My lifter wont bleed down!
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 162
Likes: 1
From: Knoxville, IA
My lifter wont bleed down!
I just installed my Andrews 57H cams. My front cylinder exhaust lifter wont bleed down. Its been about 2 hours and I still cant turn it with my fingers. The intake has bled down though. I have only adjusted the front cylinder, so not sure about the back lifters yet. Anyone ever had this? Should I just back it off a few flats until I can turn it with my fingers? I have them set at 20 flats (S&S adjustable push rods). Thats what they say will get me adjusted correctly. And Im sure Im on the base circle...I go to TDC on the compression stroke, then slightly past to be sure. Not sure what I should do here....anyone??
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
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Why did you go slightly past TDC? I've always gone to TDC and left it (I use a long plastic drinking straw to double check).
Completely collapsed the push rods are slightly different lengths. The longer rod is the exhaust rod. Doubt that is your problem since the exhaust side is giving you problems, but just thought I would throw it out there.
I'd try backing it off a couple of flats to see what happens.
Zach
Completely collapsed the push rods are slightly different lengths. The longer rod is the exhaust rod. Doubt that is your problem since the exhaust side is giving you problems, but just thought I would throw it out there.
I'd try backing it off a couple of flats to see what happens.
Zach
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,274
Likes: 130
From: Now Western TN
I have the same question as Biggzed...why did you go past TDC? Use a straw and find true TDC and adjust from there. When you say slightly past, just how far?
I've had my Woods lifters take about an hour to bleed, but never 2 hours.
I've had my Woods lifters take about an hour to bleed, but never 2 hours.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 162
Likes: 1
From: Knoxville, IA
The lobes on the cams are "flat" for the majority of the bottom part of the cam. That was what a HD mechanic said anyway. Thats what it does. The base circle goes on for a few degrees. It dont have to be exactly at TDC, this way is just extra measure to be sure.
Anyway, I have rocked it back and forth, it dont loosen up any.
Anyway, I have rocked it back and forth, it dont loosen up any.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,274
Likes: 130
From: Now Western TN
The lobes on the cams are "flat" for the majority of the bottom part of the cam. That was what a HD mechanic said anyway. Thats what it does. The base circle goes on for a few degrees. It dont have to be exactly at TDC, this way is just extra measure to be sure.
Anyway, I have rocked it back and forth, it dont loosen up any.
Anyway, I have rocked it back and forth, it dont loosen up any.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 162
Likes: 1
From: Knoxville, IA
Past TDC a degree or two. The piston may drop 1/8" maybe. That dont explain why the intake bled down though. I backed off one flat and was able to turn it.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,434
Likes: 384
From: Arkansastan
Sounds like it was already bled down during the initial preload. In other words, no initial oil was in it to begin with for whatever reason. By turning it the 20 flats it just stayed bottomed out, valve stays open, nothing there to bleed down. perhaps remove lifter, pre-oil in a can full of oil again and retry?
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From: TOAK western branch
Sounds like it was already bled down during the initial preload. In other words, no initial oil was in it to begin with for whatever reason. By turning it the 20 flats it just stayed bottomed out, valve stays open, nothing there to bleed down. perhaps remove lifter, pre-oil in a can full of oil again and retry?
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 541
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From: Sherwood Park AB Canada
Sounds like it was already bled down during the initial preload. In other words, no initial oil was in it to begin with for whatever reason. By turning it the 20 flats it just stayed bottomed out, valve stays open, nothing there to bleed down. perhaps remove lifter, pre-oil in a can full of oil again and retry?