EVO All Evo Model Discussion

Problems with Ev 27 install on 98 Evo

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 8, 2013 | 01:05 PM
  #11  
Spanners39's Avatar
Spanners39
Seasoned HDF Member
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,736
Likes: 1,524
From: Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand
Default

3 miles should pump up the lifters. Running on one could mean a badly seating valve or timing. In cases lke this you have to make sure that everything is where it should be before diagnosing.

Do this:

Check timing (strobe)

Check float level in carby

New plugs

Readjust pushrods as per the instructions they came with

Then tell us what happens :-)
 
Reply
Old Jan 8, 2013 | 01:41 PM
  #12  
Lakerat's Avatar
Lakerat
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,826
Likes: 87
From: Cookson, Ok
Default

Compression check will let you know if your lifters are adjusted within the ballpark, a valve has been bent or have a lifter that has collapsed from overtightening a pushrod. The total travel of the lifters is supposed to be @ that .210" and they should be preloaded in the middle of that. If the compression doesn't come out right, carefully adjust the lifters again even if you have to buy a buddy that has more experience a beer to do it for you this time.
Too late now, but I kinda go against the normal by not soaking the lifters in oil, just a coating on the outside. That way, I don't have to worry about waiting on them to bleed off as I move along. I pump them up by pulling the plugs, put tranny in second gear, roll the rear tire over by hand a fer times to make sure everything turns OK. Then I put it back in neutral and crank the engine over with the starter for about 30 seconds in 10 second bursts.
 

Last edited by Lakerat; Jan 8, 2013 at 02:05 PM.
Reply
Old Jan 8, 2013 | 01:54 PM
  #13  
Pinetop's Avatar
Pinetop
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 421
Likes: 1
From: louisiana
Default have fire and fuel, how can I eliminate the pushrods

Ok, Spanners did everything you instructed and I am on my was back from parts store to rent compression test equipment. Is there a way to eliminate the pushrod as a cause of the compression let down. I ask this because now that I know I have fuel and fire the compression is the only issue left. Is there some way to determine which is the cause, the pushrod, lifter compressed to much or a faulty valve other than taking the top off and observing the valve?

Pinetop
 
Reply
Old Jan 8, 2013 | 02:01 PM
  #14  
Pinetop's Avatar
Pinetop
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 421
Likes: 1
From: louisiana
Default Stater plug rattles loose

Before I started this project the front cylinder was not firing which started after the plug between regulator and stator rattled loose and all the power was drained from the battery and the engine had a noisy failure and stopped running with a bang. I am thinking now that that event is the cause of the cylinder not firing. Is there a way to keep the plug from rattling loose? The dealer says you cannot purchase a new plug male or female end without buying a stator or regulator. This is the second time this has occurred and now with damage to the bike occurring I want to eliminate this problem. Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks

Pinetop
 
Reply
Old Jan 8, 2013 | 02:07 PM
  #15  
Gigawitz's Avatar
Gigawitz
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 525
Likes: 2
From: San Diego
Default

They sell a hold down bracket for that, most Indy shops carry them. It bolts to the front case bolt and keeps constant pressure on the stator regulator plug..
 
Reply
Old Jan 8, 2013 | 02:33 PM
  #16  
Spanners39's Avatar
Spanners39
Seasoned HDF Member
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,736
Likes: 1,524
From: Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand
Default

Originally Posted by Pinetop
Ok, Spanners did everything you instructed and I am on my was back from parts store to rent compression test equipment. Is there a way to eliminate the pushrod as a cause of the compression let down. I ask this because now that I know I have fuel and fire the compression is the only issue left. Is there some way to determine which is the cause, the pushrod, lifter compressed to much or a faulty valve other than taking the top off and observing the valve?

Pinetop

If the comp test is bad you can back off the pushrods until they only just open the valves and see if comp comes back up.

This is why I don't like adjustables.......just one more Ethiopian in the fuel supply.....with stock ones you just put it all back together and it works....I have said it a lot and will say it again...H-D know what they are doing, you shouldn't mess with the stock motor if you aren't a capable wrench because some aftermarket systems take away the idiot-proofing that is a major plus point on Harleys...they don't require a lot of special maintenance skills. ( I don't think you are an idiot by the way)

I have had a good amount of feedback from people who I have been able to help, they think I know my way around a Harley......yet my bikes are not far from stock, just a few longevity or easy maintenace upgrades...folks need to think about that :-)
 
Reply
Old Jan 8, 2013 | 07:54 PM
  #17  
hardheaded's Avatar
hardheaded
Seasoned HDF Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 11,226
Likes: 3,049
From: St.Louis Mo.
Default

are you sure you have a hot battery and the bike is charging? sounds like you may have more mech. problems,as said before maybe stuck valve?
 
Reply
Old Jan 8, 2013 | 08:45 PM
  #18  
shovelhead FXEF's Avatar
shovelhead FXEF
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 184
Likes: 2
From: North Bend Ohio
Default

When you adjusted valves did you let lifters bleed down before rotating to next adjustment? May crash a valve into piston. .018 is a little large. I like .010 to .015. Lobe clearance is not uncommon. Do compression test
 
Reply
HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

story-0

7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jan 9, 2013 | 05:50 AM
  #19  
Hillsidecycle.com's Avatar
Hillsidecycle.com
Sponsor
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 12,084
Likes: 829
Default

Wow, sounds like this simple upgrade, has taken a hard left hand turn.........
Scott
 
Reply
Old Jan 9, 2013 | 06:32 PM
  #20  
Pinetop's Avatar
Pinetop
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 421
Likes: 1
From: louisiana
Default All is well

Did the compression test and definitely no compression whatsoever in the front cylinder. Called the Evo guy at the dealer ship and he said to put compressed air in the spark plug hole and lisen for leaks from the valves after removing pushrods. Well that was it. No leaks so it was the pushrods all along. I get to worked up is things do not work out immediately. He also suggested going to three turns instead of the four suggested. I did so and she started right up and ran like her pants were on fire. I am very pleased. Thanks to all here because no telling what type of panics I would be in if not for this forum. I do know now that what some manufacturers call no slack in pushrods varied from what I thought it was. All in all things a very good. I like to walk up to the bike and have it start with the first bump of the button.

I have the little guard on the plug but it does not keep constant pressure. I will take it off and bend it back to the position where it keeps pressure. I also moved the male portion of the plug prongs out a little to make it snap before coming out of the female plug. Hopefully this will do it.

The only problem remaining is the serious vibration since I installed the new drive belt. It is not too tight but it may be too loose.
Would that cause the vibration I am feeling (seems to be right under the seat or mid bike location).

Again thanks everyone and I should always keep it simple stupid.

Pinetop

Ag
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:59 PM.

story-0
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-1
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-4
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-5
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-6
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-7
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE