SandS why take a chance? Lifters are not that expensive.

 

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GOOD ADVICE!

Scott

 

Went with S&S in my motor.

 

Thanks for all the replies, I spent some time looking further into the Screaming Eagle lifters. I searched everything I could find on the subject.
Here's what I found and didn't find.

In 2002 Harley came out with a Screaming Eagle lifter #18562-02. I don't know if this was based on the B design or not. I'm unsure as to why they changed to the next design. I don't know if it was failure or cost driven. I did find some people who may have had failures with this design but that is unclear as people don't usually specify which model number they had fail so assumptions have to be made on the year of their bike or the year they made the associated upgrades.

In 2007 Harley changed to model #18572-07 Screaming Eagle lifters. These were based on the C design and were apparently manufactured in Mexico. This leads me to believe the change to this design was more cost driven than failure of the previous design driven, but both could have been contributing factors. This is where most of the lifter failure horror stories come from. What I found was this lifter seamed to perform well in stock or slightly modified designs. However, in builds with heavy spring pressure, high lift valves, and high compression ratios, they had many failures. How big is the failure to non-failure ratio? I don't know. It would take an in depth study to really know that. What I found was that all the stories of failures are apparently, for the most part, from this model and a few from the previous model.

In 2013 Harley came out with the current design, the High Capacity Sreaming Eagle lifter model #18572-13. They must have known they had a problem. This design incorporates larger roller bearings capably of handling higher valve springs and compression ratios. This is where what I couldn't find comes in. I couldn't find one failure story that was for sure this current model of lifter. There were a couple that could have been but they could have been the previous model and the person didn't state which model lifter they used in their build. This new design may be assembled in Mexico but apparently some of the key parts are manufactured in the USA and they are then packaged in the USA. ( see attached photo)

Another thing I found was that a couple builders also attribute some lifter failures to inadequate oiling of the lifter bearings and the whole top end. They suggest using an after market bypass spring to increase oil pressure slightly. It was even suggested that the Zippers dual piston cam chain tensioners in conjunction with an upgraded bypass spring will make a significant change in top end oiling. I'm not here to debate that, just passing on what I found.

Now back to my question of whether or not to use the latest model Screaming Eagle lifters I have in my build I plan on doing next year. For now I have the luxury of time. Time to keep my eyes open for post and stories of failures of this latest model lifter. I've been unable to find any for sure failures after 3 years of Harley installing them in 110 builds. I can always buy a set of S&S premiums. Some of you may be interested to know the S&S standards are made in Mexico. Another thing I learned in my search for lifter knowledge. Sorry for the length of this post but it's a lot to cover. Ride safe.

 

Thanks for the research and comprehensive report Sky. Good work.

Based on HD's history, despite the newest design, I think I'd steer clear of SE lifters. In addition to that, I'll never use a lifter manufactured in Mexico. I just got 8 Hylift Johnsons made in USA for 68 bucks per set; proving that USA made products can be well AND be cost effective. Outsourcing is just a way to cut costs and make more money. If I were going to out source, I'd do it myself and not a pay a middleman company a premium; no matter what their name was or how many American flags they flew on their website.

 

Nomadmax, I also prefer to buy American made products whenever possible. If for no other reason than to support American workers and our economy. If everyone thought this way we could make a huge difference to our country.

I bought the lifters on line with the incorrect assumption that they were American made. Now I see they are mostly American made but assembled in I assume Mexico. Harley must have decided they needed better quality control on the parts because of all the failures with the previous version.

I looked into the Hylift Johnsons but there isn't much out there on them. Maybe because people are happy with them so they say nothing. It's usually when a part causes problems that you can find the most posts about it.

 

I forked out a little extra cash for Woods alpha series lifters. They have oil ports that spray oil on the roller bearings to help better lubricate them. Also claim to deliver oil to the top end 25% faster resulting in more oil to the valve train. the added protection of lubed lifter roller bearings was worth the extra money to me.

 

A couple of years ago there were only 3 US lifter manufacturers, Johnston, Morel, and Delphi
Has this changed?

 

SBC or Harley specific?

 

We have 2 engine cases here that were catastrophically destroyed by SE lifters. We use Wood's and S&S lifters day in day out.