S&S Lifter Failed - Replace with what??
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 3,442
Likes: 1,429
From: pensacola fl
Can the oil pressure in a HD motor be bumped up to 30 at hot idle? If so, what problems come with that? Are there other modifications that can be done to handle 30lbs of oil pressure?
If the pressure can not be bumped up, what can be done to help with the issue of hot oil pressure?
I have a ton of interest in this stuff, just for the knowledge of it.
If the pressure can not be bumped up, what can be done to help with the issue of hot oil pressure?
I have a ton of interest in this stuff, just for the knowledge of it.
Club Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 10,734
Likes: 3,755
From: SWFL
This is why Steve Cole designed springs that allow higher lift cams with the stock spring pressures. With four valve heads the pressure required for each valve is much less. Even though each lifter is opening two valves, if you keep the spring pressures at the stock level, you shouldn't experience a problem with lifters caused by being overloaded by the springs.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 817
Likes: 380
From: Central Ohio
My understanding is seat force and open force are two very different values. Think about it. With seat force, the spring is close to its fully extended state. Exerting a minimal amount of force. However when you compress the spring, you need more force as you compress it to max. This explains it pretty well. https://help.summitracing.com/app/an...t%20max%20lift.
What Steve told me was that before he developed these springs he ran an engine with the stock springs to 6500 rpm or more and did not experience valve float. I'm not sure what cam he was using, but he said that the stock spring pressures were sufficient and that the aftermarket springs with much higher pressures were putting undo stress on the valve train. He could tell you much more than I can, but it makes sense to me.
Club Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 10,734
Likes: 3,755
From: SWFL
And I see you are just an a$$... So welcome to my ignore list.
Club Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 10,734
Likes: 3,755
From: SWFL
What Steve told me was that before he developed these springs he ran an engine with the stock springs to 6500 rpm or more and did not experience valve float. I'm not sure what cam he was using, but he said that the stock spring pressures were sufficient and that the aftermarket springs with much higher pressures were putting undo stress on the valve train. He could tell you much more than I can, but it makes sense to me.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 817
Likes: 380
From: Central Ohio
You're welcome, don't be a cry baby
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 4,359
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From: Dubuque, IA
My Harley battery took a dump a year after the warranty expired. They wouldn't replace it. I'll never buy another battery from Harley. I don't trust them.
That's the same thing being said here about S&S lifters. Who btw doesn't make lifters.
Neither does Feuling or Woods.
They're all made by one of the two Johnson companies or they're made overseas. And made to the specs requested.
I can't tell you where each of the so called premium lifters are made except Hylift Johnson lifters are made by Hylift Johnson, now owned by Topline and are designed specifically for the varying oil pressures and spring pressures of Harleys. They have been for years.
Seems to me it's a no brainer on what lifter to use.
I THINK back when S&S had the lifter they called the premium it was the same lifter. Since discontinuing that lifter and going with what is called their precision lifter now I couldn't tell you.
Same goes with any of these so called premium lifters.
That's the same thing being said here about S&S lifters. Who btw doesn't make lifters.
Neither does Feuling or Woods.
They're all made by one of the two Johnson companies or they're made overseas. And made to the specs requested.
I can't tell you where each of the so called premium lifters are made except Hylift Johnson lifters are made by Hylift Johnson, now owned by Topline and are designed specifically for the varying oil pressures and spring pressures of Harleys. They have been for years.
Seems to me it's a no brainer on what lifter to use.
I THINK back when S&S had the lifter they called the premium it was the same lifter. Since discontinuing that lifter and going with what is called their precision lifter now I couldn't tell you.
Same goes with any of these so called premium lifters.
Last edited by 60Gunner; Aug 29, 2023 at 02:10 PM.
