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Installing Cams & Adj. Push Rods

13K views 34 replies 15 participants last post by  rc_chico 
#1 ·
How hard is it to install cams & adj. push rods in a stock 103 RG? I'm thinking bout tackling it myself. Need some input. Also who makes a good set of adj push rods besides HD? Thx..


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#2 ·
#3 · (Edited)
I'm in the process of doing mine right now, and it's my first time tearing into a V-twin. I'm doing a 107" big bore kit also. The cams are pretty easy. You will need one special tool to remove the old cam bearings and install the new bearings. You can find it on e-bay for $100. It's money well spent verses paying someone to do the job.

The exhaust is the only thing you need to remove in order to replace the cams. I haven't gotten to the push rods yet, but they seem pretty straight forward. I bought all my stuff from Drago's and he sent me the HD Screamin eagle adjustable push rods, so I would assume the HD ones are good.




New T-man cams installed


Bearing removing tool


on the bench ready to swap the cams
 
#4 ·
Just say NO to adjustable pushrods....do the job right...it really is not that difficult to do it correctly...taking bolt cutters to your pushrods & replacing them with adjustables....?? I just don't get it...& could care less about how many Engine Guys will comment it's Fine....nope...not in my book. just my .000002 Cents...which is worth just that...
 
#27 ·
I dont understand how you would get around using adjustable pushrods. My engine kit came with "perfect fit" pushrods which i dont understand how they could be "perfect fit"

Every set of cases, cylinders, heads, cams, tappets, etc would have to be the same exact tolerance every time to make them be "perfect fit". Do you put the engine together, then measure and make the pushrod and take it all apart again to install?

I suppose its less of an issue with hydraulic lifters and what not because there is a bit of leniency there.
 
#6 ·
If you don't use adjustables you will need to take the top rocker box and rocker assembly off, which includes removing the fuel tank as well. Not hard to do, but adds time and effort to the job. Not sure what Rangers issue is with adjustables, but I'm curious as well.
 
#7 ·
When installing adjustables it is important to mare the threads to prevent the adjustment lock nut from possibly backing off. They like to use them when changing cams so they don't have to yank the rocker box to install one peice rods. I had adjustables installed on my previous bike with gear drives and did not have any issues. But as long as you have the heads off I'd put the one peice back in. Hope this helps
 
#8 ·
That is the point Guys..it's a mechanical part...why chance half assing a job on your Bike when to do it properly is just a few more steps & items to remove. It is just my Opinion...which I know means nothing....I wouldn't do it on my V8..why would I do it on my V-Twin....maybe I like the extra work...got me...We install them at the garage...we always steer everyone away from them...
 
#9 ·
Adjustables are required if you go with a cam that has a different base circle diameter than OEM. Alternatively you can get longer or shorter pushrods, but this requires careful measurement...

I personally prefer using Adjustables because I hate having to pull rocker boxes every time I need/want to go into the cam chest. Example, inspecting the inner cam tensioner before HD went to the hydraulic tensioners.

Certainly you run the risk one could loosen up on ya, but that's a quick and easy fix. If you run a shop solid pushrods would be one less thing to worry about as a come back, BUT you'd have to tear it all down again if you have to get back into that cam chest for any reason, and that'd eat into your profit ... it's all what people are comfortable with.
 
#11 ·
been looking at doing the same thing. I have to pull mine out anyway, seeing that I'm going to powder coat the pushrod covers. Mine is down or the winter doing my mods anyway. The only thing that i'm a little concerned about is making sure im at TDC for installing the rods. Is this that big of a deal or what? or it is a simple as they make it look in the service manual
 
#13 ·
I forgot to comment on your question "Is this that big a deal or what?"

It's a big deal because if you are at TDC for the wrong cycle you will have tappets on the lobe and when you adjust the pushrod (or tighten down the rocker support bracket with solid pushrods) you'll push the valve much farther than when on the base circle. When that happens could bind the valve spring and bend your pushrod, or break the support bracket.

If you're lucky..

If you aren't you'll push the valve head into the piston and bend it... and you get to undo everything you just did and spend money... so yes it's a pretty important detail.
 
#12 ·
Easiest way when the pushrod tubes are out is to roll the motor until you see both tappets are at the lowest point for a given cylinder. That way you know the tappet's are on the base circle of the cam and not on the lobe. You can peek in the spark plug hole and should see the top of the piston at or very close to TDC.
 
#15 ·
Adjustable pushrods are required when using cams with a different base circle than the OEM cams, however just as important they also allow you to compensate for any variances in production tolerances, deck height, lifter travel, etc.. we use them in all of our motors and engine kits with zero issues. The alternative would be to have a perfect fit pushrod made, however you would need to completely assemble the motor first, measure everything up precisely, and then determine exact pushrod length required.
 
#16 ·
I used adjustable push rods with my cam install. I have to say it is a pain in the back, but easier then the alternative. You have to make many small turns with your wrenches and locktight the nuts on the lower part, then you have to adjust the upper part until touching and then make the necessary preload turns before locktight on those nuts. Then you put the next lobe in position for the next push rod. Repeat until four are complete. You do all of this in a small window below the push rod covers. The instructions are simple, the work is tedious. if I changed cams again, I would do it the same way. Good luck and make sure you are at TDC and the correct preload.
 
#20 ·
Q-Hog,
If you go up to the general road glide area and look for "Working on the Ultra Today" I just did my cams. I went with Woods 555 and used Fuel Moto adjustable push rods. Their push rods come with a tool to hold up the push rod tubes so you can adjust the push rods. Other than dorqin up the assembly of the oil pump it is a pretty easy job.

I have been a little busy but have plans to try and do a write up for the DIY section on a cam install. Give me a few days and I hope to have it done by then.
 
#31 ·
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