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Bad Tappet ?

BOBFLHTC

BOBFLHTC

Active Member
As part of my 85 EVO 1340 Top end rebuild I took the Tappets out to inspect them and I thought they looked good so I flushed them with cleaner and filled them with oil about a week ago and reinstalled them with new gaskets on the Blocks.

I adjusted the Front Exhaust pushrod last night and it turned 4 flats after making contact as per the manufacturer but the Front Intake will only take 1 turn before it becomes pretty tight.

Does this suggest that the Front Intake Tappet is bad and should be replaced as there is barely any travel in it ? Sorry if this is a obvious/dumb question as I suspect.

Thanks - Bob
 
BOBFLHTC said:
I adjusted the Front Exhaust pushrod last night and it turned 4 flats after making contact as per the manufacturer but the Front Intake will only take 1 turn before it becomes pretty tight.

Does this suggest that the Front Intake Tappet is bad and should be replaced as there is barely any travel in it ? Sorry if this is a obvious/dumb question as I suspect.
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Firstly, make sure you are following the instruction to ensure you are at TDC of the compression stroke on which ever cylinder you are doing.

Replace all the lifters. They are cheap, and it is not worth doing them one at a time. A new set of "B" lifters should be around $120 or less.

TQ
 
Right now I am adjusting the Rear PR's and both Tappets are at their lowest point. There was some gunk on the threads and I think that is why I was getting more resistance on the one PR. If I have anymore concerns I'll look to order some new parts. I took all 4 PR's apart and made sure they were clean and oiled and worked the entension by hand to make sure it moves freely up and down.
Your instructions say to adjust the PR's when the engine is cold. Right now it's close to 100 degrees in my garage. Should I adjust the number of turns or go for the full amount of turns ? Thanks - Bob
 
I personally adjust the required number of turns to be half way through the total travel, then a flat or two more.

TQ
 
Sounds good. I think I'll go ahead and pick up some new Tappets like you suggested while I am at it. The Front Intake seems like its not bleeding down to the same level as the other 3. I wonder if it sticking. Thanks Bob

I shopped around and it looks like the 55.72 at a local shop per "B" lifter is about as good as it gets. I'm probably lucky I got 82500 out of the old ones. I understand there is the risk of the berings falling out of the old ones if they fail which would lead to much more expensive repairs. I found this web site with some good pics on replacing them. I thought the tip on finding the Compression stoke looked interesting - Bob

"Push the rod covers up and hold them with a clothes pins so you can see the rods. Now just put the bike in a high gear (4th or 5th) and slowly turn the rear tire to roll the motor. Watch the rear cylinder rods. When the exhaust comes down and the intake starts to come up on the REAR cylinder, the front cylinder is on the compression stroke. "
 
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I just realized that you have a '85. Better make sure that the "B" lifter is right for that bike. That year may take an 18522-85 lifter although the "B" lifter might be a sub for it. In any case, try Zanotti's for a better price. Their price on the "B" lifter is $23.96 each. For the -85, Zanotti's doesn't list one, so I am betting there is a swap out. If you find that you have to have the -85, you can find them on the internet for under $30 each (see HARLEY DAVIDSONProduct Details).

TQ
 
I have the FLT Parts Catalog for 84-86 and it calls for 18523-86. I found 4 18523-86B locally for 55.72. I do see Zanotti's has them for 32.33 which is a nice savings. Its the weekend and I'm just going to go ahead and try to get it put back togeather. I'll know for sure if they fit tomorrow. Thanks for the heads up - Bob
 
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