Hey all. I am changing out the lifters on my '97 Electra Glide. I currently have adjustable pushrods and am replacing them with the stock pushrods, the threads on the adjustables have a bad spot in them (another reason to do your own wrenching).

Should I use the alignment tools for the lifter blocks?

Do I need to have the piston at the top of it's travel to put everything back together?

In the chevy small blocks that I have built, I've always soaked the the lifters in oil for a day, should I also soak these lifters in oil?

I've done a lot of work on my bikes, but never got into the motor. any advice will be welcome

 

So i take it your taking the heads off... Not a bad idea to soak them but not necessary. No you really don't need the alignment tool for the lifter blocks, the bolts have little slop. And keeping the front on tdc is usually the way to go so you know where you're at.. remember that the oem pushrods are different lengths and have a specific position. front, rear and intake or exhaust.

 

Thanks for the info. I wasn't planing to take the heads off, just the rocker boxes. The stock pushrods are color coded, I remember a certain saying that I learned on the forums to remember the color order from beemervet.

 

I was impressed by Kenny Tatro's take on the lifter block alignment tools: "Who says the holes in the case are in the right place?"

Makes sense to me.

 

Pushrod Locations:

Longest, front exhaust

Second longest, rear exhaust

Third longest, front intake

The best way to assemble the top end using the oem pushrods is to follow the service manual religously in this area, to avoid bending a valve or pushrod.

Have you heard of any cam lobe damage or lifter roller damage due to the holes being in the wrong place? It`s the same tool as an oil pump alignment tool, the service manual recommends using it, so why not?

I`m not impressed by how tatro tosses his customers parts around on the disorganized workbench, in his disorganized shop.

 

 

If they're not, now do you propose to align the lifter blocks? Honestly, the things some people go through to avoid buying a $10 tool sometimes amaze me.

 

I'm not against buying the tool. I have a drawer full of tool that I've used once. It just seems odd to me that there are 4 bolts that hold it in place, what's to align? Again, I've never done this before.

 

I'm a charter member of that club... Last frivolous purchase was a JIMS tool to install exhaust gaskets. And it was a lot more than $10...

Oh... Forgot: Last night, I just ordered 1/2" and 3/8" drive 12 point deep well sockets on Amazon.

I need a 12 step program....

 

I'm pretty sure I have two alignment pins at home. If you want one it's yours, I have to look when I get home to make sure I still have it. I only need one in the tool box. Let me know