Do I have a lifter problem?
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 149
Likes: 2
From: NE Mass.
Do I have a lifter problem?
Had the dealer install SE255 cams, new lifters (they insisted) and perfect length pushrods (I didn't want adjustables) the week before Daytona. Got the bike back Friday the 11th and took off Saturday for the ride from Mass to Daytona. Didn't due any backroads until we got there on Monday when I noticed it rapping at around 2,000 RPM. Minor before that RPM and quiet until 2,800 then minor again. The dealer was closed until Tuesday at which time I called to notify them. The service guy who was responsible for the install said they would replace them.
When I got back home I made an appointment for 20,000 mile service and lifter replacement. Bike got piked up on the 21st. Called today to find out what was going on and they said it's done. I asked about the lifters and they said no issue, it's normal. Here we go! I told the SOB that the original lifters didn't make a noise and that they insisted they were to be changed (more than 15,000 miles on originals). Why should the new ones rap (not a light tick)? I have to wait until tomorrow because the manager isn't in until then. I don't suspect the result will be favorable but hope I'm wrong.
So, I know that the new Harley lifters have had issues. Are mine a problem or is this something I truthfully have to live with?
Comments welcome.
Thanks.
When I got back home I made an appointment for 20,000 mile service and lifter replacement. Bike got piked up on the 21st. Called today to find out what was going on and they said it's done. I asked about the lifters and they said no issue, it's normal. Here we go! I told the SOB that the original lifters didn't make a noise and that they insisted they were to be changed (more than 15,000 miles on originals). Why should the new ones rap (not a light tick)? I have to wait until tomorrow because the manager isn't in until then. I don't suspect the result will be favorable but hope I'm wrong.
So, I know that the new Harley lifters have had issues. Are mine a problem or is this something I truthfully have to live with?
Comments welcome.
Thanks.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,012
Likes: 298
From: Central Fl
The lifter noise is normal. Mine has a similar noise pattern. Changing exhaust will move the noise up and down the rpm scale but the lifter noise is probably there to stay. I have heard of some who claim to have no lifter clatter with the 255's but my experience is they are just noisey.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 170
Likes: 3
From: st.louis mo.
I did the same SE-255 cams with the stock pushrods and developed the tick you describe to a letter. my dealer changed the lifters,cam plate, and oil pump to eliminate the noise to no avail. my suggestion to you would be to change to adj. pushrods. It was suggested that the base circle might be different with the cams. just some food for thought. kevdon
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,122
Likes: 23
From: Mishawaka,Indiana
also the newest version "c" lifters are noisy. They are now made in mexico and my 12 flhtk is the loudest one i have had. Mike
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 493
Likes: 1
From: SoCal
I did the 255 cams with the SE adjustable pushrods and the original lifters. My lifters sound like you describe. They always sounded like that, even with the stock cams. I think the noise you are hearing may be normal...
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