Lifter preload
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 38
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Lifter preload
Hello, I recentley installed the Woods 222 and directional lifters with Screamin Eagle tapered adjustable pushrods in my 2013 Road King Classic 103 with 2500 miles. All went well on install , but the main reason was to get rid of the clatter at mid throttle coming from the top end?
I went 3 turns which is .126 " preload on the lifters. The engine is very quiet at idle but still has that mid rpm clatter some seem to have. My question is , is it worth trying to get another half turn on the pushrods to get the preload to .147 ? Has this amount taken anyone else's tapping away. Again the bike is quiet at idle , it is just at the mid rpms that the noise is coming from. This is my 4th Harley and the first one to have this racket. The bike sounded that way when I drove it off of the showroom floorand other than that I really enjoy it. By the way earplugs do not block this tapping sound.HD says it is harmonics.
I went 3 turns which is .126 " preload on the lifters. The engine is very quiet at idle but still has that mid rpm clatter some seem to have. My question is , is it worth trying to get another half turn on the pushrods to get the preload to .147 ? Has this amount taken anyone else's tapping away. Again the bike is quiet at idle , it is just at the mid rpms that the noise is coming from. This is my 4th Harley and the first one to have this racket. The bike sounded that way when I drove it off of the showroom floorand other than that I really enjoy it. By the way earplugs do not block this tapping sound.HD says it is harmonics.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,741
Likes: 45
From: Indian Land, SC
I would agree if the noise was there hot or cold but his and my noises are only there hot. Plus the HD SE tapered adjustable's come with the proper tubes. If it was that easy, a lot of us would be very happy.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,454
Likes: 58
From: Graysville, AL
I just installed the 222's with FuelMoto adjustable pushrods. I am using the stock lifters and FM recommended 3 full turns and 1 flat on the pushrods with stock lifters, using woods lifters it was 4 full turns. I know the thread count on the FM and SE pushrods are different so the turns wouldn't be exactly the same. Setting mine 3 turns 1 flat made a noticeable difference in noise over stock.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,454
Likes: 58
From: Graysville, AL
The noise was at idle and up to around 2200-2300 rpm. Once I get past 2300rpm everything hits its sweet spot and the motor really quiets down. FuelMoto said the 3 turns 1 flat was the standard setting and if I was getting to much noise turn them 2 more flats. I'm happy with mine set at 3 turns/ 1 flat.
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I run HQ Black Ops lifters, Smith Bros adjustables, and Woods TW8 cams. With my preload set at .140, and straight 50w conventional motor oil, the top end is about as quiet as I can get it. It would still be too noisy for a lot of guys. Some cams are just noisier than others, many Woods cams fall into that category. The top end clatter does take a little away from the enjoyment, but in my case, the performance makes up for it.
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You adjust the pushrods with the cylinder at TDC on the compression stroke. Extend the pushrods to zero lash, and adjust from there.