Cam Installation Question
Get the SE pushrods, they come with the shorter bottom tubes and longer clips. That gives you more room to adjust the pushrods. If you use the FM/Smith Bros pushrods, you can theoretically use the stock pushrod covers, but I sure don't see how you'd have enough room, you'd likely wind up buying the shorter tubes anyway, which adds another 50-60 bucks to the cost.
I've got the Smith Bros pushrods in my bike, but I installed them from the top with the rockers off. That allowed me to just drop them into place in one piece, then adjust them to the proper length. Otherwise, you'll have to install them in two pieces and connect them in place on the motor with the pushrod covers in the way. It's not that much more work, but it is a little cumbersome. My arthritic hands don't appreciate all that close quarters work.
Personally, I wouldn't install the cam inner bearings without a tool that sets the bearings at the proper depth. It's never a bad idea to get the right tools for the job. If you don't do another cam install, you can always sell them to another forum member.
I've got the Smith Bros pushrods in my bike, but I installed them from the top with the rockers off. That allowed me to just drop them into place in one piece, then adjust them to the proper length. Otherwise, you'll have to install them in two pieces and connect them in place on the motor with the pushrod covers in the way. It's not that much more work, but it is a little cumbersome. My arthritic hands don't appreciate all that close quarters work.
Personally, I wouldn't install the cam inner bearings without a tool that sets the bearings at the proper depth. It's never a bad idea to get the right tools for the job. If you don't do another cam install, you can always sell them to another forum member.
Last edited by Mike; Jan 18, 2012 at 06:51 AM.
Our Fuel Moto pushrods work with the stock pushrod tubes no problem and we include a special tool for holding them.
Here is a picture with the pushrod tube holder in place that shows the access to the adjuster:
Here is a video that shows how to install the pushrod tube holder tool:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nctMR...eature=related
Here is a video with instructions on how to adjust the Fuel Moto pushrods:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOBmi...1&feature=plcp
Here is a picture with the pushrod tube holder in place that shows the access to the adjuster:
Here is a video that shows how to install the pushrod tube holder tool:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nctMR...eature=related
Here is a video with instructions on how to adjust the Fuel Moto pushrods:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOBmi...1&feature=plcp
__________________
Jamie Long / Fuel Moto USA
The USA's Leader V-Twin EFI & Performance www.fuelmotousa.com
Contact 920-423-3309
Email jamie@fuelmotousa.com
Jamie Long / Fuel Moto USA
The USA's Leader V-Twin EFI & Performance www.fuelmotousa.com
Contact 920-423-3309
Email jamie@fuelmotousa.com
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,873
Likes: 13
From: NW Arkansas
Just use the stock push rods and there won't be any problems at all. A little more work, but not much and nothing to adjust. I used the beatty tool for the cams. Bought the gasket kit from fuelmoto. I would do it all the same again.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 123
Likes: 2
From: dual locations: wash. & az.
Adjustable push-rods for me
I used the slender tapper SE HD with the shorter top tube covers.
Most problems come when the Mech. Tightens the locking Nut TOO Tight. (SNAP)
The nut problem has been corrected long ago with HD's SE's.
SE 255 are great in my stage-one, TFI, 09 FLHR.
signed....REDHEAD
Most problems come when the Mech. Tightens the locking Nut TOO Tight. (SNAP)
The nut problem has been corrected long ago with HD's SE's.
SE 255 are great in my stage-one, TFI, 09 FLHR.
signed....REDHEAD
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma City
Look for a thread(s) by iclick. Also do a search on harleytechtalk for doing cams. There is a tool available that is privately made that is an all-in-one tool. I borrowed one from someone on here or HTT and it worked like a champ. It is machined to set the bearings correctly. If I remember correctly, just get the couple gaskets that you'll need, the kit has gaskets that you won't need/use so a waste of $$. Here is a very good write-up.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...-write-up.html
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...-write-up.html
Last edited by frydaddy96; Jan 19, 2012 at 07:55 AM. Reason: add link
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 845
Likes: 45
From: Tucson, AZ
Thanks for all of the good info thus far. My 255's arrived today so tomorrow I plan to order the next piece in the puzzle and every couple of weeks order another and start the project. Thanks again.
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
Supporter
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,752
Likes: 2
From: Indianapolis
WoW! My bike is back together, ready for a test run, but we got 2 inches of snow here in Indiana, can't wait to see what she will do.
TC88 now a 1550, Ported and polished heads with the larger valves, adjustable pushrods.
and a SE257 cam. Sounds great with my True duals and V&H slash cuts.
Now to see!
TC88 now a 1550, Ported and polished heads with the larger valves, adjustable pushrods.
and a SE257 cam. Sounds great with my True duals and V&H slash cuts.
Now to see!
