Why swap out oem lifters?
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,358
Likes: 53
From: WA State
Why swap out oem lifters?
Are the basic S&S lifters as an example that much better?
Is it a case of longevity, performance or just a personal preference to swap them out?
Is it a case of longevity, performance or just a personal preference to swap them out?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,926
Likes: 138
From: NE Ohio
When compared to the present Harley 'C' lifter, the S&S standards are leaps and bounds better. The S&S has more longevity due to being built better than the HD C lifter. Harley sources a good many of their parts form the cheapest supplier, which is not always the best practice.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 12,689
Likes: 8,295
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Why somebody would leave an engine that was built according to the engineering specifications of the manufacturer stock, never fails to amaze me.
Do a forum search for ticking time bombs
Do a forum search for ticking time bombs
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 6,088
Likes: 6,447
From: East TN
My 09 CVO road glide had the lifters fail at 46K miles.
My 15 CVO road glide ultra had the lifers fail so bad at 43K miles the engine was replaced.
The above bikes were under warranty so still had OEM lifters.
My 13 King, the warranty was void a week after I bought it due to building the motor. It has Woods Alpha directional lifters cause I do not want to replace the motor on my dime.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 160
Likes: 14
From: North of Denver
Setting a S&S lifter and an OEM lifter side by side there's no comparison in the finish quality and even the size and quality of the bearings, kinda like OEM cam bearings...wish I had taken a picture when I was changing cams.
The only issue is finding the time that it makes sense to do the upgrade (i.e. cam change) as opposed to pulling the top end just for lifters, or cutting the stock pushrods out and replacing them with adjustables too.
Rockouts & lifters is a good pair of upgrades that can be done in a couple of hours and requires the rocker boxes be opened but doesn't require the cooling system lines be pulled...FWIW.
The only issue is finding the time that it makes sense to do the upgrade (i.e. cam change) as opposed to pulling the top end just for lifters, or cutting the stock pushrods out and replacing them with adjustables too.
Rockouts & lifters is a good pair of upgrades that can be done in a couple of hours and requires the rocker boxes be opened but doesn't require the cooling system lines be pulled...FWIW.
Last edited by GibsonSG; Nov 28, 2016 at 01:21 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 101
Likes: 9
From: Massachusetts
Devil's advocate,
I did not change my OEM lifters on my 05 Softail Deluxe (FLSTN) when I installed a gear-driven S&S 510G cam set and S&S standard adjustable pushrods. The lifters bled down and adjusted fine, and the bike ran fine. 39K miles when I changed. I kept the stock oil pump as well. I just replaced everything that was in the S&S kit.
I guess I was thinking the stocks had more miles left in them.
I did not change my OEM lifters on my 05 Softail Deluxe (FLSTN) when I installed a gear-driven S&S 510G cam set and S&S standard adjustable pushrods. The lifters bled down and adjusted fine, and the bike ran fine. 39K miles when I changed. I kept the stock oil pump as well. I just replaced everything that was in the S&S kit.
I guess I was thinking the stocks had more miles left in them.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,503
Likes: 94
From: SE Michigan
Devil's advocate,
I did not change my OEM lifters on my 05 Softail Deluxe (FLSTN) when I installed a gear-driven S&S 510G cam set and S&S standard adjustable pushrods. The lifters bled down and adjusted fine, and the bike ran fine. 39K miles when I changed. I kept the stock oil pump as well. I just replaced everything that was in the S&S kit.
I guess I was thinking the stocks had more miles left in them.
I did not change my OEM lifters on my 05 Softail Deluxe (FLSTN) when I installed a gear-driven S&S 510G cam set and S&S standard adjustable pushrods. The lifters bled down and adjusted fine, and the bike ran fine. 39K miles when I changed. I kept the stock oil pump as well. I just replaced everything that was in the S&S kit.
I guess I was thinking the stocks had more miles left in them.
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