Lifter Question

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Mar 14, 2015 | 06:22 AM

#11

sporacer

Road Master

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 1,196

Likes: 14

From: connecticut

Quote:

Originally Posted by gipper

So I installed TW-222 cams in my 2012 Road Glide about 1 year ago. When I ordered my cams, it was recommended that after 10K-15K miles I would want to seriously consider replacing the stock lifters with aftermarket lifters. I am fast approaching the point where I am going to do the job.

I have gathered that appropriate lifters (non OEM) will quiet down the lifter noise (correct me if my understanding is off), but my question is this: is there a performance benefit as well, rather than just getting a longer life out of better lifters?

Checking out for the day, time for a ride. But I look forward to reading some responses from those that are more knowledgeable than myself later this evening.

Thanks!

There is no reason to change your lifters if they are not bleeding down or making noise. The lifter design has been in auto's since the 50's and they are designed to last the life or the vehicle. Your little 222 cams are not stressing them any more than the stock cams.
There are people that think you should change them every oil change on a Harley. Yes the SE catalog does state to check lifters every 7500 because of high lift cams with heavy spring pressures to control valve float. Your 222 cams with stock valve springs do not fall into this.
If you have to upgrade your lifters the S&S premiums without limiters are the ones to use.

Mar 14, 2015 | 06:44 AM

#12

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 11,459

Likes: 2,987

From: Charleston, SC

I'm changing out lifters now - on a stock bike with 19K on it. Found the rear cylinder pair ruined. These are B lifters as well - the good ones. Rollers are trashed. Cams ok for some reason.

If you're wondering, No lifter noise at all. Bike just ran unbalanced like it has a shifted crank, but the crank is fine. Chased this issue for over two years before finally deciding to open the cam chest for a CAM swap.

Still... there are a great many folks that are getting 100K out of stockers but I guess in this case, I'm one of those "lucky" guys who is replacing what should have been good-ish lifters in a low mileage bike. Yay.

Going with Comp Cams 850-1 lifters.

Mar 14, 2015 | 08:09 AM

#13

nhrider1

Road Warrior

Joined: Jul 2012

Posts: 1,566

Likes: 55

From: Londonderry, NH

Quote:

Originally Posted by gipper

Lifters are wear items, and should be replacer periodically. When they fail they can cause considerable collateral damage. The Harley -C lifters are not quality parts, and many failures have been documented...some with very little mileage accumulated on stock engines.

Your '12 has the -C lifters. I'm surprised they weren't replaced when the cam was changed. You've been lucky enough to get this far without problems, but I would definitely replace them with good quality aftermarket lifters. S&S is at the top of the list for quality lifters and their standard lifters are reasonably priced.

Good quality lifters in conjunction with adjustable push rods will generally quiet the valve train....but there are other tolerences in the system that can cause problems (noise).