OK, changed my oil tonight and have a question... Why would they make something as critical as the lifter galley screen, so difficult to access????? Is there a replacement plug that anyone is using?

 

Yeah, that big slotted bolt thingy is a bitch, and it's easy to mess up the slot. I got a socket head plug from the J&P catalog. I have also seen them in chrome acorn head and other styles. Most of the big aftermarket catalogs (J&P, dennis kirk, etc.) carry them.

 

Thanks, I'm going to take a look.. I was a bit irritated when I posted, venting more than anything, but I appreciate the info. Any other input (or venting) would be appreciated. It really wouldnt be such a big deal if the nut was 1/4" taller or the machininc was 1/8" wider, but NOOOOOOOOO.........
Thanks again,

 

The good news is you don't HAVE to check that everytime unless you're paranoid. I've got 85K on the Heritage and only checked that screen maybe three times. Everytime it was clean! The screen was eliminated on newer models as "not needed": filter catches that stuff anyways.

 

i looked at it once in 90k. if there is any thing in there you have big problems.

 

Yea, very true.... But, since I stopped by my Indy, and picked up a ne plug with a 7/16" nut on top. It will take me 30 sec to check it now and wont be a hassle. Thanks anyhow.. Points well taken, BTW, yes they do make something...

 

- service manual says to check/clean lifter screen at
every oil change.

- its easy to do and if you've got compressed air,
its even easier.

.

 

I've done it maybe 4 times in 75K miles and never found anything in it. Now on my Shovelhead, where the clutch plate material goes through the engine oil with a useless wad of fiber as an oil filter, I would check it at each oil change and used to pull little bits of junk out of it all the time.

 

I knew someone would pull the SM like a gun on that one! The SM says a lot of things people "should" do but do not necessarily "need" to... It's written for the service mechanic, not the DIY's. "The screen was eliminated on newer models as "not needed": filter catches that stuff anyways." The 10 micron premium HD filter catches all (better than a screen)!

 

I totally agree that you can get by without checking it. But, if its easy to check, why wouldnt you? I see too many guys shortcut their jobs in my bussiness, all based on, "never had a problem with it before".. I'll continue checking mine, now its easy..