Replacing them with the same failure oriented part is not a "fix".

Lifters are so easy to change out yourself, then you can install a real set of quality lifters along with some good adjustable pushrods, setting the lifter preload in that sweet spot around .135 and forget about it.

 

I used my suction gun since I had just changed my oil and took out a quart of my 20-50 and added a quart of 60 weight valvoline vr1 racing oil. Quieted down the noise considerably. Sounds so much better!!

 

Sucked out half a liter of oil using my wifes turkey baster and added STP. Then went for a 4 hr ride in 38 degree heat (100 degrees in the USA)

Engine noise has lessened. With this improvement, as soon as I can find some, I will drain all of this mix out and try some straight 50w, maybe 60w.

 

Doing a how to thread for those wanting to learn would be a great contribution to the forum Joe.....I especially would be very oblidged. Im pretty handy with tools and want to learn real bad and know for a fact Im not alone.

 

Put the bike on a stand
Remove the spark plugs
Collapse the pushrod covers and hold them open with a rubber band and paper clip
Find TDC on the compression stroke on a cylinder of your choosing by rotating the rear tire in top gear
cut the pushrods with a bolt cutter and remove
remove the pushrod covers, discard all the o-rings
remove the four socket head screws holding down the lifter covers in a crosswise pattern, and remove the lifter cover
remove the anti-rotation pin
remove the lifters

Install:

replace lifters with new ones (I usually orient oil holes all facing outwards, just remember which way the lifters are oriented if you're replacing the set you just removed)
replace the anti-rotation pin
replace the lifter cover with a new gasket, torque to 100 in/lbs
install adjustable pushrods inside the pushrod tubes, making sure all the o-rings are in place (either new ones, or if you feel lucky, replace the old ones)
set your pushrods
close the pushrod tubes
replace the spark plugs.


That's essentially off the top of my head, you need to check your service manual. The manual procedure via the rocker boxes, so if you're cutting the stockers out with a bolt cutter, ignore everything having to do with the rocker boxes. Make sure the motor is on tdc before cutting the pushrods out. You should be able to rotate them with your fingers. If you can't, the valves are partially open, and the pushrods are under pressure.

 

Thanks for that...every little bit helps. Eventually I'm going to attempt it and this will add to my knowledge base. The link to big boyz is useful also.

 

2012 road king-- noise happened coming back from a trip,7k mi on bike. the lifters in the forward head are the problem with my bike. dealer said same thing but broke down engine to check.if it ain't broke they won't fix it. Also switched to regular oil,noise not as bad but still there on a cold start.

 

Anyone using SE tapered know the tpi, a printout from SS says 32 and the instructions sheet doesn't specify?

 

SE Tapered Adjust. Pushrods are 24tpi.....Instructions say 2 1/2 turns but that surely didn't work on my bike....

 

I am of the same belief. I also question if maybe there aren't about 3 root causes for noise, and everything gets lumped together here on the forum and implies there is a "silver bullet" solution. Synthetic oils claims to fame are there protection of the metals, not their viscosities, other than to hold up in higher heats. If indeed it is a metalic tap or tic caused by a tolerance a thicker viscosity should dampen it.Someone mentioned earlier hearing the injectors, which is quite possible as well. They need a pretty healthy preload on them to be able to control their pulses the way they can and do. They are going to slam shut versus gently settling into closed, given their duty cycles.

To me 1/2 the beauty of these hogs is their ability to make mechanical music the way they do. They never will sound like a jap bike, most of which run over head cams, in which there is no hydraulics involved at all.

I know my new one has had a lifter bleed down on me twice, so when the time comes for new cams, the lifters will be replaced for piece of mind.