quick question about pushrod adjustment
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,115
Likes: 5
From: SoCal
quick question about pushrod adjustment
reading some instructions and one page says "(be careful the engine is not in the overlap cycle)."
can someone explain what overlap cycle is? Bike's a 94 softail and came with fixed pushrods so no mention of adjustment in the manual.
can someone explain what overlap cycle is? Bike's a 94 softail and came with fixed pushrods so no mention of adjustment in the manual.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,543
Likes: 19
From: Ashland Ohio
Four stroke engine. The piston sits all the way up in cylinder TWICE per cycle. Once is TDC, and that is on top of combustion stroke. But there is also the top of exhaust stroke where the exhaust valve can be closing and the intake opening at the same time. AT TDC BOTH valves are closed.
Spark plug fires every other revolution on a four stroke. The top of exhaust stroke is the overlap... the valves overlap in operation.
Spark plug fires every other revolution on a four stroke. The top of exhaust stroke is the overlap... the valves overlap in operation.
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,115
Likes: 5
From: SoCal
ok...kinda gettin it. Sorry...totally new to this. Lots to learn
so...when I previously adjusted my pushrods, and simply watched each one, waited for it to hit the low spot, then adjusted it, I likely didn't do it right then?
so...when I previously adjusted my pushrods, and simply watched each one, waited for it to hit the low spot, then adjusted it, I likely didn't do it right then?
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,115
Likes: 5
From: SoCal
" While watching straw come up, also watch the valve actions. If the intake was last valve to move AND both look closed, THAT is TDC. If the exhaust was closing while you spun the tire... you are on 'overlap' stroke when starw is all the way up."
Ok...to repeat...
intake, then both closed is TDC. Couldn't I just pull the view plug and look for front cylinder TDC? I guess there's no real cylinder TDC mark though, is there.
Ok...to repeat...
intake, then both closed is TDC. Couldn't I just pull the view plug and look for front cylinder TDC? I guess there's no real cylinder TDC mark though, is there.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 799
Likes: 25
From: Milan,Tennessee
with the sparkplugs out..put your finger over the hole..while turning back wheel..i know long reach.lol..get a helper..when it blows stop..make sure it is blowing and not sucking..you are then on the compression stroke..put the straw in..make sure its a long one..slowly bump the tire in a forward rotation..watch the straw push out or go in..you want it to rise and stop for a second that is TDC..both valves are closed..if you go past just bump wheel backwards and start over..if you have solid pushrods how are you adjusting them..?
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,115
Likes: 5
From: SoCal
trying to clarify...isn't there only one point in the cycle that both valves would be closed, so if you just watch for both pushrods to be down then you're OK?
I don't have solid pushrods. PO put adjustables in there.
I don't have solid pushrods. PO put adjustables in there.
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,115
Likes: 5
From: SoCal
damn close to positive something's wrong now
got front cylinder to TDC, even opened view plug just to check and yup there's the hash mark. Now I understand the cycle after watching the pushrods move.
anyway...so I started with the front cylinder exhaust. Couldn't think why it would matter if exhaust or intake first...does it?
again, anyway...front cylinder exhaust, tightened pushrod to zero lash, waited til it turned freely, then went 3 turns and one flat (32tpi)...
just out of curiosity, I came back literally a minute later and the pushrod already turned freely.
I know that's supposed to happen, but that fast? Doesn't that mean the lifter is bad?
got front cylinder to TDC, even opened view plug just to check and yup there's the hash mark. Now I understand the cycle after watching the pushrods move.
anyway...so I started with the front cylinder exhaust. Couldn't think why it would matter if exhaust or intake first...does it?
again, anyway...front cylinder exhaust, tightened pushrod to zero lash, waited til it turned freely, then went 3 turns and one flat (32tpi)...
just out of curiosity, I came back literally a minute later and the pushrod already turned freely.
I know that's supposed to happen, but that fast? Doesn't that mean the lifter is bad?
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,115
Likes: 5
From: SoCal
alright, that's it. I've had enough
adjusted the pushrods exactly correctly. Bike fired up...still fckin clatters like mad and now?
OIL ALL OVER THE GOD DAMN PLACE
looks to me like it's the front tube leaking at the top. Can't get in there cuz everything's too hot right now, but...
anyone else know what it feels like to have everything you touch deteriorate?
adjusted the pushrods exactly correctly. Bike fired up...still fckin clatters like mad and now?
OIL ALL OVER THE GOD DAMN PLACE
looks to me like it's the front tube leaking at the top. Can't get in there cuz everything's too hot right now, but...
anyone else know what it feels like to have everything you touch deteriorate?
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Stage I
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: new mexico
[QUOTE=JustDave71;6868035]alright, that's it. I've had enough
adjusted the pushrods exactly correctly. Bike fired up...still fckin clatters like mad and now?
OIL ALL OVER THE GOD DAMN PLACE
looks to me like it's the front tube leaking at the top. Can't get in there cuz everything's too hot right now, but...
anyone else know what it feels like to have everything you touch deteriorate?[/QUOTE
Did you ever figure out the problem? In the same boat rn.
adjusted the pushrods exactly correctly. Bike fired up...still fckin clatters like mad and now?
OIL ALL OVER THE GOD DAMN PLACE
looks to me like it's the front tube leaking at the top. Can't get in there cuz everything's too hot right now, but...
anyone else know what it feels like to have everything you touch deteriorate?[/QUOTE
Did you ever figure out the problem? In the same boat rn.
