Adjusting Pushrods On Harley Davidson Ironhead Sportster

[@charlesm3844]

I just bought my first ironhead. I'm gonna follow, The ironhead mechanics are a dying breed. The local Harley shop doesn't even want to touch it.

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Yeah, you've certainly got to be somewhat hands on to own one of these things.

[@pierrenadeau746]

Same here! All Harley mechanics won't touch it. To be honest, that gave me pride in my Ironhead. They can stick to their lazyboys on two wheels they call motorcycles ;-)

[@RaymondWarren-g8h]

Yes bro im to a die hard iron head to death type of guy i love seeing more folks like me

[@markhensley1589]

You did a professional job. Straight out of the book. The only thing I do different is I put all pushrods in, then kick engine thru a couple of times and recheck clearance, then put all 4 tubes on. But if you were sure as you went along - no problem. Remember when you do reconnect electrical to polorize the generator. "Flash A post of generator to +, battery pos post

[@randombrandon1940]

Thank you for passing on your knowledge to future generations!

[@FernandezCycles]

Just the no nonsense video I was lookin for! Thanks brother!

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Sure thing, man.

[@jeffholmes2861]

Just acquired my first 1984 Iron Project yesterday, Needs new engine cases (ordered today) because one gear ger-naded an hurt the cases really bad, and newly used trans that came with that's ready to go. Went through everything and see that I have a big electrical job ahead of me. This Iron has been well taken care of, an will be a show stopper when I get done. (we"re never done)

[@rs-nk8cf]

Early or late model? I acquired a late model basket case a few months ago and am building it

[@thaddeushoward]

I just bought 1981 sportster I love they way the purest talk about them I had to have one.. I have 4 boys so didn't have alot of money to work with but was finally able to purchase one .. I m going to be watching everything u post on the ironhead .. I hope your there for me lol .. I'll be looking for posts .. thank u and Godspeed

[@thedewdster]

81 is last of the XLCR frame. Cool 3 year only racing design. Alot of specific hard to find parts for each year but you get to brag that you have a bastard child of a Sportster. I have a 79 kick only xlch. Last year of kickstart only with 141 made. It's gonna be a bitch for sure to ride regularly but bragging rights is cool too 😂 vintage Harley's are the epitome of cool. Be proud you own one 🤙

[@lucasblues1202]

I've got a 79 ironhead xlch that's been sitting, needs a lil tlc and watching your vids has helped me. Thank you sir.

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Glad to help, man.

[@michaelhaddan1965]

Righteous. Thanks brotherman. I'll be needing this info again when I reach this point in my '70 Ironhead restoration~~

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Glad to help!

[@mrbillaloo]

Greetings from Aus. Man, thank you so much for this! Replaced the Rocker gasket on my 1980 Iron head and must have messed with the Pushrod height, as I couldnt figure out why it ran so bad after. Followed your Clip, now shes purring like she just came off the factory floor! Cheers.

[@SaddleTrampTV]

@@mrbillaloo Right on! Glad this helped you, man!

[@jettechdonatkins]

I learned how to adjust lifters on my '76 sportster after while riding it,it started running on 1 cylinder.I was 20 and didn't know anything about my new Harley yet,but soon found out it had solid lifters and knowing about those from my muscle car that I had,it was a simple task! Thanks for this,brings back great memories!

[@SaddleTrampTV]

That's how I learned too. Lol

[@richardstewart1955]

In 1973-1975 I was unable to get those beautiful cork gaskets for the lifters. I had to salvage the best used ones I could find. It was a 1953 panhead and it didn't leak when I finished putting it back together.

[@skyking4501]

Loved this video. Best I’ve ever seen on the installation of push rods. The music was awesome!! I was grinning from ear to ear.

[@James_P60]

I know this is a older video but it’s a good video, this is exactly how I did mine years ago and shovel is basically the same. 👍

[@dougschwarz6699]

Thanks, Professor Corey! You are very thorough and informative.

[@charlesmanning1851]

She is looking awesome brother! Can't wait to see her on the road.

[@ronduff4325]

I've adjusted push rods a thousand times over the years and I watched anyway . You never know what you might learn . I've done my share of hydraulic lifters too.

[@boomerguy9935]

Great video. Great music. Great shirt. You are a unique individual. Don't ever change. You make the world a better place.

[@--J--]

Just got a 75 ironhead. Learning alot from your videos. Thanks

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Right on

[@cancelchannel3394]

It's the little details that help the most, thank you for your patience in helping all of your viewers who want to wrench on their own bkies ")

[@irishguyjg_2ndchancerecovery]

I love your intro. Thanks for this Corey

[@joeharley87]

I have to say thank you to you. I been getting a little lazy about my bikes. I have been watching you for a little while now, and you have got me back doing things on them. I am nowhere the mechanic you are but doing the things I can. Thank you for the relaxing and informative videos. I have a 1987 FLHS and a 1992 Sporty.

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Glad to help!

[@thegreatders344]

Just bought my first harley last week. 82 ironhead. This video helps a lot, thanks!

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Great, man!

[@incognito4118]

You are keeping it interesting 😊 and the Jazz made it very relaxing to watch. Love your channel since almost two years... Thanks from Germany

[@SUPPORTYOURSELF]

Just bought a 1982 XLH, thanks for these videos!! Keep them coming!

[@SaddleTrampTV]

I'll do my best. Thanks!

[@whatyoumakeofit6635]

I just picked up a 81 a few weeks ago. It always zeems like i end up with odd year stuff. Doesn't matter if its bikes, cars or trucks.

[@williamcook2354]

Hey brother I'm currently building an Ironhead 1000 xlch and that was a super informative video I really appreciate the time that you put into it I am now subscribed to your channel and I'm looking forward to your next video I hope it's about Ironhead

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Hey, glad to have helped, and thanks for coming along.

[@mikeshaffer2950]

Moving along,,, should you have rotated the motor a complete cycle an check lash play again? I have to do the same to my 78 Sportster here soon. Thank for the video. Still think a set true low slung pipes look good on bike.

[@darrenallo5595]

Looking good, I am anxious to see you on the road with the ironhead. You may not be classified as a so called professional but you are definitely without question a motorcycle mechanic with tons of more knowledge than me.

[@clintdenman3037]

Pretty funny because my best mate from my early years well his name is Mike but to this day still Tramp and he is a fitter and turner and his skills were amazing he still has his first Harley Davidson And it is a 1200 or 74 cube flatty and if you actually look back to the 80s it was in the Aussie version of live to ride it was a 1943 I think from memory and it was called Orphan Annie lol gotta love memories shared between the V.Twin lovers u know what I mean we weren't anything special just a few young men and women who had a love for the road not going anywhere fast but we knew it when we found it, my goodness i loved those years.

[@vincentvelazquez6001]

I really appreciate this video Saddle, it reminds me l did the same thing on my 79 iron head, it was such a nice bike... Cheers and take care.

[@dronecapture8791]

Thanks for this video 👍 great help I’ve just bought my first iron head! I’m sure your videos will be invaluable

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Glad to have helped!

[@barkbook1440]

This saved me thank you! Trying to fix my husbands 1976 Ironhead while he’s on deployment

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Glad to help

[@paulhealey8221]

Good video tramp, I always enjoy your wrenching vids. Actually, I am currently making a iron head video of my own, I am really enjoying the process however the filming sure slows me down! But I hope folks enjoy it when it’s finished. I am glad your moving forward on your new build, it’s always interesting content to watch. Thanks for documenting it.

[@chrishoesing5455]

You never got your video done eh?

[@jkpoynter]

I know how to do a pushrod adjust, but this was a well made video. I really like your vids brother... Thank you!

[@lisajohnson8566]

Nice video and fabulous music. I have a 77 Sportster that I am having an issue with front cylinder not firing regularly so the valves are where I'm headed today to make sure they are not too tight. Appreciate the advice.

[@eddunn3427]

Thank you. I will get motivated and get my iron back on the road

[@paulfosbery6026]

Excellent video! Its always nice seeing someone else being busy! I just wish someone would be busy and do some maintenance on my bike at the moment. I'm getting too old for crawling around on the ground these days! Interesting that Harley went from 4 separate gear-driven cams on the Sportsters to the single camshaft with 4 cams on the early Evo Motor...much simpler...until the dreaded; "Twin Cam" complicated things! ...LOL...! Take care, all...and be SAFE!

[@davidk.3240]

I enjoy watching your videos their very helpful to me. Because I own a 1979 ironhead

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Glad to hear it

[@shenanigansofmannanan]

Like Yoda with a ponytail... thanks for the lesson, brother

[@DieselsHOGVlog]

I’ve built so many gas and Diesel engines from stock to super pro but never a motorcycle engine...it looks like a lot of fun...therapeutic maybe...like I said in Scouses live today, I think finding an old iron head up here to build is very unlikely. Can’t wait to see the end result of your efforts! ✌🏼

[@kevinoverton6869]

That was a great wrenching video. I love to ser what the bike is shaping into.

[@joelhusbandtoandreaproudof8916]

Thank you ! For the easy illustration, & quickness of it all. I have a 72 ironhead . i left the key on and now it runs like crap. Can it be points or magneto points? And timing. Or what?

[@zari63]

after change new o-ring pushrod still leak of oil whats I do wrong????

[@lisar3006]

I just did my 72 FLH . You did it like I do if I recall two of the rods are shorter.

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Mine are all the same.

[@lisar3006]

@@SaddleTrampTV I couldn't recall it has been 30 years since I had them out I do adjust them but I don't ride my 72 like I did. I have an 02 FLSTC but I am looking for a good Evo. I just sold my 01 FLHRCI Road King. Not a fan of these twin cams.

[@BlackWhiskeyBlaze]

Love that intro. Mr SaddleTramp’s Neighborhood. Shoulda did a sweater and change of shoes before getting started.

[@BlackWhiskeyBlaze]

Holy shit, I said that before I even saw your shirt! Lol

[@SaddleTrampTV]

@@BlackWhiskeyBlaze I've been told that a few times.

[@ronniewilhite6254]

I'll be working on my 1973 Ironhead awesome 👌 thank you...

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Sure thing!

[@jeffmorris739]

I can't even get the fuse box out of my bike. They don't want you to work on modern bikes and it's obvious if you try. Old school is sometimes better. Simple. Great video Tramp.

[@DeluxeChimp]

Excellent video Saddle Tramp! ✌😎

[@robertbecker804]

Nice work... dug the jazz!

[@Supermankev2001]

Nice Shirt LOL Looks like it fits. Loved it Man music choice was awesome instruction good Always like your content.

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Thank you so much for the shirt, Kev. And also for sticking around.

[@Supermankev2001]

SaddleTramp very good video

[@simonholley6256]

Always enjoy your vids,very educational. 👍

[@scottseibert7796]

Can’t wait !! It’s gonna be rad when it’s done !!!👍🏍

[@randynewtonsr9659]

“ I love it when a plan comes together “ 👍

[@KowboyUSA]

Excellent video, amigo. Sharing it with my Sporty riding brother.

[@RoadRashHD]

Looks a lot easier then i thought it would be

[@kidmoto22]

You make this stuff look easy!

[@uuncensored]

Great info and video once again. And I love that shirt!

[@Mad1Mullen]

Thanks I was wondering if I could install pushrods with rocker covers on 🤘🏻

[@boscodog4358]

Hey man good to see you again Great instructions. What is the brand name of your small scissor jack.

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Not sure. Some no name brand that I got from ebay.

[@jaminr80]

Love your videos so helpful! I have a 77 sporty that I've been working on kind of a basket-case yet but working progress nonetheless.

[@streetwise10-73]

Amigo...well done. next time try just a thin layer of lube on the new cork gasket when installing, After you get the spring clip in the push rod tube and it goes "snap", rotate the tube (so it self centers) just a little to make sure its seated into the new cork.....Good job.... good video.

[@ponyboy1664]

Any feedback on those braided oil lines? Are their internal diameters different from the rods and does this have any effect? Great instruction, thanks.

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Haven't got that far yet. Had a bit of a setback with the shop being destroyed in the storm.

[@ponyboy1664]

@@SaddleTrampTV Oh crap! Hope you get back to normal

[@engleharddinglefester4285]

Thanks! I don't know why this was so hard to understand before. I think a lot of guys give too much information when they describe how to do this. I thought it had something to do with the position of the pistons and you needed to look through the porthole to check the timing marks on the flywheel. But no!

[@jimscycleandautotn8508]

Yo amigo , happen to memeber where you got them braided oil lines and what size they were ? No worries if not , good info 👊

[@SaddleTrampTV]

I got them from Scooters. The local bike shop by me. 228 832 7444

[@jimscycleandautotn8508]

@@SaddleTrampTV hell yea , thanks amigo 👊

[@WildOn2sVlog]

Looking good. Thanks

[@TravisRummer]

Where'd you get the braided oil lines, I've never seen those before.

[@SaddleTrampTV]

It was an ebay item.

[@daves4yah]

Great instructional video Sir, I learned! Cheerz!

[@hawgalligood7239]

Wow looking at your old Shop then look at your Monster Shop Now....going to need to put gps on ya while you're in the New Shop...lol

[@SaddleTrampTV]

I reckon so! lol

[@eagleridge1972]

Great vid man, you explain stuff so well.

[@Michael-lr1ic]

I've purchased my first 79 itonhead a fixer upper it runs but ruff I'm going through the sweating and cussing part of doing it myself your video helped me greatly my wife thanks you to .she dont hear me swearing as loud and as much thanks dude .my FAT BOY hasn't made me cuss YET knock on wood ...peace out

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Glad it helped out and that your Mrs is happy too.

[@apophusra59]

Excellent Video thanx, But off topic, Did you use any sealant between the rubber carb boot & the intake flange? I am asking this, as I have done a single carb conversion on my Yamaha xv1100 & I have just received a new carb boot for one of my old harley cv40 carbs, so thought I would ask what you did, before I continue? :)

[@SaddleTrampTV]

I haven't. The boot is self-sealing. At least mine is.

[@apophusra59]

@@SaddleTrampTV Sounds like my boot, it has 2 small round raised circles around the intake hole instead of a recessed o-ring, I just thought I would ask, that's all, Keep up the good work mate & Ride Safe!. :) PS: Thanx for getting back to me so quick!.

[@SaddleTrampTV]

@@apophusra59 Yeah, That's how mine is too. Thanks, man.

[@mikeashbaugh7773]

Like the tank

[@ANONYMOUSBIKERUSA]

Excellent job ! Learned a lot today !

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Thanks, man. You rock.

[@rodneylewis1847]

Have a question or 2 maybe 3.. looking at an 81 ironhead sporty for a chopper project. I own bikes all metric this will be my 1st harley closest would be the xs. Want to ride not bar hop so weekend trips or longer how is the 4 speed with vibration vs a say 91 5 speed.

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Not much different. You'll run a higher rpm though while trying to do highway speeds than you would with a 5 speed.

[@h2ocommander257]

Do I make sure evey cam is at the bottom by moving the motor and then adjust it. Or just the front one

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Yes... Every cam.

[@unokarpa4405]

удобная схема регулировки клапанов! нет необходимости снимать головки цилиндров, не надо сливать охлаждающую жидкость, не надо снимать бензобак )

[@johnliotta2583]

Love ur vids. Not comercial at all. Praise Jesus!

[@TheOujibo]

Where did you get the steel beaded lines

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Ebay

[@jburnsdrummer]

Are you rotating the engine in between each push rod?

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Yes

[@everettthoman2097]

i have a ? i have a 1975 sporty it has new electrinic ignition in it new coil new carb super e everything jetted right when i start bike in joke it kinda races then slows down i know the bike will rpm more with choke on as soon as i take joke off it popps bad out carb and exaust wont stay running even with idle adjusted up bad back fire out exhaust ect. everything is timed coil tested ect the only thing i havent done was check push rods for adjustment ect have you run into this issue im thinking the push rods may need adjustment ect

[@SaddleTrampTV]

That sounds more like an intake leak. But it wouldn't be a bad idea to check your push rods also.

[@rickdougherty7521]

Well what I didn't like was you told what to do with the front push rod but you didn't tell whether to lower the other ones or where they stay where they're at and you just put them all in and adjusting like you said that's what I want to know do you lower each one every time you go to it or they stay where they are when you set the front one

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Of course I lower each lifter first. I figured it would've been obvious enough that you would do the rest of them the same way by watching how I did the first one.

[@rickdougherty7521]

Thank you very much Saddle Tramp that's all I wanted to know looks like it's pretty simple do you adjust the old shovel heads in the same order

[@SaddleTrampTV]

@@rickdougherty7521 That I'm not sure of. Don't have any experience with a shovel, but I have been told they are done the same way.

[@JerseyNickMoto]

Love the Mr Rogers shirt lol

[@dannynoel993]

Hate those oil lines, I had a set, kept sticking my hand every time got near em. But I do like the cork o rings.

[@13foxcerv76]

thank you!

[@TonysGarage]

Well, that was a fantastic video!

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Thanks Tony!

[@Knottylocs07]

Hey, new subscriber here. Thanks for the info. I have an 80 ironhead that I acquired not long ago. Still getting acquainted with her. She's quirky. I'm running into an issue where I keep carbon fouling spark plugs. Now, I am a mechanic but new to Harleys. I took apart the carb and cleaned it up like new, checked for fuel and air leaks. Nothing. I noticed the front intake pushrod tube, on the bottom end, the bolt won't tighten into the case. Yep, it's stripped. And oil just spits out when she gets up to operating temp. I'm tempted to helicoil the case, but I'm hesitant in case its a bad idea. Any ideas?

[@SaddleTrampTV]

You don't have anything to lose by trying that; being that it's already stripped. If that doesn't work, you can try tapping some new threads of the next size up. Or you could fill the hole by welding it, and then drill and tap some new threads.

[@chappy5694]

Very informative video! Thanks man!

[@mountaindew8042]

That what oldlady are for ✌

[@dalespringerwilson4233]

Don't know if you know it or not, but the braided lines don't provide a lot of oil for the rockers / valves. Just a tip from quite a few iron Head knowledgeable people.

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Thanks for the heads up

[@bryansanford]

Ironhead push rod/ tappet adjustment on cold engine. Adjust tappet at lowest position and when like tappet is at highest (valve fully open.) Inlet valves nearest carb.

[@lukassellars3118]

Good job thanks for the help

[@SrOchoa]

Can the pushrod be too long that can cause a valve to stay open?

[@SaddleTrampTV]

If you get the adjustment wrong, yes.

[@SrOchoa]

@@SaddleTrampTV my bike was working fine and someday it started leaking oil thru the rocker box, removed the tank and noticed every bolt was lose, tightened everything and tried to start it and front cyl intake valve seems to be open cause it blows compression thru the carb, before i tightened the rocker box it was working just fine

[@crazyDIYguy]

So you want the pushrod tight so you can still spin it with no up and down play, (after you tighten the jam nut). I think I got it now. 👌🙏

[@Emansson]

Hey ! Nice video man , is it the same on a EVO 883 -94?

[@SaddleTrampTV]

No. Pretty much everything on an evo is committed to go where it needs. There's no adjustment needed on the pushrods... unless you go aftermarket.

[@Emansson]

Aha, so if i put 1200cc kit i dont need to adjust valves at all?

[@SaddleTrampTV]

@@Emansson Nope. Like I said. Everthing is committed.

[@Emansson]

Thx for fast answers ! Love your content 👌🏻 🇸🇪

[@Saddletramp1200]

Good Job Son, I might have added some Teflon tape to the oil lines.

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Done

[@johnken8170]

Rocking shirt.!

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Thanks!!

[@charlesturner5538]

Pretty simple great video

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Thanks 👍

[@albundy6804]

HEY AMIGO!!

[@peternajduk7841]

Why would you use cork?

[@SaddleTrampTV]

That's what was in the kit.

[@theramblingsoflarry9290]

I don't own a old bike but would love to have one

[@panduwibisono7217]

Thank you man

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Sure thing!