Reusing pushrods
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 52
Likes: 7
From: Blaine Minnesota
Reusing pushrods
I am about to install cams in mine and a friends bikes and I am concidering reusing the stock pushrods to save money. I have seen write ups and videos of the cam job but none actually show them reusing the pushrods. I know that the rocker boxes need opened but is that just the covers and then remove the rockers or do you pull the whole box?
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 539
Likes: 1
From: Grand Blanc, MI
Just the rocker covers and rocker arms/breather assembly need to be removed. Removing the tank gives you a lot more room but I don't think it's necessary. I just did cams and decided to reuse my pushrods to save some money. Adds about another 1.5 hours labor and a few more dollars for gaskets but really not a big deal. Plus you don't need to worry about messing with the adjustables, and with solid pushrods there's just one less thing that can break.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,090
Likes: 7
The potential for disaster when reusing stock push rods is high. If the base circle of your new cams is smaller than your stock cams (and they typically are) then you will have a tremendous amount of valve train noise. Better to use adjustable pushrods as you can set lifter preload exactly where you desire...
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Nothing wrong with refitting the stock pushrods IMHO, unless you are doing radical things to your bike. The saving in not buying new pushrods has to be offset against the need to buy more gaskets when refitting the stock ones, so do your sums before deciding which to do!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
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From: Ohio
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 6,129
Likes: 143
From: Santa Cruz
As long as the base circle is the same as stock there is no reason to use adjustables, except to save time. Most cam manufactures state if adjustable push rods are required. Good idea to replace breathers while you're in there.
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