Broken Lifter Block
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 942
Likes: 323
From: Grew up in Texas, moved to AZ
I really recommend splitting the case and a good flushing! I had the same exact thing happen, and my inexperience cost me a set of flywheels & $, and lots of downtime.
An out of round lifter roller jumping off the cam lobes will cause tappet block to crack, because the lifter will have side to side movement with every up and down. The metal debris from the lifter is the engine killer. Your oil filter will not catch it all. Here's what I replaced when this happened, BUT I didn't flush out the bottom end: tappet block, lifters, oil pump, new oil lines, flushed oil tank, etc... All this, and the debris hiding inside the crank still took out the engine 1000 miles later.
Learn from my mistake, and save $$ and headache by doing it right. Good luck.
An out of round lifter roller jumping off the cam lobes will cause tappet block to crack, because the lifter will have side to side movement with every up and down. The metal debris from the lifter is the engine killer. Your oil filter will not catch it all. Here's what I replaced when this happened, BUT I didn't flush out the bottom end: tappet block, lifters, oil pump, new oil lines, flushed oil tank, etc... All this, and the debris hiding inside the crank still took out the engine 1000 miles later.
Learn from my mistake, and save $$ and headache by doing it right. Good luck.
Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,558
Likes: 280
From: Russellville, Arkansas
The black spots were actually grey when I touched it....assuming it was tiny metal ground up shavings. Not the best lighting for pictures.
I dont understand how the plastic breather gear didnt get destroyed in the process.
And for splitting cases.....were 50/50 on doing that. Hes saying hell just changed oil/filter much more frequently and hope for the best. The bike wasnt having any oil pressure issues.
I dont understand how the plastic breather gear didnt get destroyed in the process.
And for splitting cases.....were 50/50 on doing that. Hes saying hell just changed oil/filter much more frequently and hope for the best. The bike wasnt having any oil pressure issues.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,093
Likes: 7,622
From: Poolville
Definitely need to pop the oil pump cover and breather gear for a looksie.... There is metal throughout the motor from the lifter and possibly the cam... Right now that metal is like emery cloth....
Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,558
Likes: 280
From: Russellville, Arkansas
Removed the breather gear and the bore looks great. No damage whatsoever in what Im seeing.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,725
Likes: 3,070
From: Brighton, MI
They make/sell an inline prefilter or screen that is 40 micron, and has a magnet (I know lifter block is aluminum but the lifter roller is not).
JP sells them, and there are other brands and price points. Sorry can't post a link on work computer. I say put it in the line between tank that feeds pump. Just a thought if you decide not to crack it open. I agree to check out the pump, but cheap insurance and something you can monitor.
JP sells them, and there are other brands and price points. Sorry can't post a link on work computer. I say put it in the line between tank that feeds pump. Just a thought if you decide not to crack it open. I agree to check out the pump, but cheap insurance and something you can monitor.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,143
Likes: 12,707
From: South Carolina
I would split the cases, that engine should have a complete overhaul.
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Apr 26, 2021 at 07:47 AM.