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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.
and...now I'm scared to death of collapsible pushrods!
A fixed length pushrods that fits properly is hard to beat, except it does require removing the rocker boxes to service them. But even with component changes or modifications, the need to adjust the pushrod length can be necessary.
Consider what happens when valves and seats are cut when performing head work, in relation to the pushrod length. Or thicker / thinner head and base gaskets, cutting the head or cylinder gasket surface to true them or that some cams have a different base circle. The easiest way to resolve that is to have adjustable pushrods.
Some pushrods are better made than others. You can always have pushrods made for your needs. I've run S&S Quickies and V-Thunder ones with no issues. Smith pushrods in Bend Oregon is well known for high quality pushrods and are well known for racing engines. They have pushrods for HD engines and can custom build to your specs. So there are options, but they should be straight.
Took the bike to the dealer for complete diagnostic. Good and bad news...sort of. Good news is, techs said I did a very good job of installing everything. Sort of bad news...I was actually lugging the bike. In an attempt to save gas and some noise, I would be at 65 to 70 in 6th gear. Ok for straits and down hill, but NOT for twisting the throttle. The rpms around that speed were just below 2000 with the torque cam. SO, retraining myself to only twist throttle if well about 2500, and close to or a bit above 3000 +
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