Engine questions...is it stage 2?

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Aug 24, 2010 | 04:07 PM

#11

SC-Longhair

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Joined: Feb 2008

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From: Passaic County, NJ

Did you buy this bike at a dealer? I assume it was used and traded in against a newer bike. If so, then make them tell you what has been done to the bike. You can't guess about this stuff. You/they either know or you/they don't.

Aug 24, 2010 | 04:38 PM

#12

Skrimshaw

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From: Summerfield, Florida

I did just call the dealer. They told me, when they got the bike in, the front engine mount was replaced. She also added the new mounts are stronger and stiffer, which adds vibration.
They asked for me to bring it in and they will hook it up to the computer to try and figure out whats going on.
As far as it being a selling point. I did not even go to HD to buy a new bike. I fell in love and traded my softail in for it. I wasn't given any sales pitches because it was love at first sight.
Thanks for the tip on the cam cover, I will take a look.

Aug 24, 2010 | 05:11 PM

#13

BurgundyUltra06

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Joined: Jun 2009

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From: Portland, OR metro area

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2kids3pets

If one were to have adjustable push rods what might that tell you?

I agree that you should check this. Chances are that if they changed the cams they'd go with adjustable push rods rather than true fit. Just pull one of your push rod covers off -- easy 2 minute peek.

Aug 24, 2010 | 05:19 PM

#14

SC-Longhair

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From: Passaic County, NJ

Adjustable pushrods is not always a tell-tale sign. I changed cams on my '07 dyna and reused the stock pushrods without one issue.

Aug 24, 2010 | 06:30 PM

#15

Skrimshaw

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From: Summerfield, Florida

First, let me say thank you for the help and ideas. Burg, what you are saying, if it has adjustale rods MOST likely it has cams? To take off the cam cover I would need to remove the exhaust. This weekend my pipes should be coming in, I plan on pulling it off then.

Aug 24, 2010 | 07:10 PM

#16

BurgundyUltra06

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From: Portland, OR metro area

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skrimshaw

Scrimshaw,

I'll start by saying that SCLonghair is also correct in his comment. The things I think we're pointing out may be INDICATORS but not conclusive by any means.

One can change cams and still have solid push rods. One may have adjustable push rods without having a cam change (but IMHO can't think of a reason except catastrophic failure which is unlikely on a solid push rod absent other failures).

So what I suggested was that you peek at the push rods. You do not need to take off cam cover nor the exhaust. The attached pic, whilst poor quality from my PDA, may give you an idea of what I'm talking about.

Pick your favorite jug from the throttle side depending on whether your left-handed or right. In my pic I chose the rear jug. All you gotta do is to put a small slot head screwdriver (or other suitable tool) in the loop-out portion of the upper keeper of the push rod covers. With your other hand, grasp the ~1/2" tall ring -- that's spring loaded -- and push DOWN on that ring while pushing the top keeper down and prying the TOP out.

After you get the top keeper portion out, you can then slide the lower portion up and down to see if you have adjustable push rods (you'll see threads and a retaining nut) or fixed length rods (you'll just see a smooth rod the entire length).

Please note that this may be an indicator but not conclusive evidence of a cam job.

Installation is reverse of this procedure, but be prepared to cuss a few times and maybe draw a bit of blood depending on the tension of your springs in the lower push rod cover.

Hopes this helps,

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