1200c Sportster. Was polishing chrome today and noticed that this part of the engine twists freely but the other 3 do not.

The part: On the right side of the V-Twin then are two vertical bars on each cylinder head. The rear set, one of the bars twists freely. The other 3 do not.

Pardon my ignorance in not knowing what they are called. but it is OK that one twists freely????

 

Lifter covers. Never noticed it before.

 

So I would be safe to assume that if they are just lift cover it should be no problem, unless it allows entry for dirt and grime.......

 

If it doesn't leak oil, your good. Alot of the chome on a Harley is cosmetic.

 

Are you talking about the pushrod covers? Each tube is sealed by o-rings, I assume they can be turned back and forth. I have never played attention on this one.

 

"Alot of the chome on a Harley is cosmetic"


As opposed to functional chrome..?


Just razzin'. That was funny![sm=laughat.gif]

 

Those are pushrod covers, and they probably shouldn't turn, but if they do and they're not leaking any oil, then don't worry about the one, but just keep an eye on it. I doubt if you can turn it when the engine is hot, though.

You shouldn't be purposely trying to turn them, however. You can ruin the seals on top and bottom and cause an oil leak there, or even bend them.

You also might want to check the tightness of your heads, to make sure they haven't loosened up. Make sure you torque them properly, and only at the proper tightness and torqueorder/sequence.

 

2007 1200N mine do not move...push rod covers that is.

Check the torque on the allen (4) bolts...yet agree if not leaking maybe not an issue and do not continue to turn them on purpose.

Out of the box thought....check clylinder head bolt torque.

 

O come on, Lifter Covers? those are the push rod tubes. Obviously you don't own a service manual.

 

They are called push rod cover or tube, rtfm
Lifters are on the bottom.