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Bought this 87' FXRP the other day and found the front tappet guide block leaking oil through what seems to be a weep hole when running. I've never come across this before and cannot seem to find any threads on this. Compared to the other guide block looks like something was pressed in at one time. Can anybody shed some light on this. I thought about plugging it but thought I should ask first.
Never seen anything like that before. Don't know what it's purpose could be... You can try and tap and plug it maybe a 10 or 12-24 set screw with Loctite which might require removal to do so. Not sure if there is some type tin plug already in there that might require removal to be able to tap and plug.. Or you can get new blocks from S&S..
Last edited by 98hotrodfatboy; May 22, 2019 at 06:55 AM.
That is a hole drilled during manufacturing that later becomes the oil passage between the lifters and the port on the base flange. They plug the outside part after the part is finished. It’s the only way you can make a passage in the part. It usually never leaks but obviously it does on yours. The plug may be a pressed in ball like they use in carburetors.
You have two solutions.
1. Take off the lifter block, remove the existing pressed in plug. Tap the hole and put in a screw or plug of your own and hope it seals.
2. Buy a new/used one and swap it out.
Maybe someone one has another suggestion, but there is oil pressure behind that plug and you’ll want to fix it. It would be a bummer if you’re riding down the road and it shoots out where you start pumping oil out in a stream.
+1 to this. Get some S&S Quickee Pushrods, chop out the old pushrods with bolt cutters and reassemble the easy way with your new/new to you tappet block.
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tappet guide leaking
