How to Install a Harley Valve Lifter

Ensure that your lifter is at the lowest point before making any adjustments.

Most Harley Davidson models come equipped with a solid lifter, or pushrod, assembly, having an adjuster built in. For instance, the Harley models Evo and Twin Cam 88 are manufactured with highly adjustable pushrods. Before starting to install a valve lifter, be sure that the engine is cold in order to ensure that the valves are not forced open during the installation process. Also, be sure to consult your Harley's manual for any details specific to your unique model of Harley Davidson motorcycle.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Hydraulic Center Stand
• New O-rings
• Flathead Screwdriver
• Needlenose pliers
• Flashlight

1. • 1

     Disconnect the battery of a cold Harley. Disconnect the negative battery cable first, then the positive.

   • 2

     Place your Harley motorcycle onto a hydraulic center stand so that the rear wheel is lifted off of the ground. Then remove the spark plugs.

   • 3

     Use the rear wheel to turn the engine over while the transmission is in gear. Rotate the engine until the cylinder tappets located in the front of the bike have reached their lowest points. After pulling out the spark plugs, place your thumb over the empty spark plug sockets within the cylinder. As the engine is rotated, you will feel an increase in pressure onto your thumb. Take a flashlight and look into the cylinder to determine if the tappet is at the lowest point.

   • 4

     Replace the O-rings with new versions. Simply pull the old ones up and press the new ones down into the same location, ensuring that they are even.

   • 5

     Use a flathead screwdriver to lower the pushrod cover and the spring cover keeper, then use needlenose pliers to remove the spring keeper.

   • 6

     Install the new lifters with the pushrod covers intact. Be sure that the adjuster end of each pushrod, or lifter, is down. Also, the ball end of each adjuster should be in the tappet socket.

Tips & Warnings

• If the four pushrods you are installing are two different lengths, then the longer ones will need to be installed into the exhaust section of the valve train. These sections are located at the very front and farthest back of the valve train. If your lifters come in three separate lengths, then the longest lifter goes up front and the second in size will go to the rear, with the two shortest sizes being installed between them.

• Do not install or adjust your lifters too loosely as this will leave too much clearance for the valve and result in excessive noise from the valve trains. If you install them too tightly, then you will lose power and possibly bend an open valve.