I have a 2006 FLHTCUI - Big Bore. I have had 2 sets of lifters installed. After about 500 - 1000 miles I get what sounds to be lifter noise (very loud). It sometimes will last for a couple of miles. Have had it apart 3 times. The first set of lifters were Woods and the second set are Adams. Any suggestions on what to check next?

 

As you have an early model TwinCam with the spring tensioners I'm not sure what to tell you. Much of what is discerned as lifter noise is actually chain noise and noise in other areas of the valve train. I have an '09 and after many attempts and hundreds of $$$ I have finally quieted my valve train. If by some chance you want to upgrade to the hydraulic tensioners be sure to get the Zippers dual piston tensioners, Axtell's oil by-pass system, and if you really think the lifters are at fault, Gaterman lifters. If you don't want to spend hundreds of $$$ to do that, at least try the Axtell oil by pass system. It's less than $100 and it may help. Not guaranteed, at least by me, but it may.

 

the Axtell bypass quieted my 2010 CVO Ultra down quite a bit.

 

Or, for only $12.95...
http://www.baisley.com/oil_spring_product.htm

Not as fancy as the Axtell system, but worked for me...

 

I've got a '13 CVO S/E Ultra.
I can accept the constant "ticking" of the tappets but I occasionally get a heavier sound at about 2800 RPM's with the engine at light to medium acceleration, doesn't seem to do it under hard acceleration.
Also, during a climb in the Smokey Mountains this summer, the engine got a little warm (not really hot) and one lifter or tappet was a bit of a concern but once the bike sat overnight the noise went away the following day.
I'm getting close to the 10,000 mile check up (may be next spring) but I'm thinking this will be a problem that needs addressing.

Many years ago, I bought a new '75 Electra Glide (Shovelhead) that had a persistent lifter "clack" and it turned about to be a sloppily built engine that required a total upper end re-build to get it right.

 

Thanks for all the replies, I will look into these. I have the hydraulic tensioners and had the engine rebuilt 2 1/2 years ago. Issues started in May when we were in the Branson MO area and continued when in the Rockies. $$$$ later, new lifters, and I still have a noise. Will definitely check into the Axtell oil bypass system.

 

When my cams were done I put in Comp Cams V Thunder lifters, bike is very quiet now

 

Thanks Every time we play around with the lifters the noise goes away for 500 to 1000 miles and then comes back. it is almost to a knocking sound.