Hi. I own a 1989 1200 sporty. Can anyone explain how the pushrods and lifters work.There is no adjustments for the rods and lifters in my bike. So I assume they adjust by way of oil preasure? I have had some work done recently and have had the top off the cylinder heads. After getting the bike back I noticed it had developed a loud rattle in or near the lifters. I was told that the lifters were not bleeding (up or down, I am not shure which way) No damage to valves or rods (not bent etc) Lifters slightly worn. Told to leave for 1 week. tks rah002

 

What kind of work did you have done? Seems a little fishy to me...

If you had no lifter noise previously, and now you're having it after work was done, my guess would be they missed something or re-assembled it incorrectly...

 

Twowheelsforever, Thanks for the reply. The previous owner had fitted beaker points that did not fuction very well so I bought a Malloy ignition system. I removed the cam cover to feed the wiring through but two of the cam gears came loose. I had problems getting the timming marks lined up, and did not want to start or run it without ensuring the timming was right so took it to a Harley shop. A qualified Harley machanic pulled the complete top down, cleaned all parts fitted new gaskets and top end kit.He said the rattle was lifters? I had not noticed the rattle bewfore this, but it is now very promenent? He said lifters were not feeding up (or down?) cant remebber?

 

I don't know a ton about it, but it still seems a little suspicious that you didn't have the noise earlier.

The way I understand it, the hydraulic lifters pump up with oil to take up any slack. My manual says it's normal to have some lifter noise for a couple of minutes after the bike is just started and warming up, but it should go away after that.

I guess if one or more of your lifters was starting to go, they might not be pumping all the way up, causing a rattle.

 

'89 1200? How many miles on the lifters?

VicW.

 

Sleeps in trees, thanks for your interest. I bought the bike 2nd hand about 6 months ago. I had not noticed noise prir to work having been done two weeks ago. I am not sure how many miles it has done but the motor gear etc etc are all good. I dont believe it has had a hard time and feel that it may have done around 60 to 70,000 kls. thanks roy (rah002) also a senior rider.