1998 Fatboy, 96" Stroker Evo as in the sig..
So recently I installed a cam that I used a while ago that I had Woods grind for me.. I love the power band of it... Anyways After getting everything back together and running I noticed the front intake pushrod cover was moving left and right like a Hawaiian Hoola Dancer.. I did not have this problem the last time I used this cam because I was using regular S&S adjustables.. Not the quickies.. This time I used the quickies ( I change cams like underwear) and much to my surprise they are a lot larger in diameter than I thought which was the cause for the pushrod smacking the cover every time the cam lobe came up opening the valve. I spun the cover to try to alleviate it and it did work but if you hold on to the cover you could still ever so slightly feel it rubbing.. So the only way that I believe I can get rid of it totally is to install non adjustable push rods..
In this thread of mine, There were some suggestions.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/engin...l-lifters.html

So I started calling around for custom length non adjustables..The first place I called was Fueling, only because of the lifters that I'm using and they wanted me to use a 7/16" pushrod that I'm really not comfortable with.. I'd rather use a 3/8" to make sure I don't have any rubbing issues..

I then called Smith Bros in Oregon, Had a great conversation with them about their 3/8" pushrod, a 4135 CM and they do sound as if they would work very well.. Especially for the price, $15. ea.. But I still wanted to see if I could find a 5/16" pushrod that could handle a high amount of force without flexing..

So I found Manton in Cali, Spoke with them for a bit and Told them every thing I've done to my motor.. They recommended staying away from the 5/16' and to stick with a 3/8".. I would love to go into all that was discussed but don't think its necessary.. Between radiused tips, heat treating an wall thicknesses and flexion being applied by a hemispherical head valve train ( he actually compared the Chrysler Hemi to the Harley and how the valve train does a number on the pushrods) we agreed to their Series 5 pushrods with a .095 wall thickness.. As soon as my 12" Vernier calipers arrive I'll be able to get them my measurements (6" ain't gonna do it...).

So in the mean time I tore down the valve train and got everything ready to measure.. In the pic's you can see how fat the S&S quickies (.540" at the adjuster collar) are compared to the regular S&S adjustables which are same size tube but the adjuster are a little smaller 3/8" except for the 7/16" nut. (which by the way, both sets are for sale, pm me with a offer). In a single cam motor (Evo) the valve train angle is greater then in a twin Cam which can be all the difference.. Couple that with a fat pushrod and you can easily get rubbing on the cover.. Something I really don't want. So soon I'll be getting the Manton Pushrods.. They list at $21.50 each. A price I can live with.. Here a link to their site..
http://mantonpushrods.com/products/pushrods/

 

Interesting.
So what made you decide on those rather than the Smith's?
I talked to Smith's myself yesterday. Nice guy and very knowledgeable. I also asked about a good stout adjustable to see what he suggested. He just laughed and said there's no such thing. Besides the obvious they're only as strong as their weakest point, flex is a real thing.
As for wall thickness, I was surprised when he said there's a notable difference in power, enough for them to repeatedly see on a dyno, between the .095 and .120 and the .095 walled 3/8 would be plenty strong but some insist on the thicker .120. I'm sure spring rates have an influence to some extent.
Anyway, Smiths 3/8 .095 here. I don't plan on changing cams and I've never cared for adjustables anyway. Mine will be going on the auction block too along with my 570s, stock crank, and 50mm throttle body.
He also suggested .140 preload was a bit much. I did .120 with the quickies and my top end was quiet. Ill stick with that.

 

I just did a little research on their hardening processes and like what I heard.. They just don't buy and resell. They do everything in house.. And for the cost difference, again I like what I heard.. Melonite processing and the different levels and how they affect the strength or rigidity of the pushrod and how it can actually affect performance.. It was a no brainer for me.. Here's a link on how the Melonite process of different levels and how it affects metal...
https://royalarms.com/melonite-nitri...20and%20carbon.

Don't get me wrong, Smiths makes or assembles very high quality products.. I just felt for the price difference it quenched my thirst....

 

Does anyone use Vernier calipers anymore? Like I mentioned in the other tread, Smiths tapered adjustables are pretty good. I run them in my 131.. Switch over to them from SnS 7/16 on my 116 and they were quieter. 131 has a 640 cam, 116 had a 625,, Well see how they do in the 107 with a 9B...

 

Yes ! I have the same as set pictured above
Bought them in `78
Have non dial versions also
Old tools for old guys

 

Cool, I have an old Craftsman.. They were my first precision measuring instrument. Bought it about 50 years ago. It pretty much sits in its case stuffed in a tool box. I typically use either digital or dial.

 

I made sure I posted the pic with the calipers in it because I wanted to make sure the diameter of the collar on the Quickie Pushrod was shown..

 

That collar is pretty bulky. I didn't have the issue you did but I never liked them.
I'll have to check out that hardening process. Options are good.
As for adjustsbles, I know they have their place and there's better options than the S&S quickies but solids are still lighter, stronger and a better option if you don't mind the added work or have the heads off anyway. With a good set of lifters playing with preload shouldn't be necessary after the fact either tho I'm sure many would disagree.

 

Like I said, Don't use them any more.. Look at where they were made. Very good quality..

 

Just a little update, I got my 12-in calipers and all my measurements.. I e-mailed them out to Manton on Tuesday just recieved confirmation that they will be sent out today.. I should have them next week..

FE=11.245"
FI= 11.040"
RI= 10.94"
RE=11.145"