To the author 15 years ago, who made this concise instruction on exactly what I need today, you sir, were ahead of the game on the RUclips tutorial. Thank you. To the next guy that needs this specific video in another 5 years, I hope it's not algorithmed out by newer, less helpful videos.
Great video! Don’t bother watching other videos on adjusting Iron Head pushrods. This is the one!!! I had been fortunate enough to be taught how to adjust pushrods by the head mechanic at Laidlaw‘s about 30 years ago, after he rebuilt my engine No RUclips no Internet. I Just happened to check online and found this video There is nothing better other than Dieter (RIP) Then what you have here. Paz! Yuma!
nicely put together video. i just sent a link to a friend of mine in florida who called me on how to do this, he had the job done in 30 min and he has little to no mechanical skill! thanx
thankyou for these video....i almost paid over 300$ or 72 per hour in barnett motorcycle i did my self this by looking every detail of this video thankyou again
I just want to also, thank you... I just bought a 76 XL, and want to get her running right. It's almost as fun working on it (as long as you know what your doing), as it is riding it .
cool video i just showed my son how to do that so he could replace his seals on his 1977 Sportster it only ended up costing him around $40 which included oil for the engine and tranny, just a guess but i bet that would have run him $300 plus in the shop -- i hope people watch your videos and keep their money in their pockets i wish you tube was around when i first fixed mine
Thanks! I would make more videos but I don't have the bike anymore. I sold it and bunch of other toys to buy equipment for the new 30' by 52' shop that I built in my back yard. I plan to back fill the toys once I get caught up. Chris
good video , I use wooden clothes pegs to hold the push rod covers up and due to crap petrol in NZ-ive always ran my rear exhaust pushrod slightly looser than the rest just because the rear cylinder gets less air flow , have used ngk B6L plugs for over 25 years ...thanks
hope this works. i just tried it. didnt roll the tire. mines a kicker only so i used the kicker to turnit over about 10 times and then adjusted the valves. hopefuly my machinist Dad can check them out for me to make sure its right thanks for the help sir
I am working on a 82' Sporty that sat for years. Got her running but the rear cylinder has no compression and of course will not fire. I found that the rear exhaust lifter is not moving and frozen in the up position. I hit it with pb blaster and let it sit overnight. What else can I do to free it? Tap it gently?
@shadowdog500 my motor spins in nuetral or so it seems just bump the start button and the tappets roll up and down i have a 84 sporty , wonder if that makes the diffrence
The procedure found on page 3-15 of the Factory Service Manual says to adjust them just tight enough so there is no vertical movement in the pushrod, but just loose enough so that the pushrod can be rotated between your fingers with no bind. (I show this factory adjustment starting at 3:23) The Xl forum method adjusts the exhaust one flat from just being able to rotate and the intake 1/2 a flat from just being able to rotate. It appears that the intake will be about the same, but the exhaust will be a little loose. Since the heat in the exhaust valve is cooled by its time closed and touching the seat a little loose is preferred. If you make it too tight you can burn a valve. Chris
You're a little off with your valve adjustment style. Here's a better way: Rotate the motor in the direction it normally runs. When the exhaust lifter/pushrod/valve just begins to move, adjust the intake. When finished with intake adjustment, continue rotating the motor. When the intake valve just reaches fully closed position, adjust the exhaust. This process makes sure you are on the back side of the lobe when adjusting valves.
Adjusting pushrod and point are relatively simple tasks, that were commonplace 30 years ago but people just don't normally need to learn anymore, so showing it at least demistfies the procedure. Building an engine is not as simple a task, and I would hate to see an inexperinced person tear into an engine based on my video alone. Eventually, I plan to do a clutch adjustment and carb rebuild video. I did do my top end ast winter.
@word4077 So I don't have to turn the engine . With the clutch lever pulled in, the trans turns but the engine don't. It is allot harder to turn the engine by hand in second and third gear
You could put roll the bike forward in fourth gear to rotate the engine. But I would go to home depot and spend a few dollars on wood to make one of these. Look up "SAVE $! Suzuki m50 m800 Boulevard TORNADO BURNCHASSIS HOT DIY Homemade motorcycle jack" in youtube. I like thus type of jack more than the hydraulic type.
Rear Intake bottom cork o-ring leaking. I removed the pushrod cover and positioned it to its lowest point based on watching it go down. Then I was able to rotate the pushrod. Now I backed off the locking nut so I could remove the pushrod and cover to replace the cork o-rings. Do you feel it really necessary to remove the cover of the corresponding pushrod (front intake) to make sure its in the up position when you can see the one I was working on (rear intake) pushrod was at its lowest point?
To the author 15 years ago, who made this concise instruction on exactly what I need today, you sir, were ahead of the game on the RUclips tutorial. Thank you.
To the next guy that needs this specific video in another 5 years, I hope it's not algorithmed out by newer, less helpful videos.
One of the best instructional videos for the Ironhead Sportster. Thanks
I doing a 1937 Triumph Tiger 500 but your video has really helped because it’s to all intents and purposes it’s the same. Top man 👍
Great video!
Don’t bother watching other videos on adjusting Iron Head pushrods.
This is the one!!!
I had been fortunate enough to be taught how to adjust pushrods by the head mechanic at Laidlaw‘s about 30 years ago,
after he rebuilt my engine
No RUclips no Internet.
I Just happened to check online and found this video
There is nothing better other than Dieter (RIP)
Then what you have here.
Paz!
Yuma!
Great video on adjusting early Sportster valve tappets.
nicely put together video. i just sent a link to a friend of mine in florida who called me on how to do this, he had the job done in 30 min and he has little to no mechanical skill! thanx
adjusting my 1980 sporty... this sure beats the haynes manual. Thank you for taking the time to make this.
I appreciate the XL Forum procedure you demostrated. I will start adjusting my pushrods that way. It seems much more precise than my Clymers
Video gold,, just picked up my first harley,,, simple videos is all I need but very necessary,, 😎
thankyou for these video....i almost paid over 300$ or 72 per hour in barnett motorcycle i did my self this by looking every detail of this video thankyou again
crystal clear. i know nothing about engines. i followed precisely and understood. well done.
Thank you this was amazingly helpful with my 82 Ironhead!
Awesome video, i just got a shovelhead and there's less and less people that now how to work on these. Thanks for the video.
dude thanks so much!, my dad finished tightening his pushrod on his 83 ironhead, same exact way you did, and it came out mint, thank you so much!
Thanks for the video. I just finished adjusting the valves on a 77.
awsome video mate, adjusted mine today and is now running alot better. keep up the good work
I think that was the best instructional video I think I've ever seen...👍👍
Thanks!!! Chris
I just want to also, thank you... I just bought a 76 XL, and want to get her running right. It's almost as fun working on it (as long as you know what your doing), as it is riding it .
cool video i just showed my son how to do that so he could replace his seals on his 1977 Sportster it only ended up costing him around $40 which included oil for the engine and tranny,
just a guess but i bet that would have run him $300 plus in the shop -- i hope people watch your videos and keep their money in their pockets i wish you tube was around when i first fixed mine
Your videos are very informative, please keep adding more!
Very informative Ironhead videos, you should do more of them
Thanks! I would make more videos but I don't have the bike anymore. I sold it and bunch of other toys to buy equipment for the new 30' by 52' shop that I built in my back yard. I plan to back fill the toys once I get caught up.
Chris
Wow. Thank you so much. Needed this for my 70 XLCH.
Chris, Im glad this video is a help to you. Thanks!!! Chris
good video , I use wooden clothes pegs to hold the push rod covers up and due to crap petrol in NZ-ive always ran my rear exhaust pushrod slightly looser than the rest just because the rear cylinder gets less air flow , have used ngk B6L plugs for over 25 years ...thanks
Thanks for sharing your knowledge. 🙂
thank you .. just what I needed keep 'em coming
Great video! Just what I was looking for. Thanks
I have a 83 Sportster Ironhead I cannot get the ticking out of the lifter area any ideas would help thanks awesome video 👍
Good info,thanks from Spain.
Great instructional. thanks man!
Tony, Thanks! I'm glad you liked it. Chris
why put the bike in gear? will it not spin the motor in nutrual? either way i'm going to do it like you showed. thanks for the great video
hope this works. i just tried it. didnt roll the tire. mines a kicker only so i used the kicker to turnit over about 10 times and then adjusted the valves. hopefuly my machinist Dad can check them out for me to make sure its right
thanks for the help sir
Freakin great man...very nice..ive got a 77 ironhead...nice to see you spreadin the love..you got more vids comin?
Very informative! Thank you.
I am working on a 82' Sporty that sat for years. Got her running but the rear cylinder has no compression and of course will not fire. I found that the rear exhaust lifter is not moving and frozen in the up position. I hit it with pb blaster and let it sit overnight. What else can I do to free it? Tap it gently?
What about the tappet? It is Charging off? or Do you need to charge before adjustment?. Nice video
@KDN990 Yes, This procedure will work on any ironhead.
great vid keep em coming
Why do you pull the clutch in before you shift gears? Does it make a difference?
@1993Dyna This is a solid lifter engine.
@shadowdog500 my motor spins in nuetral or so it seems just bump the start button and the tappets roll up and down i have a 84 sporty , wonder if that makes the diffrence
Great video ! Thanks
Is the locking nut cracked?
It looks like that on the video.
Lars
Thank you! ☕👌💨
what is the difference between the xl forums method, compared to the stock mothod
The procedure found on page 3-15 of the Factory Service Manual says to adjust them just tight enough so there is no vertical movement in the pushrod, but just loose enough so that the pushrod can be rotated between your fingers with no bind. (I show this factory adjustment starting at 3:23)
The Xl forum method adjusts the exhaust one flat from just being able to rotate and the intake 1/2 a flat from just being able to rotate.
It appears that the intake will be about the same, but the exhaust will be a little loose. Since the heat in the exhaust valve is cooled by its time closed and touching the seat a little loose is preferred. If you make it too tight you can burn a valve.
Chris
i will try that next time i adjust! i am themadchef on xlforums
Can I do this with my heads and rocker arms off??
Where do I get a 78 sportster factory parts manual??
@shadowdog500
Ahh, thankx for the info.
I got a bit scared and just wanted you to know if it wasnt right.
Take care
Lars
@RayHolly69 The dealer sells them. Or you can look online.
Thank you!!!!!
@MikeSVOR The method I show is from the factory service manual. Your method is a blanket method that can be used on any engine.
3:10 saving the notes 3:35 xl forums
Is there ANY way I can do this without having a stand...I don't have one..
Take chain off and turn the motor over with a large wrench..
You're a little off with your valve adjustment style. Here's a better way: Rotate the motor in the direction it normally runs. When the exhaust lifter/pushrod/valve just begins to move, adjust the intake. When finished with intake adjustment, continue rotating the motor. When the intake valve just reaches fully closed position, adjust the exhaust. This process makes sure you are on the back side of the lobe when adjusting valves.
@cooperdypyty It wont spin the motor in neutral.
It is easier to turn the engine in fourth gear due to the gear ratio.
Adjusting pushrod and point are relatively simple tasks, that were commonplace 30 years ago but people just don't normally need to learn anymore, so showing it at least demistfies the procedure.
Building an engine is not as simple a task, and I would hate to see an inexperinced person tear into an engine based on my video alone. Eventually, I plan to do a clutch adjustment and carb rebuild video.
I did do my top end ast winter.
@word4077 So I don't have to turn the engine . With the clutch lever pulled in, the trans turns but the engine don't. It is allot harder to turn the engine by hand in second and third gear
You could put roll the bike forward in fourth gear to rotate the engine. But I would go to home depot and spend a few dollars on wood to make one of these. Look up "SAVE $! Suzuki m50 m800 Boulevard TORNADO BURNCHASSIS HOT DIY Homemade motorcycle jack" in youtube. I like thus type of jack more than the hydraulic type.
by the way, i worked 2hours 1/2 doing this on 84 sportster
Rear Intake bottom cork o-ring leaking. I removed the pushrod cover and positioned it to its lowest point based on watching it go down. Then I was able to rotate the pushrod. Now I backed off the locking nut so I could remove the pushrod and cover to replace the cork o-rings.
Do you feel it really necessary to remove the cover of the corresponding pushrod (front intake) to make sure its in the up position when you can see the one I was working on (rear intake) pushrod was at its lowest point?
@gummybearkiller1
The nuts come that way from the factory.