I am just curios about the guide pin tool used to align the lifter blocks. How many actually use these and how important are they? seams to me there is very little movent of the blocks when just one bolt is started. I have installed these blocks without using the pins and have not noticed a problem. Curious what others have done?

 

The tool is two or three tappered screws that I bought on ebay for $8.00. You could even borrow mine if you pay shipping.

"They" say if you dont use it two thing could happen.
1. your pushrod tubes will leak
2. you will get uneven wear on the cam from the lifters not being set correctly.


**I agree that when I used them, they did not appear to move the tappet block very much at all.

 

they do center the tappet blocks spot on...however, you CAN get away without using them and achieve the same results if you take your time with using the mounting screws

imo

 

Well I decided to break down and spend the 8 bucks for the pins. I just don't see what they really do but going to try them

 

Perhaps a couple of small tapered drift punch's?

 

Never use them, never had a problem.

 

I guess I don't understand the issue. It's not like they're some $300 special tool, or something. Why wouldn't you use them? You really only need one.

 

I don't use them because you don't need them, the lifter block can only sit at 90 degrees to the joint face and the rollers are kept in line fore an aft by the block too.....there isn't enough play for them to go in wrong and there isn't enough play in the bolt holes for it get out of whack.

 

Exactly my thought Spanners39 this is why i started this thread to see what others opinion are on these as I just dont see the purpose of them. You read so much about lifter failure and rocker noise could this be associated maybe but I doubt it. So just makes me wonder what purpose they serve? I know useless thread but who knows theres probably several others wondering if they need to use them or not. Your decision

Thanks for your input.

 

Lifters wear out and then fail, rocker noise is often a high-lift cam or just wear and tear, once the rocker lobes/bushes wear you will never get them to be quiet. H-D have a special tool for everything and some are just not needed if time isn't of the essence, remember, Dealerships charge for the job and if they can get it done faster they will still charge you the listed price, so speed = $$$$ because they can work 8 hours and charge for 12....all workshops do this, even Indies.

What the pins actually do is make the job so you can do it without thinking about what you are doing.....like on an assembly line....your H-D motor is not assembled with loving care by experts, a lot of it is done unskilled labour who are taught to do a process by rote.

All vehicle manufacturers spin you a yarn about their special tools to make you a: Buy them at a vastly inflated price and b: Be too scared to do the job yourself.