with the current upgraded pump, the pump that come originally has been superseded by the later design pump.

 

I bought the first 2018 my dealer sold. I had them do Stage II after 1k miles. I guess I haven’t been paying attention. Never heard of an oil pump issue. Got a link?

 

Prevention, imagine that. How about wait until you want to upgrade that motor? Common sense, at least cam it while in there.

 

I’m having it chchanged proactively while my cam is being done. However if I was not doing a cam change I would leave it alone unless I had issues

 

I did it on my 2019 Road King Special while swapping cams for a RS468, installing black lower rockers, tappet covers and retaining solid my pushrods. Paid for the pump and 4 hours labor for the whole job and got a complimentary primary vent installed at the same time as well. Very happy with the deal.