Push Rod Leaking After Cam Install
Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,454
Likes: 58
From: Graysville, AL
Push Rod Leaking After Cam Install
Hello, I'm having issues getting my push rod tubes to seal up. I did a cam swap on my 18 Road Glide Special and the only issue is the exhaust push rod tubes leak oil. I did order the black push rod tubes from Harley to replace the stock chrome ones. I am going to try stretching the springs a little and see if that helps. I'd appreciate any tips or tricks you guys have. Bike runs awesome by the way. Thanks
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,159
Likes: 120
From: pontotoc ms
Make sure you have the o rings in all the way,roll them around with your finger.
Most of the time that is the problem,and you may have to replace that o ring that is leaking,may have cut it when you put the clip in.
ive had a couple that leaked and that was the problem with all of them
Most of the time that is the problem,and you may have to replace that o ring that is leaking,may have cut it when you put the clip in.
ive had a couple that leaked and that was the problem with all of them
You didnt say where on the pushrod tubes the leaks are. Its hard to diagnose anything without seeing it, but a good description helps and pictures are even better. I think many would be glad to help, but more information is needed.
Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,454
Likes: 58
From: Graysville, AL
It appears to be the top O ring that is leaking the most, maybe a little from the middle o ring. I plan on taking it apart and checking. There is not much spring pressure with these new pushrods. I can put the clip in using my fingers.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,318
Likes: 26
i just went through this same thing. When I pulled the top oring I could see where the tube caught the o-ring and cut it when I put it back in. Grrrrrr, Leaked all over on my test ride. Also a good idea to coat the new orings with oil too. Good luck.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,382
Likes: 404
From: Illinois
Probably nicked the o-ring at the head. Here's a quickie fix and if it doesn't work, then disassemble and replace...
Pop the clip off, back the tube down, clean using brake parts cleaner. Use a small dab of high temp black RTV and apply using an applicator to the top horizontal ledge of the tube around its circumference and insert the tube into the top o-ring. Allow RTV to setup. It may very well solve your problem; ask me how I know
.
If that doesn't work, take it apart and do it the right way lol.
Do not alter the spring - it is not the problem.
Pop the clip off, back the tube down, clean using brake parts cleaner. Use a small dab of high temp black RTV and apply using an applicator to the top horizontal ledge of the tube around its circumference and insert the tube into the top o-ring. Allow RTV to setup. It may very well solve your problem; ask me how I know
.If that doesn't work, take it apart and do it the right way lol.
Do not alter the spring - it is not the problem.
Last edited by VDeuce; Mar 10, 2018 at 08:57 PM.
Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,454
Likes: 58
From: Graysville, AL
Probably nicked the o-ring at the head. Here's a quickie fix and if it doesn't work, then disassemble and replace...
Pop the clip off, back the tube down, clean using brake parts cleaner. Use a small dab of high temp black RTV and apply using an applicator to the top horizontal ledge of the tube around its circumference and insert the tube into the top o-ring. Allow RTV to setup. It may very well solve your problem; ask me how I know.
If that doesn't work, take it apart and do it the right way lol.
Do not alter the spring - it is not the problem.
Pop the clip off, back the tube down, clean using brake parts cleaner. Use a small dab of high temp black RTV and apply using an applicator to the top horizontal ledge of the tube around its circumference and insert the tube into the top o-ring. Allow RTV to setup. It may very well solve your problem; ask me how I know
.If that doesn't work, take it apart and do it the right way lol.
Do not alter the spring - it is not the problem.
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Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,454
Likes: 58
From: Graysville, AL
I disassembled the push rod tubes last night and wiped down the o-rings really well. I did not see any obvious tears or cuts. Reassembled everything and double checked the o rings were seated correctly. I started the bike, let it warm up, revved it a few times and no visible leaks. My fingers are crossed that I fixed it.
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Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 81
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From: Hampton Roads, VA
Have you been leak free? Ever since I installed my S&S 475 cam, I've had leaky pushrod tubes in the rear cylinder. I have found anywhere from small nicks up up gouges out of my upper tube orings. Only on the inside diameter of the oring though . I can't figure out how the heck this keeps happening so consistently. I even checked the clearance of the rocker arm cradle to the pushrod orifice in the head.. seems good though .
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,807
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From: SW Washington State
Have you been leak free? Ever since I installed my S&S 475 cam, I've had leaky pushrod tubes in the rear cylinder. I have found anywhere from small nicks up up gouges out of my upper tube orings. Only on the inside diameter of the oring though . I can't figure out how the heck this keeps happening so consistently. I even checked the clearance of the rocker arm cradle to the pushrod orifice in the head.. seems good though .