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How to replace lifters

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Old Apr 2, 2018 | 01:38 PM
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Default How to replace lifters

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. I've got an 09 Ultra classic that's making a bunch of noise and we've narrowed it down to a bad lifter(s).
I have a manual and have watched several YouTube videos on changing cams but I don't need to go that far. The cams were changed by an Indy about 20k miles ago and adjustable push rods and s&s premium lifters were installed.
I've never torn into this side of my engine before. To just change the lifters out I shouldn't need to break into the cam chest, should I? Is it possible to remove the push rods and then remove the push rod base cover, then remove the lifters from there?
Thanks in advance for any helpful advice or instruction y'all might have.
 
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Old Apr 2, 2018 | 01:48 PM
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I may have just found my answer in the Harley manual. It makes it sounds like I can remove the base and then the lifters are easily lifted out.

Can anyone confirm this?
 
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Old Apr 2, 2018 | 02:01 PM
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Originally Posted by sabunimwil@gmail.com
I may have just found my answer in the Harley manual. It makes it sounds like I can remove the base and then the lifters are easily lifted out.

Can anyone confirm this?
yes, lifters are removed by lifting upward after covers have been removed. Don’t loose the small retaining pin. Push rods come out first of course.
 
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Old Apr 2, 2018 | 02:14 PM
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Originally Posted by InthewindMN

yes, lifters are removed by lifting upward after covers have been removed. Don’t loose the small retaining pin. Push rods come out first of course.
X100. I grabbed an oily, slick anti-rotation pin once and it squirted out of my fingertips and down into the cam chest. I was very fortunate to get a pencil sized extendable magnet down in there and snag it. I was really gonna hate myself if I had to pull exhaust and cam cover for that!
 
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Old Apr 2, 2018 | 02:58 PM
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So, you think your S&S Premium Lifters are toast? Hmmm...
 
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Old Apr 2, 2018 | 03:08 PM
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Originally Posted by GalvTexGuy
So, you think your S&S Premium Lifters are toast? Hmmm...
OP, I think were I you I'd get second opinion on this. Also, before he gets a chance to say it, you might wanna take a look at the website for Rockouts... sometimes the noise you think are lifters are actually the rocker assemblies in the heads...I mean, it's real easy to change lifters, but the S&S units should last a lot longer than what you are saying.
 
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Old Apr 2, 2018 | 03:56 PM
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Check to see if the adjustable push rods are adjusted correctly.
 
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Old Apr 2, 2018 | 06:16 PM
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Originally Posted by Veekness
OP, I think were I you I'd get second opinion on this. Also, before he gets a chance to say it, you might wanna take a look at the website for Rockouts... sometimes the noise you think are lifters are actually the rocker assemblies in the heads...I mean, it's real easy to change lifters, but the S&S units should last a lot longer than what you are saying.
I'm going to take it to my Indy and have their tech give me another opinion. That's a good call.
I thought it was a short life for an s&s premium myself. It's coming from the right side of the motor. It sounds like a pneumatic hammer when under load, under 2700rpm. Above 2700ish it goes away. It started after I had the bike dynoed a week and a half ago.

I'm open to opinions from y'all. I'm having the tech look at it tomorrow afternoon.

I have rockouts ready to go. I ordered them months ago and just haven't pulled the trigger due to laziness.
 
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Old Apr 2, 2018 | 08:06 PM
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The RPM range sounds about right for the rocket supports to be squirming around....I'm optimistic that the Rockouts will solve the problem
 
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Old Apr 3, 2018 | 05:56 AM
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It's certainly worth getting an expert/second diagnosis where odd noises are concerned. It's very easy to spend a lot of money on the wrong things......
 
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