Motorcycle Repair: 1981 FXE w/S&S E idle, hydraulic lifters, intake leak

Question
QUESTION: Mike - I have a 1981 FXE, upper engine rebuilt a few years ago.  Ever since, had an occasional sneeze at highway speed and also a cough/die at idle every now and then.  Never detected intake leak.  Began to experience hard starting. Last fall had S&S Super E installed with single fire ignition, now it starts with no problem but I can't seem to get the idle dialed in.  Either too low when cold, or when fully warmed up it goes to 1500+ and will MAYBE come down to where I have it set (900-1000) after a minute or so.  I've readjusted via the manual 3 or 4 times, same thing.  Still can't detect any intake leak, am about to check the jets to see what's in there as I had a local shop do the work.  Any advice?

ANSWER: The jets have nothing to do with the idle so you dont need to check them. How did you look for a intake leak? Do you have solid lifters? Pull your plugs, what color are they. Also, have you checked the timing?
Mike

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

QUESTION: Mike - I used a directed spray of WD40 at the intake seals and
listened to the engine.  No change in anything.  Hydraulic lifters.
Front plug looks fine, light even tan color, rear is a bit blackened.  Haven't checked the timing, need to find my inspection plug..  Again, the behavior is this: start bike, let it warm up.  All is fine, idle a tad under 1k. Ride it for 15 minutes or so.  Now, when I pull up to a stop, the idle will come down to 1500 or so, and may drop back to 1000 after I either wait for a minute or put a little load on the engine and then release it.  Idle may then sit at 1000 or rise back up to 1500 or so.  If I adjust the idle to 1000 when it's sitting at that high point, it will
then not hold idle at all when cold or slightly warm, and will also die out after fully warmed up.

Answer
There are two things it can be. I didnt ask if you have weights in you ignition system. If you do then you might have a broken spring on your weights. This is located inside the cam cover. The other thing it can be, since you have had a cough since the top end was done, is you have a leaking valve.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike