'14 FLHTCU The last three times starting bike after setting overnite I have a lifter tapping. It stops after a few seconds. I only have 3000 mles. Do I have a problem?
I had this happen on an old Ford truck I had and after a while the lifter failed.
Plan on riding to Daytona this weekend and don't want any problems.

 

Don't think you have a major problem if it pumps up quickly after startup. That said, it is not normal and you should have your dealer check for a faulty lifter. Late model HD lifters are notorious for having problems as they are cheap crap, but I have never heard of a problem with so few miles. I had one that would bleed down overnight after 15k. When I changed them out most of the hardness was gone from 2 lifter rollers and about 50% from the other 2.

 

Is it hard to replace just lifters? Do you need to remove/replace the pushrods also. I suspect mine are bleeding down.

 

Replacing lifters is not hard, but yes you do have to remove the pushrods. If you take them out of the top, then no you do not need to replace them. Many, me included, chose to just cut the pushrods and replaced them with adjustable pushrods rather than go through the top end. Again, not difficult, but you do need a repair manual for your bike and there are also several U Tube videos that demonstrate how its done. The S&S website has an excellent video on cam replacement that has lots of detail on the R&R of the pushrods and replacing them with adjustable ones.

 

Thanks

 

Thanks

 

You might want to try replacing your oil filter first. I don't know specifically about Harleys but many oil filters have anti drainback valves built into them. Kind of a rubber flap to keep the oil in the filter from draining out after you shut off the motor.

Feel free to disregard because I'm no expert but a new filter would be a very cheap experiment.