QuestionThe bike is a 1970 Electra Glide FLH. After the engine warms up it tap, tap, taps. I tried using a heavier weight oil. That didn't help. My mechanic thinks that adjusting the lifters may be all that's needed. I've heard that if you have to adjust them, you need to replace them. Do you agree?
If the choice is to replace the lifters, for regular street cruising, do you recommend solid or hydraulic? Do you have any recommendations of brands? (Jims and Crane are the ones I've heard are good.)
In addition to the lifters, should I replace the tappets? Anything else?
New question:
I want to change the handlebars. I see them for $50 all the way up to $200. Is there really a difference?
AnswerYou never said if you have solid or hydraulic lifters in the bike right now. If you have solids, they need to be adjusted around every 5000 miles. Hydraulics shouldnt need to be adjusted. Solids are more noisy then hydraulics, due to the valve lash. The noise doesnt hurt anything, its just bothersome.
If you are planning on changing I would first pull the heads and check the rockers arms for wear with that old of a bike. Also, I would pull the lifter blocks and check the bearings that ride on the cam for wear.
I would go with the hydraulics lifters. Less noise and they dont need to be adjusted on a regular basis. Jims or Crane are both good ones and either will do you fine.
On the handlebars, there is not much difference. Alot of it has to do with the manufacture and how much chrome is on them. You will be fine with the cheaper ones.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike
