Need Lifter Education
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 956
Likes: 144
From: Old Bridge, NJ
Need Lifter Education
So I’m starting to hear a little “clatter” on startups in the morning. Have about 30K on my ‘19 Stage 1 (all Harley)RG After the bike warms up it seems to go away.. I’ve read some similar posts and lifters come up often. Don’t know how concerned I should be. Can someone educate me. TIA
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,143
Likes: 11,212
From: San Diego, CA
The early twin cam lifters, were considered to be excellent lifters. In June of 2011, HD changed to the #18538-99C lifter.. commonly referred to as the "C" lifter. They are considered to be a weak spot (some would use stronger words) in the valve train.
Per the online parts finders, your 2019 M8 uses the "C" lifters.
Barring a lifter problem, I wouldn't open a cam chest just to replace the "C" lifters, but anytime I open a cam chest on a new-to-me bike that has the "C" lifters, they are replaced.
I prefer the Johnson Hylift from WFO Larry (Larry's motorcycle & Machine). I understand he may have trouble getting some products due to Covid supply issues... http://www.larrysmotorcyclemachine.com/lifters.html. of course there are other good lifters. I've never heard a bad thing about an S&S lifter, but they can be pricey..
Your issue could be several things. I don't own, nor have I worked on an M8 engine. I have read an issue with the rocker arms and an adjustment procedure.. so your noise could be a rocker adjustment issue.
However, if you open the cam chest for an inspection, or remove the pushrods for any reason, IMHO.... I would get new lifters...
Per the online parts finders, your 2019 M8 uses the "C" lifters.
Barring a lifter problem, I wouldn't open a cam chest just to replace the "C" lifters, but anytime I open a cam chest on a new-to-me bike that has the "C" lifters, they are replaced.
I prefer the Johnson Hylift from WFO Larry (Larry's motorcycle & Machine). I understand he may have trouble getting some products due to Covid supply issues... http://www.larrysmotorcyclemachine.com/lifters.html. of course there are other good lifters. I've never heard a bad thing about an S&S lifter, but they can be pricey..
Your issue could be several things. I don't own, nor have I worked on an M8 engine. I have read an issue with the rocker arms and an adjustment procedure.. so your noise could be a rocker adjustment issue.
However, if you open the cam chest for an inspection, or remove the pushrods for any reason, IMHO.... I would get new lifters...
Last edited by hattitude; Aug 2, 2021 at 12:05 PM.
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 956
Likes: 144
From: Old Bridge, NJ
The early twin cam lifters, were considered to be excellent lifters. In June of 2011, HD changed to the #18538-99C lifter.. commonly referred to as the "C" lifter. They are considered to be a weak spot (some would use stronger words) in the valve train.
Per the online parts finders, your 2019 M8 uses the "C" lifters.
Barring a lifter problem, I wouldn't open a cam chest just to replace the "C" lifters, but anytime I open a cam chest on a new-to-me bike that has the "C" lifters, they are replaced.
I prefer the Johnson Hylift from WFO Larry (Larry's motorcycle & Machine). I understand he may have trouble getting some products due to Covid supply issues... http://www.larrysmotorcyclemachine.com/lifters.html. of course there are other good lifters. I've never heard a bad thing about an S&S lifter, but they can be pricey..
Your issue could be several things. I don't own, nor have I worked on an M8 engine. I have read an issue with the rocker arms and an adjustment procedure.. so your noise could be a rocker adjustment issue.
However, if you open the cam chest for an inspection, or remove the pushrods for any reason, IMHO.... I would get new lifters...
Per the online parts finders, your 2019 M8 uses the "C" lifters.
Barring a lifter problem, I wouldn't open a cam chest just to replace the "C" lifters, but anytime I open a cam chest on a new-to-me bike that has the "C" lifters, they are replaced.
I prefer the Johnson Hylift from WFO Larry (Larry's motorcycle & Machine). I understand he may have trouble getting some products due to Covid supply issues... http://www.larrysmotorcyclemachine.com/lifters.html. of course there are other good lifters. I've never heard a bad thing about an S&S lifter, but they can be pricey..
Your issue could be several things. I don't own, nor have I worked on an M8 engine. I have read an issue with the rocker arms and an adjustment procedure.. so your noise could be a rocker adjustment issue.
However, if you open the cam chest for an inspection, or remove the pushrods for any reason, IMHO.... I would get new lifters...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 11,471
Likes: 2,998
From: Charleston, SC
Mine were the same way after about the same miles. Funny thing is that since new, the noise would come and go, but around 30K it stayed.
Was never worried though. Almost expected given all the reports on noise these OEM lifters can make after a spell.
Replaced mine when doing a cam job with Woods directionals. No more noise.
Was never worried though. Almost expected given all the reports on noise these OEM lifters can make after a spell.
Replaced mine when doing a cam job with Woods directionals. No more noise.
Last edited by lp; Aug 2, 2021 at 01:59 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 108
Likes: 18
From: BC, Canada
So I’m starting to hear a little “clatter” on startups in the morning. Have about 30K on my ‘19 Stage 1 (all Harley)RG After the bike warms up it seems to go away.. I’ve read some similar posts and lifters come up often. Don’t know how concerned I should be. Can someone educate me. TIA
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