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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.
Had an odd noise from the motor which I eventually figured out was a sticking lifter, I stripped the cam chest to do a full service and inspect everything at the same time and found damage to a cam lobe, no doubt the one with the sticking lifter.
So unfortunately I will have to get some cams, my cam plate and oil pump are fine for now so I suspect this has been a slow grind over time as the lifter started to fail, hence any debris will be what was on the drain plug the last few oil changes.
I probably cannot afford a cam plate and oil pump right now so I will just go with some mild cams, recommendations for a standard 96ci greatly appreciated.
The standard upgrade for a 96 is Andrews 48H. Had one in my Night Train and loved it, looking to have the same put in my Crossbones or a Wood 222.
I am a fan of Woods cams from back in the day but I have heard the Andrews 48H is a solid alternative, I have just been offered a Feuling high flow cam plate for a very good price so may add that in just in case there is anything hiding in the original. The paranoia is starting to creep in.
Boy, that cam is really torn up. How long did the noise go on before digging in to find that?
Can't help you with what cams other than maybe a thought. Since you sounded like you were trying to do this on a limited budget. Here is an idea - I bet there are a lot of mint, new OEM cams to be had for next to nothing.
year of machine and mileage. are this aftermarket or stock?
cams are not harden through out so the case hardening probably wasn't that great.
before you pull the lifter, see if it has any radial movement.
Andrews 48's are the hot ticket for a stock 96" motor. The sheet below is my 2009 Ultra with Andtrews 48's.
I would recomend flushing the motor out as best you can. I also assume a bagger or Dyna? If yes drop the oil pan and clean that out as well. If a Softail, pull the tank and flush it.
While its apart, check the pinion shaft for runout. You're there so now is the time. It can tell you the condition of the crankshaft as far as straightness.
Stock oil pump and cam plate is ok for what you want. Carfully inspact the plate and pump for scars and wear.
year of machine and mileage. are this aftermarket or stock?
cams are not harden through out so the case hardening probably wasn't that great.
before you pull the lifter, see if it has any radial movement.
This is why I wanted to see the lifter roller.. It appears as if the cam was not hardened properly.. It does happen..
this repair will require a thorough study of the entire valve train. lifter failure is high on the list especially the roller axle. but do not over look valve spring pressure as too little causes loss of control and too much accelerated cam wear.
since the grooving is pretty much the same on both sides my guess is the roller. when the engine applies forward rotation force it causes the cam to slightly walk and if the roller axle is toast it could cause the groove on one side and when the engine is in coast down the reverse forces can cause the the groove on the other side. the reason i asked if there was any radial movement in the lifter bore. if there is radial movement then the roller will try and skate. it does not look like an alignment issue since radius ride is usually one sided.
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Cam lobe damage
