Tappet screen cap
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 8,852
Likes: 2,493
From: Decatur, Alabama
Do a search on Ebay for tappet screen plug and you will find some available "buy it now" pretty cheap. The brand name is Colony. I got one for my EVO and one for the Shovel. Both of the original tappet covers were difficult to get out. I used a tool just like Twizted recommended and beat the hell out of the one on the shovel. It wouldn't budge so I hosed it down with WD-40. Still no soap. I finally started it up and let the bike get nice and hot. One more shot of WD-40 and after a few minutes of pounding it submitted.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,578
Likes: 463
From: On a Lake, not far from the Gulf
Mine was screwed up as well. Tried the impact driver, and the bit kept walking out of the slot. ended up taking a dremel to the slot, and cutting it deeper. came out flawlessly.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 601
Likes: 6
From: Aruba
J&P Cycles has them. This is all three in allen. http://www.jpcycles.com/product/741-116 They also have them in hex.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,856
Likes: 127
From: Middle of Kansas
The slot on mine was angled so that I could use a flat steel bar that fit the slot. Put the bar in the slot and hit it with a hammer. Came loose about the third hit. Screen was very clean. I will check it again in about another 30,000 miles.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,558
Likes: 280
From: Russellville, Arkansas
I use to check that screen with about every oil change. It was always clean....
I finally let it go 50,000 miles without checking....and it was still clean.
Anyways, I don't even bother checking it anymore.
I know some folks that actually removed the screen....
I finally let it go 50,000 miles without checking....and it was still clean.
Anyways, I don't even bother checking it anymore.
I know some folks that actually removed the screen....
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,106
Likes: 51,387
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Risky taking them out , I'd say 80% will never see dirt or contaminates . I have on the other hand seen several almost plugged with crap , that has a lot to do with the owner and what he does or doesn't do ( more of the last I think )
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,332
Likes: 3,871
From: Upstate New York
I wouldn't remove it, since the engine oil is filtered on the way from the engine to the oil tank. Oil goes directly from the tank to the oil pump. Most of the time there won't be a problem, but if any foreign matter found it's way into the oil tank, the screen is the only protection for the tappets.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
