I'm having new cams installed as part of some (hopefully increased) performance work I'm having done. I recently installed a set of the Woods directional lifters. I know that the generally accepted school of thought is to replace them every time a cam swap is done because of the unique wear pattern that develops very quickly between the two, but I was wondering, because these are very low mileage roller lifters, if I would be ok re-using them. Thoughts, anyone? Thanks.

 

Unless they are worn or damaged I would leave them alone.

 

I'd take a look at them when you do the cam work and see if they have any signs of any wear. Replace if they do and keep if not. Chances are they are fine especially since you say they have low miles on them - and hopefully they were adjusted properly when installed. I would not go out and purchase replacements until you inspect.

 

This "generally accepted school of thought" you reference is mainly only for flat tappet lifters. Modern Harleys use roller lifters. There really is no "unique wear pattern".

Most guys don't replace lifters if the mileage is relatively low, say under 35K.

 

I just did a cam swap and it might be my imagination but my valve train seems to be even more noisy than before. I talked to an experience harley tech who said adjustable pushrods would probably help.

It seems that a lot of guys do cam swaps and use the OEM lifters. If you've already upgraded your lifters and they are low miles they should be fine.

 

I try to err on the side of caution, but in this case, I'll look at them, and if they look good, which I think they should, I'll re-use them. Thanks for the responses. It's why I like this forum so much.