Anyone a firm believer in the roller rockers? In the automotive world, I like 'em.. On a Harley, they make good sense to me and with the valve gemonetry of an Evo, I'm having a hard time telling myself that I dont need those $400 rollers (I can get 16 or them for a car, for about half the price).. Any input???

I just dont want to throw the money away. But, I'm determined to fix my sewing machine this winter and wonder if anyone has personal experience, long term that shows that they helped...

Thanks,

 

I ran a set 5000 miles against reconditioned valves. It seemed they were a bit less prone to "dipping" the tip of the valve (but didn't eliminate it). I noticed no increase in power or rev-time and no reduction in vavle train voise. All that with a rather mild cam... Talking with a few others in person, a couple claimed a reduction in noise, others said the opposite, but most were running extremely radical cams, and of course we all know about the power of the mind in relation to performance after a large investment

I would avoid the radical ratio type. Most mfg's have quit making them due to problems, and stick with 1.65 (stock) ratio and buy the most economical ones you can find. Mine were MadDog brand and showed NO signs of wear after 5000 and were only 139.00 (several years ago)

You referred to your ride as "sewing machine" so if I may ask - are you trying to get rid of valve ticking noise?

 

They do help save the valve guides,cut down on small amount of friction

 

I think the idea is great, however, I am very cautious on "trick shiite" out on the market after decades of seeing "trick shiite" work great for a couple thousand miles then fail. I know that a stock Evo rocker setup will work great for a hundred thousand miles. Will a roller rocker work for a hundred thousand miles? That I don't know. Does anyone?

Years ago, back in Shovelhead days, a friend of mine put roller rockers in his bike. One of them failed in a few thousand miles. I also remember other "trick shiite" things like spring loaded washers for the rocker shafts. Really quieted down the valve noise on a shovelhead. For a few thousand miles until the washer wore in half and dropped down into the motor. There's plenty more examples. So, I stick with known working, long lasting stuff, and that usually means OEM.

 

What if the pins that hold the rollers on fail What if the rollers were not hardened properly On and on you get my drift Keep it simple keep it stock !

 

Yea, I'm a realist and have noticed that investment = satisfaction ellement when talking to some folks too. Thats why I really wanted to get your opinions.. I do like the idea of a $150 or less set.. But like george said, the quality and longevity are part of what makes me leary..


I understand Evo's are notoriously noisy in the valvetrain area. I can accept that. BUT, I dont recall hearing one this loud. My '95 wasnt, and even this one wasnt until this summer. I'm not sure that it has anything to do with anything, but it seems like it got louder after I tried Valvoline motorcycle oil.. I short changed it after about 1000mi allong with the filter, because I was worried that I may have got a Twinkie filter. I put Revtech 20w50 in it with a new HD filter, same result. I changed the Revtech out after another 1k, and put in HD 20w50, same result.. My indi told me that it was normal (though he wasnt very convincing) and I thought that I may have been looking for the noise and hearing it as being abnormal. I continued to ride it another 2-3k and live with it. It still runs GREAT! I've adjusted the pushrods many times, replaced the lifters and even tried adjusting the lifters from the "full collapsed" possition to make sure I was finding the middle, checked the screen and oil pressure and its all good.. I pull into a gas station or parking lot and the tick is noticibly louder than the SE exhaust..

Its got me baffled, it runs too good to have a burnt valve, worn guide or loose seat (in my mind).. But its got to be something.. I plan to live with it and continue to ride whenever I can, now that its turning cold here. But, combined with the head gasket leak, I'm planning on tearing into it this winter. Its got a SE11 cam and 9.5:1's in it. I'm seriously thinking of working the heads, new valves and springs with 10.5:1's while I'm in there. If you guys arent convinced that the rollers are worth it, I may just pass on them. Any other suggestions would be appreciated too..

 

A head gasket or an exhaust leak can sound like a "tick" from valve noise.

Get one of those "mechanic's stethoscopes" and poke around and see if you can find it. If it's a valve/rocker noise, it will sound loudest up against the head by the pushrod tubes.

 

Yep, been there. Good suggestion though... Its also loudest at the front head, definite tap rather than air.

 

well they help, well i dont think youll notice anything. you also have to remember they have those little rollers they can wear out. less moving parts the less parts to wear out. its one of those things = if you have the money to throw at them and feel they are going to do something then you should get them but dont expect to notice any emprovement from them, unless your turing 10,000 rpm.

 

If you don't use rollers, maybe there is an improved stock style replacement. What model rockers will you use? I ask because my 85 has bad valve seals (oily pipes) so I have to tear into the valve covers. I am considering rollers also.

Rob