Something is filling that tappet screen and it ain't assembly lube.
Let us know what you find in the filter.

 

I will report back once I get a chance to look at it. I'm working 73 hours this week and am also working on converting my 98 flhtcui form injected to carb. Work takes up too much time!

 

Also, what kind of filter is it? There have been reported cases of cheap filters coming apart. And what are you pulling out of the screen? Paper? Metal? Does it stick to a magnet?

 

I only use HD filters and Castrol GTX 20/50.

 

I like what is on mine, 1/4" Allen comes right out ,chrome, has o-ring,screen and spring fit into it.

 

I used a large flat blade screwdriver with an 8 "adjustable wrench down on the blade to help turn it. It came out fairly easy. I tightened it back the same way after I cleaned the screen and changed the o-ring.

 

100% agree,if the screen is clogged, something is going on, they just do not get clogged during normal wear and tear!

 

I dunno. I had a friend pushing the screw driver and I was turning with a wrench and couldn't get it to budge. I ordered the tool and will take it apart clean it and change the fluid and see what happens. The bike runs very strong, idles well, and starts right up. We will see when the tool gets here and I can get into it and see what the filter looks like.

 

I've got two of those tools. The second one because the first one went missing for a few years. They are about the only way to get those screw cap things out without buggering them up. If it's really stuck, you might have to try an impact driver on the end of that.

I also have a "Chevrolet emblem wrench" to take the Sportster primary plugs out with. Then an indy I took the bike to once for a clutch job because I was short on time obviously didn't have that wrench and took them off with a hammer and a punch. Oh, thanks. Anyway, I welded them back up with my MIG and ground it down so it looks nice again. He also put the "easy clutch" gizmo in which wiped out that clutch pack so I did the next clutch job myself.

 

Replacement plugs for the early evo sportsters are getting hard to find or your gonna pay up the wazoo for one...I have that tool also, but in a pinch a 1/4 piece of flat stock fits well and a crescent wrench on the flat stock to turn it.

The stock lifter screen on my dyna (was) the slotted type. The slot was shallower at the ends and deeper towards the middle. Not sure if yours is like this but if it is, then the large screw driver or tool is not making 100% purchase in the slot unless you bevel or taper the ends of the tool to better fit the slot. The center of the tool (tab) needs to be prouder then the ends.

I changed mine out to a hex head type plug that uses a socket or wrench. Worth the 20 or 30 I spent on it. YD