Cam Run In and Lifters : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

rlsidwell · 10-12-2009, 08:48 PM

I am in the process of replacing the tensioners, cams, and lifters in my TC 88. Do I need to pump up the lifters before I install them, or just put them in dry (after lubing the outside of course)?

Second, is there a run in procedure I should adhere to when I first start it back up, or just take it easy for a little while and let everything get seated?

Thanks!

Rick

kemo · 10-12-2009, 09:06 PM

Are you using adj push rods or reusing the originals. When I did mine I just soaked them in a jar of clean oil and installed and adjusted the p/rs. As far as the run in the lifters are rollers so not like runing in the flat bottom lifters.

route66paul · 10-12-2009, 09:08 PM

soaking them and/or pumping them up helps to get it right. If they are dry, you tend to get the adjustables too tight and then the valves stay open

rlsidwell · 10-12-2009, 09:17 PM

Thanks guys. I'm sticking w/stock pushrods.

Rick

Mtclassic · 10-12-2009, 09:22 PM

here is what I do and it has always worked well. I put the bike in 5th gear with plugs out and I turn the motor over using the rear wheel. I do this for a couple of minutes and it pumps the lifters up and gets oil to the top. some people use the starter to spin the motor but I like using the rear tire.

DenverRK · 10-12-2009, 09:26 PM

I agree with MT... That's what I did on my 88 - 95 build.

kemo · 10-12-2009, 09:43 PM

You will have to do as MT says to align the oil pump, also use aligning dowels if you have them. Very important to align the oil pump, do your home work

heavyduty · 10-13-2009, 02:10 AM

I changed mine 30,000 miles ago. Put them in right out of the package, adjusted to spec never had a problem since. Heard that soaking in oil does absolutely no good, don't know just my opinion.

msocko3 · 10-13-2009, 03:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heavyduty

I changed mine 30,000 miles ago. Put them in right out of the package, adjusted to spec never had a problem since. Heard that soaking in oil does absolutely no good, don't know just my opinion.

Don't know about not soaking them. I always toss them in a jar roller down and fill it to the top and leave them there a couple days. Before install I use a oil can that fits the small hole at the side to force oil in till it comes out the top. I've never had a single tick at startup yet.

Mohead1 · 10-13-2009, 12:01 PM

What msocko3 said. before putting them in, take a hand pump oiler, and place nozzle in the top hole, carefully pump into the lifter, oil will come out the side port, do this watching for any air entrainment to be purged, then put them in place. No break in, they are roller cams. I do put assembly lube on the cams and the lifter rollers.