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Engine Mechanical TopicsDiscussion for motor builds, cams, head work, stripped bolts and other engine related issues. The good and the bad. If it goes round and around or up and down, post it here.
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.
It looks like your lock nuts are tightened to the wrong side.
You are suppose to lock them against the bottom adjusting end, the end towards the lifter.
Like this vvvvv
Readjust all them, lock them correctly and take it for a spin.
Last edited by JustDave13; Apr 13, 2016 at 03:31 PM.
It looks like you are jamming the lock nut against the pushrod at the top?? The lock nut should be locking against the pushrod adjustor at the bottom.....
LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wow, I just have to plead ignorance I guess. Thank you 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?
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.
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Adjustable Pushrods Question/Headaches
), removed the spark plugs, put it into 5th, and spun the back wheel to get things on the base.
