Lifter question
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 208
Likes: 1
From: Canada
Lifter question
I'll soon be installing cams, lifters and pushrods. If I have the cam chest open already, do I need to remove the tappet blocks to install the new lifters of can I insert them from within the cam chest up into the tappet block? I think there's some sort of a pin or something in there that lined the lifter up? Also if i'm using new lifters do I need to pump them up with oil first or should I just stick them in they way I got them? They came in a sealed bag that looks to be quite covered in there with oil. They are the S&S standard lifters.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,899
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From: OH
The way I have seen it done you pull the tappet covers and pull them from the top before pulling the cam. Yes there is an alignment pin that sits on the flats of the lifter to keep them from rotating.
See if that doesn't help you.
Here is how to put it back together.
See if that doesn't help you.
Here is how to put it back together.
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 208
Likes: 1
From: Canada
Thanks Todd. Makes more sense now. One question. If the pushrods turn right away because they are new lifters, does that mean I can move onto the next pushrod right away without having to wait for bleed down? Or is it better to pre load them with oil first?
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 461
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From: North Dakota
Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe when installing lifters in cars you should soak them in oil overnight (completely submerged). I see no reason it would be different on a motorcycle.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 12,784
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From: san antonio
Some lifters come filled with light machine oil and will bleed down fast (one exception that I know of is Mr. Woods lifters) and you can move to the next lifter if you can spin the pushrods after adjustment. You can pre-load lifters with oil, some submerge them in oil and use vacuum to pull oil into the lifter; a personal choice. If not pre-loaded with oil, they will be noisy for a minute or so on the first start up but the pump up quick.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2015
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From: Susanville CA
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 208
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From: Canada
If I'm already in the cam chest could I just remove the old lifters by letting them drop them down into the cam chest? Then I could just install the new lifters up into position also from inside the cam chest? This way I wont have to remove the lifter block covers and change the gaskets.
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2013
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From: South Texas
If I'm already in the cam chest could I just remove the old lifters by letting them drop them down into the cam chest? Then I could just install the new lifters up into position also from inside the cam chest? This way I wont have to remove the lifter block covers and change the gaskets.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Oxford, Nc
And in spite of my best efforts to pre-oil my lifter changes, after lifter installations I also pull the plugs and let the starter motor rotate the engine for 30 seconds to get the oil moving to better avoid that hideous 'clack' that you get before a lifter fully pumps up when an engine first starts up.