Woods Alpha lifter failure
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 109
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From: Horse Cave
Woods Alpha lifter failure
A few weeks back I purchased everything to do a Fuel Moto 128 big bore on my 2020 RGL. I chose the Woods 22XE cam so I figured I may as well use the Alpha lifters as well. After the build was finished I put just over 700 miles on the bike and did an oil change before heading to Florida on it. The 3rd or 4th day of our trip to Florida we stopped along the way for a break and all was well. When we got back on the bike to head out it was knocking as soon as I cranked it. I immeadiately shut it off and of course checked the oil and it was full. I then started the bike back up and no knocking. I was very confused as to what had happened and very nervous being so far from home with alot of miles left to go. We continued on with our trip and never had another issue. We traveled 2650 miles over 9 days of riding and the bike ran great. After returning home we have taken a couple of 200-250 mile rides and everything was still good. This past Sunday we rode around 265 miles and still no engine noise at all. I parked the bike in the garage and it hadn't been touched until this afternoon when I went to crank it and there was the knocking again only louder this time. I did the same oil level check and it was still full, waited a few minutes and started the bike again and it was still knocking. I knew I had a problem now so I took the pushrods out and sure enough the exhaust lifter on the front cylinder has failed. I read about issues with these lifters failing but for some reason I still bought them thinking they'd be fine. So now I have a bike torn apart and supposed to be leaving town Friday on it for a weekend trip. I guess I'll go purchase a set of HD lifters tomorrow to get it back on the road. Next time I see bad reports on something I'll think a little harder before purchasing it.
Popular Reply
Apr 14, 2021, 01:11 PM
OP reached out to us this morning, we overnighted him a new lifter with a return label for the lifter giving him the issue.
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Jamie Long / Fuel Moto USA
The USA's Leader V-Twin EFI & Performance www.fuelmotousa.com
Contact 920-423-3309
Email jamie@fuelmotousa.com
Jamie Long / Fuel Moto USA
The USA's Leader V-Twin EFI & Performance www.fuelmotousa.com
Contact 920-423-3309
Email jamie@fuelmotousa.com
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 11,476
Likes: 3,003
From: Charleston, SC
Man that sucks. It happens. I don't think I've heard of a single brand of lifter that has not failed at one time or another; however, the brand that comes up the most.... HD. I'd try something else.
I'm sure yours are still covered. Why not ask your vendor to overnight you a new set?
I'm sure yours are still covered. Why not ask your vendor to overnight you a new set?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 5,315
Likes: 4,272
From: Granville New York
Thats not what I wanted to hear. I had read awhile ago they had a few problems ...thought it was a thing of the past. Im waiting on a 107 big bore kit fuel moto now for guy that im doing a motor for. Im sorry to hear about your problems, im sure fuel moto will step up to help you out. Im still feeling a little uneasy but hopefully its an isolated thing. I wanted the lifters that wfo Larry sells but he looks to be sold out...I've got them in my bike and they've been great. Good luck getting the bike done
Contact us in the morning and we can get you a set of lifters and get you rolling. All it takes to stick a plunger in a lifter is the smallest particulate (regardless of brand) it happens. If the plunger is not stuck its possible the pushrod does not have enough preload and the lifter is not functioning properly. We’ve sold in the many thousands of sets of Woods lifters and put them in every engine we build, we rely on them day in day out, we also carry & stock most other brands of lifters as well, most of which are supplied from the same manufacturer. Let us know how we can help
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 597
Likes: 285
From: Gouda
Contact us in the morning and we can get you a set of lifters and get you rolling. All it takes to stick a plunger in a lifter is the smallest particulate (regardless of brand) it happens. If the plunger is not stuck its possible the pushrod does not have enough preload and the lifter is not functioning properly. Weve sold in the many thousands of sets of Woods lifters and put them in every engine we build, we rely on them day in day out, we also carry & stock most other brands of lifters as well, most of which are supplied from the same manufacturer. Let us know how we can help
.Fuel Moto FTW.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2020
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From: Horse Cave
I need to clarify how I worded my post. I stated that I purchased everything to do a FM 128 build, I did not clarify that everything I purchased did not come from FM. I purchased the majority of my build from FM but for the lifters I actually purchased them through American Classic Motors to save some money and now that choice may cost me more money. As for FM, Jamie exchanged several emails with me before, during, and after my build answering every question I had. In my opinion FM is top notch and I will be purchasing more from them in the future. I had no doubt FM would take care of the lifters had I purchased them from there. I had zero communication with ACM during my build, I simply saw a price that got my attention and ran with it. Hind sight is 20/20, I should have paid the extra then and it would have paid off now. I am in no way bashing or being negative towards ACM, they only sold the lifters and it's not thier fault one failed. I will be contacting them this morning to see if they stand behind what they sell. If they do that's great and if not it's a lesson learned.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 109
Likes: 50
From: Horse Cave
Contact us in the morning and we can get you a set of lifters and get you rolling. All it takes to stick a plunger in a lifter is the smallest particulate (regardless of brand) it happens. If the plunger is not stuck its possible the pushrod does not have enough preload and the lifter is not functioning properly. Weve sold in the many thousands of sets of Woods lifters and put them in every engine we build, we rely on them day in day out, we also carry & stock most other brands of lifters as well, most of which are supplied from the same manufacturer. Let us know how we can help
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 109
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From: Horse Cave
American Classic Motors definitely doesn't have the customer service that Fuel Moto does. I've learned my lesson and paid the price for trying to save $50 but I sure won't make that same mistake again.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 597
Likes: 285
From: Gouda
You could contact Wood Performance directly if you've kept the receipt.
OP reached out to us this morning, we overnighted him a new lifter with a return label for the lifter giving him the issue.
