Harley lifters ?
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 957
Likes: 2
From: Carlsbad Springs Ontario
Harley lifters ?
New to Harleys and new owner of a 1990 FLT ex. police with 115000 Klms.
Previous owner had it for about 9 years.
Have spent a lot of time dealing with old broken wires etc. and am now down to the motor.
Carb. leaks but will get to that ... otherwise it runs good .
Havent ridden it yet and have only run it up on the stand.
I noticed that after changing the oil to 20/50 it smokes quite a bit from both cylinders and it didnt do that before i did this initial oil change after purchase. Im thinking the 50 weight the po probably had in it has something to do with this.?
Considering the miles on this ole girl would a rebuild be advised here or should i do a comp. test etc. to gather more info.?
My big fear is the dreaded roller tappets failure i have heard so much about .?
Any advise is much appreiciated .
Previous owner had it for about 9 years.
Have spent a lot of time dealing with old broken wires etc. and am now down to the motor.
Carb. leaks but will get to that ... otherwise it runs good .
Havent ridden it yet and have only run it up on the stand.
I noticed that after changing the oil to 20/50 it smokes quite a bit from both cylinders and it didnt do that before i did this initial oil change after purchase. Im thinking the 50 weight the po probably had in it has something to do with this.?
Considering the miles on this ole girl would a rebuild be advised here or should i do a comp. test etc. to gather more info.?
My big fear is the dreaded roller tappets failure i have heard so much about .?
Any advise is much appreiciated .
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 237
Likes: 12
I'd say get a factory service manual if you don't have one. Doing a compression test along with a leak down test will give a good indication of the condition of the motor. You could also check to see if easy install push rods have been installed by popping tube retainers off. If original PR' s are in there, highly unlikely that they have ever been done.
I'd say without a history from the PO (if they were the only owner) change the lifters. And if you've thought of changing cam do that along with checking/changing breather gear.
Overall safe bet is to comp test and leak test and go from there.
I'd say without a history from the PO (if they were the only owner) change the lifters. And if you've thought of changing cam do that along with checking/changing breather gear.
Overall safe bet is to comp test and leak test and go from there.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 259
Likes: 1
From: Kingston, Ontario
As above do a leak down and compression test to ensure the state of the motor before worrying about the lifters. I have around 56k miles on my bike and I will be doing lifters, adj. push rods and cam this winter, not worried about the lifters just want a little extra punch. If you do the work yourself you are looking at about 600.
Cheers
Cheers
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 359
Likes: 2
From: central Mississippi
I just recently installed new lifters and adjustable push rods. It's a fairly easy job. I went with the stock Harley lifters from the dealer. Around $50 dollars a piece. If you get adjustable push rods from the dealer, be sure and get the Screamin' Eagle E-Z Install ones. They go in and out without removing the top end.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 181
Likes: 1
From: Minnesnowta
I just did my lifters at 60,000 miles along with cam bearing, cam, cylinder honing, and valve cuts. 3 of my lifters were bad and on there way out and you just don't know until you get in there to inspect them. However it is a known problem and should be addressed. I also went with the newer Harley OEM Lifters.
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Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 957
Likes: 2
From: Carlsbad Springs Ontario
Harley lifters ?
It would smoke very little until it warmed up , then would clear up just fine.
Cannot get any info. from the p.o., so im assuming he used 50 weight oil.?
After changing the oil ( 20/50 ) it smokes much more .?
My past experience has been with Big Wings that just get there legs at the mileage that big air cooled engines seem to need some TLC.?
Looks like an advised top end and valve train rebuild is the way to go .
Cannot get any info. from the p.o., so im assuming he used 50 weight oil.?
After changing the oil ( 20/50 ) it smokes much more .?
My past experience has been with Big Wings that just get there legs at the mileage that big air cooled engines seem to need some TLC.?
Looks like an advised top end and valve train rebuild is the way to go .
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 957
Likes: 2
From: Carlsbad Springs Ontario
Harley lifters ?
Have seen replies that advise that ... if it dosent sound nasty , ride it forever and dont worry so much ., to , Get in there and replace this and that before it blows up in your face !
Think i will do the top end and valve train rebuild as you advise , as this Hog will be the last in a long line of bikes for me.
Question ... have seen many options regarding what are the best parts etc. for a mild rebuild as described above and am sure that many others would be interested .
Could you list your choise of parts and suggestions in doing a mild rebuild to a tired old EVO .?