26G Cam Install Update
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 373
Likes: 26
From: Virginia
RE: 26G Cam Install Update
ORIGINAL: EasternSP
I've been considering the 26G camas well. Aligning the motor for the cams shouldn't be a problem, but I have had problems in the past when doing engine work and tend to screw one thing or another up. I have every tool known to man and a closed garage to do the work in. Besides not getting a good seal on the gaskets or the bike falling off the lift, what is the worst that could happen when doing the gear drive/cam install myself?
Also, will the bike have to be remapped?
I've been considering the 26G camas well. Aligning the motor for the cams shouldn't be a problem, but I have had problems in the past when doing engine work and tend to screw one thing or another up. I have every tool known to man and a closed garage to do the work in. Besides not getting a good seal on the gaskets or the bike falling off the lift, what is the worst that could happen when doing the gear drive/cam install myself?
Also, will the bike have to be remapped?
I am no expert, but I can give you the benefit of my limited experience.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,939
Likes: 3
From: TX
RE: 26G Cam Install Update
ORIGINAL: Taterdog
Also, special tanks to Dawg and PhilM and others who have provided me with great info along the way. Of all the places on the internet, this forum is probably the most informative and productive.
Also, special tanks to Dawg and PhilM and others who have provided me with great info along the way. Of all the places on the internet, this forum is probably the most informative and productive.
Now, you are ready to help the next guy and we can all see that you have already stepped up and started sharing the knowledge you've gained. That's a perfect example of my philosophy in action!
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 151
Likes: 1
From: North Carolina
RE: 26G Cam Install Update
Basically mine sounds like a diesel when she gets hot. I have talked to several other 26g users who got the same results. We all chased the noise, but nobody ever came up with a solution or a reason such a mild cam would cause this.
After reading post after post on another site about this same thing, I tried what they did.I cannot tell you why this works, but it didfor me and manyothers. When adjusting the pushrods, instead of the recomended2 1/2 turns after zero lash (se pushrods), try fewer turns. I tried 1 1/4 turns on eachpushrod. Some tried as few as 3/4 turn. Theengine was quiet cold, as it was before. I ran the engine 50 miles, and it was still quiet when hot. I have not had the noise since. Believe me, it was bad at 2 1/2 turns. I could not be happier now.
I have talked to several other 26g users who got the same results. We all chased the noise, but nobody ever came up with a solution or a reason such a mild cam would cause this.After reading post after post on another site about this same thing, I tried what they did.I cannot tell you why this works, but it didfor me and manyothers. When adjusting the pushrods, instead of the recomended2 1/2 turns after zero lash (se pushrods), try fewer turns. I tried 1 1/4 turns on eachpushrod. Some tried as few as 3/4 turn. Theengine was quiet cold, as it was before. I ran the engine 50 miles, and it was still quiet when hot. I have not had the noise since. Believe me, it was bad at 2 1/2 turns. I could not be happier now.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 355
Likes: 0
From:
RE: 26G Cam Install Update
Yep. old Hot Rod trick as well to prevent floating valves at high RPM. Keeps the lifter from pumping up after coming off the ramp.We use togo zero lash, then as low as 1/2 to 1 turn depending on the thread pitch. Just enough to give 0.010 to 0.030 preload. Less the better. If you have problems with a little clatter down the road then go another 1/2 turn. Basically to take up any slack when it gets hot or wear occurs.
ORIGINAL: nearmiss
Basically mine sounds like a diesel when she gets hot. I have talked to several other 26g users who got the same results. We all chased the noise, but nobody ever came up with a solution or a reason such a mild cam would cause this.
After reading post after post on another site about this same thing, I tried what they did.I cannot tell you why this works, but it didfor me and manyothers. When adjusting the pushrods, instead of the recomended2 1/2 turns after zero lash (se pushrods), try fewer turns. I tried 1 1/4 turns on eachpushrod. Some tried as few as 3/4 turn. Theengine was quiet cold, as it was before. I ran the engine 50 miles, and it was still quiet when hot. I have not had the noise since. Believe me, it was bad at 2 1/2 turns. I could not be happier now.
Basically mine sounds like a diesel when she gets hot.
I have talked to several other 26g users who got the same results. We all chased the noise, but nobody ever came up with a solution or a reason such a mild cam would cause this.After reading post after post on another site about this same thing, I tried what they did.I cannot tell you why this works, but it didfor me and manyothers. When adjusting the pushrods, instead of the recomended2 1/2 turns after zero lash (se pushrods), try fewer turns. I tried 1 1/4 turns on eachpushrod. Some tried as few as 3/4 turn. Theengine was quiet cold, as it was before. I ran the engine 50 miles, and it was still quiet when hot. I have not had the noise since. Believe me, it was bad at 2 1/2 turns. I could not be happier now.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 373
Likes: 26
From: Virginia
RE: 26G Cam Install Update
ORIGINAL: Rev00
Yep. old Hot Rod trick as well to prevent floating valves at high RPM. Keeps the lifter from pumping up after coming off the ramp.We use togo zero lash, then as low as 1/2 to 1 turn depending on the thread pitch. Just enough to give 0.010 to 0.030 preload. Less the better. If you have problems with a little clatter down the road then go another 1/2 turn. Basically to take up any slack when it gets hot or wear occurs.
Yep. old Hot Rod trick as well to prevent floating valves at high RPM. Keeps the lifter from pumping up after coming off the ramp.We use togo zero lash, then as low as 1/2 to 1 turn depending on the thread pitch. Just enough to give 0.010 to 0.030 preload. Less the better. If you have problems with a little clatter down the road then go another 1/2 turn. Basically to take up any slack when it gets hot or wear occurs.
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,183
Likes: 1
From: Lenexa, KS (KC)
RE: 26G Cam Install Update
Just curious. If you pull your lifter covers, which we have to anyway, can you work out the existing pushrods and reinstall them without tearing down the top end too? Do we really need adjustable pushrods?
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,200
Likes: 1
From:
RE: 26G Cam Install Update
Tater, need to pull the rocker covers (after removing the tank. etc.) and then the rocker assembly. Not really a big thing since you're not touching the head bolts. Just a couple more gaskets to replace.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,200
Likes: 1
From:
RE: 26G Cam Install Update
Ops, think I understnad what you were thinking. Answer is "no", no way to remove the push rods from the bottom. Left in one piece they need to come out from the top - i.e. my previous posting (pull rocker covers).
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 28,559
Likes: 3,954
From: Vermont