How to Replace Harley Pushrods & Lifters

Consult your Harley's manual for specifics such as torque and measurements specific to your make and model.

Flag this photo

Maintaining your Harley-Davidson motorcycle entails correctly tuning the bike's components in order to keep it safely running on the roads. Many motorcycle enthusiasts have taken a fancy to do-it-yourself maintenance, and replacing your push rods, or valve lifts, can play a role in this process. Typically, the factory push rods are not adjustable, but many aftermarket performance bikes may have adjustable push rods. Replacing your push rods may be necessary if your valve train is making considerable noise, and completing this job can be completed successfully with the right equipment.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Flat-tip screwdriver
• Hex keys in SAE sizes
• Nut driver set in SAE sizes
• Hydraulic center lift
• New O-rings
• New Pushrods/lifters

Suggest Edits

1. • 1

     Lift your cooled Harley on a hydraulic center lift, disconnect the negative cable for the battery and then remove the air cleaner by unscrewing the air cleaner cover the a large hex key from your set. The size of hex key required will vary dependent on your model of Harley. Once the cover has been removed, take off the cleaner cover. Use your screwdriver to loosen the screws of the air cleaner filter and place off to the side. Then use a small hex key to disconnect the carburetor's backplate. Remove the spark plugs.

   • 2

     Use your flat tip screwdriver to compress the spring cap retainer and pry it free from the pushrod cover. Then slide the cover down to gain access to the pushrod. Remove the O-rings by pulling them out with your fingers.

   • 3

     Roll the rear wheel of your Harley until the rear exhaust valves are opened, and then pull the pushrods out of the engine compartment.

   • 4

     Adjust the new pushrods by hand for zero clearance. Having zero clearance means that there is zero play, or that there is no depression of the plunger or lifter. There should be zero tension on the pushrod while adjusting. Hold the pushrod with your hand and rotate so that it is in the middle of the lifter. Roll your rear wheel to ensure that the valves are closed. Replace the O-rings. Reinstall the spring cap retainers of the pushrods and the pushrod covers.

   • 5

     Reinstall the spark plugs. Use your small hex key to reinstall the carburetor backplate. Reinstall the air cleaner. Reconnect the negative battery cable. Lower the Harley to the ground.

Tips & Warnings

• Only perform these operations on a cold Harley.