Motorcycle Repair: Honda Shadow 1100- Hydralic Lifters, hydraulic lifters, marvel mystery oil

Question
I recently purchased a '85 1100 Shadow. Starts well but did know that the hydraulic lifters were sticking due to the sound. Haven't put it on the road yet but am going to soon. Have been running in the yard and the Lifter sound has gone down alot especially once engine is hot. Is there anything else that i can do to help lower the noise of the lifters beside a rebuild on them? Thanks.

Answer
Frank, if the oil wasn't changed regularly, then the sludge and varnish build-up inside the valve tappet lifters isn't going to go away easily. DO change the oil to fresh 10-40 motorcycle rated oil and add in some Marvel Mystery Oil...maybe about a pint during the change.

This webpage might be useful for you:

http://users.zoominternet.net/~capronem/VT1100%20Engine%20noises.htm

check: http://www.shadowriders.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=40  for more info on this issue.

Bill Silver