Pushrod won't fit.
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Joined: Aug 2014
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From: UK
Pushrod won't fit.
Hi,
I fitted a set of S&S solid lifters and adjustable pushrods to my 1973 FLH over the weekend. However, I am stuck on installing the last pushrod (rear intake). With the lifter on the heel of the cam, the pushrod is around 3mm below the edge of the lifter cup.
Can anyone suggest tips, tricks or a possible problem with the valve seat that might help reach a resolution? As I see it, my options are:
1. Remove the head - not keen
2. Fit a shorter (under length) pushrod
3. Dissamble the pushrod, mill it down and refit. (Not sure how to pull a pushrod apart).
4. Grind the edge of the solid lifter cup to allow the rod to fit in.
I am using the correct length pushrod for the lifter.
I fitted a set of S&S solid lifters and adjustable pushrods to my 1973 FLH over the weekend. However, I am stuck on installing the last pushrod (rear intake). With the lifter on the heel of the cam, the pushrod is around 3mm below the edge of the lifter cup.
Can anyone suggest tips, tricks or a possible problem with the valve seat that might help reach a resolution? As I see it, my options are:
1. Remove the head - not keen
2. Fit a shorter (under length) pushrod
3. Dissamble the pushrod, mill it down and refit. (Not sure how to pull a pushrod apart).
4. Grind the edge of the solid lifter cup to allow the rod to fit in.
I am using the correct length pushrod for the lifter.
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From: la la land jerzey
some pushrod sets come with 4 sizes - the rear intake would be the shortest - then the front intake - then the rear exhaust - and lastly the front exhaust
sitting all 4 on a flat surface standing straight up you can see the difference
sitting all 4 on a flat surface standing straight up you can see the difference
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Decatur, Alabama
I had that problem with my ironhead. To get the pushrod in, I used a brake spoon and levered it in by pushing on the end of the pushrod against the valve until it snapped into place. Normally I wouldn't even joke about doing something like this but it is what was recommended; it worked; and the damn thing started right up afterwards.
carl
carl
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Joined: Jul 2014
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From: Cental, MI
I thought all Shovelhead pushrod sets had at least 3 different Length's... so I can't speak to that... but If one didn't check... it bears a Look...
Almost too common on Ironheads, as the seats get sunken...and valve stem protrusion gets long...and therefore the room for the pushrod diminishes..
We use a "Custom" tool....a specially modified wrench ... to Pry them on..
Hoping your Shovelhead is Not suffering from badly sunken seats!!!!
Almost too common on Ironheads, as the seats get sunken...and valve stem protrusion gets long...and therefore the room for the pushrod diminishes..
We use a "Custom" tool....a specially modified wrench ... to Pry them on..
Hoping your Shovelhead is Not suffering from badly sunken seats!!!!
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From: US
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Driftless Area
I have a set of Jim's big-axle hydraulics in mine. Ran nicely for quite a while, then one day, out of the blue, the lifter cup broke on the rear exhaust lifter, jamming the pushrod up and bending the valve. After some choice words with Jim's, they informed me I should have gotten the EVO-style lifters (???). Apparently the angle creates too much pressure on the side of the cup. They did replace the broken lifter at no cost. I immediately milled the top of the cup .015". There was still plenty of dish in the cup to capture the pushrod end. No issues for years now.
Just remember which one it is, and return it to that spot if you ever disassemble.
Just remember which one it is, and return it to that spot if you ever disassemble.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 21,735
Likes: 17,569
From: Driftless Area
I've seen the non-adjustables that are color-coded.
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From: Cental, MI
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