Hydraulic Lifter Problem
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 415
From: Southern Maryland
Hydraulic Lifter Problem
I am currently in process of changing my lifters and cams because they make too much noise when I start it and takes about 1 mile to get them quiet. They also clatter when I rev engine up as I down shift. So pulled the front two and they looked pretty good to me. Today I pulled the rear cylinder lifters and the inboard one has wear marks on it. Take a look, hope you can see the wear marks. Engine got hot several years ago when stuck in traffic, and started pinging. Had AMSOIL 20W50 synthetic. Changed last year to Mobil 1 20W50 synthetic. The roller just looks scuffed to me in several places. Comments please.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 69
From: Near Myrtle Beach, SC
I am currently in process of changing my lifters and cams because they make too much noise when I start it and takes about 1 mile to get them quiet. They also clatter when I rev engine up as I down shift. So pulled the front two and they looked pretty good to me. Today I pulled the rear cylinder lifters and the inboard one has wear marks on it. Take a look, hope you can see the wear marks. Engine got hot several years ago when stuck in traffic, and started pinging. Had AMSOIL 20W50 synthetic. Changed last year to Mobil 1 20W50 synthetic. The roller just looks scuffed to me in several places. Comments please.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 415
From: Southern Maryland
Hydraulic lifters
The engine got really hot on a ride to Philly and we sat on I-95 moving about 3 feet, stop, 3 feet, stop in 100 degree weather. I was with 10 other riders, and my bike was the only one that started pinging. I think that pinging said I was frying my engine, and the oil may or may not have been the problem. At any rate, I started hearing the clatter from the lifters right after that. So I switched oil from AMSOIL to Mobil-1. I am not knocking either oil, just providing info in case it may have a bearing on the wear marks.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 6,129
Likes: 143
From: Santa Cruz
Yeah, ya need lifters. Newer Harley lifters SUCK! Chevy lifters are much better are cheaper and work well. What cam ya doing.
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Supporter
Joined: Dec 2013
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Likes: 48
From: eastern mi
Lifters were bad on my 2010 Ultra with 36,000 mi. Put the SE lifters in it and put the Amsoil back in it.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: North Cental Iowa
I'd change lifters, cams, & inner cam bearings, I'd also suggest an Axtell oil bypass valve, it increases your oil pressure & reduces aeration of the oil. While you're in there check the oil pump to see signs of wear or damage.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
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From: Santa Clarita
I would change them even if they weren't scuffed...in my opinion, HD lifters have always been a weak point. I would use nothing but a very high quality lifter, like S&S, JIMS, Feuling, or equivalent. We're it me, I would also change the pushrods to adjustable ones, and it's a good time to consider cam replacement if you're not happy with what's in there now.