Adjustable Pushrods Question/Headaches
#1
Adjustable Pushrods Question/Headaches
This is in regards to a set of S&S Adjustable Pushrods (reg adjustable, not Quickee). I have a 03 Road King Classic TC88, stock cams, cam plate. For the record, I am an adjustable pushrod virgin, but I read/viewed/searched/etc as much information as I could before starting my project (cam chain tensioner pad change). I cut out the stock pushrods to try and save some time and money in the project; not so sure about that now.
When I installed the adjustable pushrods, I followed the instructions from S&S to the letter, triple checked. I let each lifter bleed down for 30 minutes after adjusting the pushrod before going to the next pushrod. I tightened the locknut against the upper nut on the threads, and tightened it as much as I could make it go. I did not use Locktite per the S&S instructions.
On my test ride, about 5 miles from home, the rear intake pushrod adjusted itself short again (collapsed isn't the right word). I did a roadside repair just to get it back home, and about a mile later the same clatter, and the engine quit. I thought I had destroyed the engine at this point, so I had it trailered home.
The next day, I popped all 4 pushrod tubes open, and the culprit this time was the rear exhaust pushrod.
Thinking the locknut had come loose, I tried to separate the locknut from upper nut, but to my surprise, the locknut is jammed against the upper nut still. The kicker is the bottom part of the pushrod freely screws up/down despite the locknut being jammed against the upper nut. WTF?!?!?!
I guess I am at a loss on what to do next with this, I just don't have any experience with this. Does anyone have any ideas on what I can do to lock this damn thing down?? I just doesn't make sense to me that the bottom part can turn freely when the locknut is jammed tight.
When I installed the adjustable pushrods, I followed the instructions from S&S to the letter, triple checked. I let each lifter bleed down for 30 minutes after adjusting the pushrod before going to the next pushrod. I tightened the locknut against the upper nut on the threads, and tightened it as much as I could make it go. I did not use Locktite per the S&S instructions.
On my test ride, about 5 miles from home, the rear intake pushrod adjusted itself short again (collapsed isn't the right word). I did a roadside repair just to get it back home, and about a mile later the same clatter, and the engine quit. I thought I had destroyed the engine at this point, so I had it trailered home.
The next day, I popped all 4 pushrod tubes open, and the culprit this time was the rear exhaust pushrod.
Thinking the locknut had come loose, I tried to separate the locknut from upper nut, but to my surprise, the locknut is jammed against the upper nut still. The kicker is the bottom part of the pushrod freely screws up/down despite the locknut being jammed against the upper nut. WTF?!?!?!
I guess I am at a loss on what to do next with this, I just don't have any experience with this. Does anyone have any ideas on what I can do to lock this damn thing down?? I just doesn't make sense to me that the bottom part can turn freely when the locknut is jammed tight.
#3
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crazytown (04-13-2016)
#4
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crazytown (04-13-2016)
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#8
LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wow, I just have to plead ignorance I guess. Thank you everyone.
@multihdrdr your post made me snort laugh.
@baloot-boy
I have right about 43,000. I had seriously considered the lifter problem, and even chatted with the wife/CFO about ordering new lifters. To get the cams on base circle, I jacked up the rear (), removed the spark plugs, put it into 5th, and spun the back wheel to get things on the base.
Well, thanks everyone, I have work to do tonight, and it's raining here for the next few days so I have plenty of time to do this right this time.
Peace everyone!
@multihdrdr your post made me snort laugh.
@baloot-boy
How many miles on your bike? Also, wondering if you have one or more bad lifters? What method did you use to get the cams on base circle?
Well, thanks everyone, I have work to do tonight, and it's raining here for the next few days so I have plenty of time to do this right this time.
Peace everyone!
#9
#10
All is well, that ends well.
Scott
Scott
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HILLSIDE MOTORCYCLE & MACHINE, INC.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON SPEED & SERVICE CENTER
5225 SOUTH MAIN ST., MUNNSVILLE, N.Y. 13409
Sales/Support 315-495-6650
www.hillsidecycle.com
Walk-in Retail Showroom
Complete H-D Machine Shop
Case & cylinder boring
Complete Cylinder Head Shop
High-Performance Engine Kits
Crank Rebuilding
Direct Link & PowerVision Tuning
Goodson HD Tooling Manufacturer
Maxton Mile World Record
4500 sq ft. facility
OVER 35 YEARS OF H-D ENGINE BUILDING.
See us on Facebook.