Expert: Mike Wells - 12/5/2008

Question
QUESTION: looking for proper adjustment procedure.i know the basics for valve adjustment as ihave done al different types but im not sure how to get proper clearance.i bot the bike used recently and the repair manual doesnt have the adjusting information.the person i bought it from saud it is a screamin eagle.   thanks for your help. david

ANSWER: you bike came with solid pushrods. Are you sure you have adjustables? Also, do you have solid lifters or hydrolic? If you have hydrolic they dont need adjusted
Mike

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: they are hydraulic lifters & they are aftermarket adjustable pushrods.i realiize the stock pushrods are not adjustable and that is why my factory service manual has no infomation on it.

Answer
i was just checking.
Remove the spark plugs and rotate the motor so the front exhaust is at the bottom of its stroke or all the way down. Now ajust the pushrod by making it longer until its tight. Now you need to wait for about 15 minutes so it can bleed. Go back and check it. If you can turn it between your fingers, then its not bled all the way so tighten it again and wait the 15 minutes. You wan tto keep doing this until you can turn it between your fingers and its tight. When you are there loosen it until you can turn it between your fingers and then go about 1 1/2 more turns and its set.
Do the above for each pushrod and your good to go
Good luck and happy riding
Mike