OK, I purchased a new cam and adjustable pushrods for my Limited. I really felt the top end was noisier than any other Harley i had owned and was convinced the new adjustable pushrods would quiet it down. Well it didn't and I think the top end was noisier after the cams install. Did a little research to find the noise is somewhat common and some are over extending their adjustment from 0.100" setpoint to 0.145". Reluctantly I adjusted my pushrods from 2 1/2 to 2 3/4 then from 2 3/4 to now 3. The top end is quieter but I still have a cold start rattle that seems to stay even after warming between 1.8-2k RPM. Rumor has it the noise is from my made in Mexico lifters. If so i want to change them, but to what brand?

 

S&S and set preload to.140" for starters and if you need more give it 2 more flats.

 

s and s premiums for me.

 

I have 24 TPI so at 3 turns I am 0.125"
3 1/4 would be 0.135"
3 1/2 would be 0.146"

I keep thinking the oil only gets in the gap and I could crank these things solid at 4 3/4 turns and still not bend a pushrod or valve.... But what if I am wrong?

Anyone have any experience with running stock lifters at 3 1/2 turns or 0.146"

 

Another vote for S&S lifters here....

 

Yes I have but in an evo with big axles and rollers and never had an issue. Evo's are a little different than twinkies. As time went by the lifters got worse.. (i'm talkin Harley OEM lifters, not mine) Yea go with 3.5 @ 24 tpi. Make sure you check your tappet screen. It should be clean as a whistle... It not it could be part of the issue..

 

No screens in the "twinkies", hotrod. There are several good lifters out there - S&S as mentioned, Johnson-Hylift SE (outstanding personal experience), and, for the economy minded, the Comp Cams Chevy lifters (850, etc).

I would stay clear of the Gatermans (great design but numerous recent reports of quality issues with China manufacturer) and the ridiculously-priced offerings (Woods for example - numerous recent complaints of being noisey without remedy). One well-known and credible engine builder on here or another credible Harley technical site has sourced his own after shucking Woods lifters - sounds like a great possibility.

 

Thank you for the correction brother. maybe that's part of the problem? lol....

 

I put S&S premium lifters and adj pushrods yesterday 2014 streetglide set them at 4 turns 2 flats 32tpi much quieter top end. Went for a hard 250mile ride today 100 degrees out bike run well! Thanks hotrodfatboy for the info

 

No worries. Rock on.