Tappet Screen
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,125
Likes: 1,749
From: In The Woods, PA
Tappet Screen
Hello all. I have a '97 flht, ev 27, muffler pipes, and thunder jet kit in the cv carb.
Last fall I paid an Indy to change the head gaskets. When I first picked the bike up, it was quiet and ran very strong. On the first ride the top end started making some louder than usual tapping noises. I took it back to the Indy, he double checked everything, said that the tappet screen was dirty and once he cleaned it up it was all good. I rode the bike home no problems.
Yesterday, I took it out for a while, it was quiet at first, and then the top end started chattering again. I brought it home and can't seem to get the plug/screw out of the block to access the tappet screen. Is there a trick to get the screw/plug out?
Last fall I paid an Indy to change the head gaskets. When I first picked the bike up, it was quiet and ran very strong. On the first ride the top end started making some louder than usual tapping noises. I took it back to the Indy, he double checked everything, said that the tappet screen was dirty and once he cleaned it up it was all good. I rode the bike home no problems.
Yesterday, I took it out for a while, it was quiet at first, and then the top end started chattering again. I brought it home and can't seem to get the plug/screw out of the block to access the tappet screen. Is there a trick to get the screw/plug out?
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 856
Likes: 9
From: North Carolina
No tricks I'm aware. Mine comes right out. You may need the special socket with the big flat head end on it. Be careful threading it back in. I have heard that those threads are easy to goober up.
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5,802
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From: SE Louisiana
Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,125
Likes: 1,749
From: In The Woods, PA
Thanks!! and Ordered......
Do you think the assembly lube that the Indy used could be clogging the screen?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 2,358
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I use the end of an impact screwdriver on a 3/8 ratchet with the widest and thickest flat head blade. First time I removed mine it was tough to move.
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Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Haslet Texas
No but I do think you need to cut open your oil filter and see what is inside.
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Joined: Aug 2007
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From: NW AR
Yeah, something is going on with that motor. Post 85 Evos never have stuff trapped by the tappet screen unless something is coming loose. Certainly cut the oil filter open and see what's inside it.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,125
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From: In The Woods, PA
I knew I should have done the head gaskets myself. I've owned this bike since '99 and never had this issue. I'm just going to clean the tappet screen, change the oil and check the filter.