Valve Tappet Oil Screen
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 8,852
Likes: 2,493
From: Decatur, Alabama
Alright, you wanted a horror story so I'll give you one. Only thing is this happened on my shovel and not the EVO. My EVO tappet screen has always been clean as a whistle.
So the first time I change the oil on my newly handed down to me shovel, I checked the tappet screen. That thing looked like the tampon from hell wrapped in a little wire basket. It was chock full of what I guessed was the old time oil filter material when you put them in the oil tank. I wondered how in the heck oil managed to get up to the heads when it was plugged like that. I cleaned it out real good, said a little prayer and buttoned everything up. So far, no complaints, no noises, nada. The PO had no idea there was a screen there that needed to be checked so it was about 40k on the clock before the first check. yikes.
carl
So the first time I change the oil on my newly handed down to me shovel, I checked the tappet screen. That thing looked like the tampon from hell wrapped in a little wire basket. It was chock full of what I guessed was the old time oil filter material when you put them in the oil tank. I wondered how in the heck oil managed to get up to the heads when it was plugged like that. I cleaned it out real good, said a little prayer and buttoned everything up. So far, no complaints, no noises, nada. The PO had no idea there was a screen there that needed to be checked so it was about 40k on the clock before the first check. yikes.
carl
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5,799
Likes: 7,827
From: SE Louisiana
The screen is held down with a spring, my guess is oil pressure would push the screen up and bypass if it became completely clogged.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,125
Likes: 1,749
From: In The Woods, PA
I had a local indy do head gaskets on my flht, I was too busy with work, and needed them done. When I got the bike back it was chattering like hell. I pulled the tappet screen and is was full of crud, the indy said that he had changed the oil. As it turns put they were sanding body filler in the shop with the engine open! NEVER AGAIN
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5,799
Likes: 7,827
From: SE Louisiana
I had a local indy do head gaskets on my flht, I was too busy with work, and needed them done. When I got the bike back it was chattering like hell. I pulled the tappet screen and is was full of crud, the indy said that he had changed the oil. As it turns put they were sanding body filler in the shop with the engine open! NEVER AGAIN
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 102
Likes: 1
From: Rossville, GA
I noticed you have have an EV3 cam, as do I. My otherwise stock EVO doesn't seem to come alive until about 2800 rpm. Low-end grunt is lackluster at best... How does yours perform?
Yep 2800 is where I feel mine grab, for me it works as I have an older dyna and I believe my gearing is lower than yours, I am running about 65mph at 3000rpm. I like it for me but understand with different gearing it may feel sluggish down low.
Pretty bike, 20k hell its still brand new! There are plenty of guys with EV 27's that like them, maybe yours would like a EV 13 or 23 better due to gearing and weight.
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 421
Likes: 1
From: louisiana
search my threads and you will find one
Don't listen to the red light which will come on when the filter is clogged and you will blow it up as I did. I finally found out what was in my engine and cleaned it out during the overhaul.
Pinetop
Pinetop