Shovel Head Solid Lifters Harley Shovelhead Discuss Shovel Head Solid Lifters in the Classic Harley Motorcycles forums; I'm first time wrighter. can any one help?::I currently have a 1979 FLH, fully restored. When we rebuilt the motor we installed solid lifters. the engine runs great, it only ...

[dkl79]

I'm first time wrighter. can any one help?::I currently have a 1979 FLH, fully restored. When we rebuilt the motor we installed solid lifters. the engine runs great, it only has 2,000 miles on it. i have adjusted the push rods several times but im not sure i'm doing it right. I don't here any ticking but it sounds like a sewing machine. the last harley i had was a 1980 Low Rider with hydrolic lifters and it was quiet. can i change to hydrolic without changing the cam. I am even willing to go to roller lifters if that will quiet it down. i have a Thunder Header on it and i still hear the motor.
Any help would be great

[frisco-rigid]

Hey DK

I have run solids in all my Pre-Evo motors..
I bet a dime to a doughtnut you adjusted correctly if the sound is kinda like a sewing machine, in-other-words,, all even and smooth..
Learn to love it baby..!

When adjusting bring cam lobe to lowest point and adjust push-rod so it spins with a good grip with dry fingers..
That will guarantee the valve is closed but there will be a teeensy bit Less tolerance and noise after full Op temp..
Do this COLD..! I bet you knew that already huh..

Not sure what you mean about going to Roller Lifters,, all of Our lifters are roller lifters..

Perhaps you mean Roller Rockers.. I have two motors with Roller Rockers and Hydraulics at the moment and they are No less noisy..
I have also run Roller Rockers and solids, no change,, just as noisy..
Roller Rockers job is Not to reduce noise,,, just friction at the valve stem..

Now, a question from me..
After initial start-up and full warming did you re-torque Head bolts and barrel nuts after a TOTAL cool down..?? If not you better..
Loosen the upper/top motor mount at heads and center frame connection..
I even loosen all exhaust connections (anal me) to be sure nothing impedes the re-torquing..
After re-torque,,,,,Re-tighten upper motor mount and exhaust and Then re-adjust lifters.. Re-torque can ruin the precise adjustment I described above..
Always be sure to shim the top mount at head connections and center connection.. You don't want pulling stresses on the connections..

Head em up,, move em out

[aceharleywrench]

Originally Posted by dkl79

I'm first time wrighter. can any one help?::I currently have a 1979 FLH, fully restored. When we rebuilt the motor we installed solid lifters. the engine runs great, it only has 2,000 miles on it. i have adjusted the push rods several times but im not sure i'm doing it right. I don't here any ticking but it sounds like a sewing machine. the last harley i had was a 1980 Low Rider with hydrolic lifters and it was quiet. can i change to hydrolic without changing the cam. I am even willing to go to roller lifters if that will quiet it down. i have a Thunder Header on it and i still hear the motor.
Any help would be great

Without knowing which cam you're running it's impossible to say if you can switch to hydraulic lifters or not.

[dkl79]

Thanks for the reply. I did adjust the valves just the way you discribed. i guess it's the nature of the beast.
as far as the torque? i did go thru at 500 miles and again at 1000 miles and retorqued the head and barrals.
I could sware that the lifters are flat bottom? i am going to check that out today.
"Love to Shovel"
doug

[dkl79]

Thanks for the reply. their's not many people that can help with this type of motor. all the dealers just say "That's Youur First Problem" when I tell them i have a ShovelHead, and try to sell me a new bike.
As far as what type of cam? i am getting my frend who installed it to give me the Mfg. and spec's. I'll Get back to you
Thanks
Doug

[dkl79]

can anyone tell me what weight oil should be used in a 1979 FLH 4 speed transmission. electric w/kicker

[dkl79]

Can somone please let me know what weight oil is right for a 1979 FLH 4 speed transmission? electric w/kicker.
i am currently useing Mobil 1 Synthetic LS 75W-90 with a small amount of Lucas Stablizer. is this OK or should i use something differant?

[tommyglide]

I have an 85 4 speed with no kicker and for years have been using HD semi synthetic. Go to Spectro Oils web site and they have a good cross reference of oils for all years of HD.

[greenshed]

I have run solids for years and they are a bit noisey I had the best luck with early panhead one piece lifters as far as solids go one problem with solids is the expansion rate of the metals involved,the cylinders and heads grow (expand) more than the push rods do so you can never quite get rid of the noise,get used to it it will be ok or go to velva touch lifters. good luck, Lyn