Adjusting Pushrods On Harley Davidson Ironhead Sportster 

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

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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

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

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.

My name is Jack(joaquin murrieta ) and I have a ironhead slorster 1974 I'm slowly trying to bring back to life if bring back the dead is possible hopefully it will be a case r of reviving lol how ever it will be a while. most of its there moter transmission nothings wired up but the harness is there not familiar with this bike but it's old it looks re as ly basic as far as it's functions a key battery wiring altho IA a sporster it's apearence doesn't show it much to the ordinary Joe so here I am shaping it's appearance cleaned it up kinda hesitant on opening up anything but mo mater what I'm left with this bike will some day run a promise now is there anyway I can find out the moterss condition by opening something up I'm a very a uick Lerner n I won't get into anything t I'll I study and feel confident with dealing g with a specific issue I'm just as t wondering g it's been siting and it was given to me first cuz I love these bikes n 2nd it will run again I apologize gor the gibberish of my txt but to give u n idea wst I'm dealing with any thing u can give me as far as maybe a check list I can do by viewing thet state of this bike wish I can send detailed pics think that would be best I dint know get back with ur thots it's a challenge I find myself facing basket case for sure

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.

So the first pushrod you did in the video has to be all the way down ok then the second one so the first pushrod don't move once it's all the way down

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

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)

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.

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.

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

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

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. 👍

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.

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. 👌🙏

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

I love your intro. Thanks for this Corey

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

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

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.

Thank you for passing on your knowledge to future generations!

Nice work... dug the jazz!

If your not a professional you sure know your sh$t

11mm slash 7/16th? Use an 11mm if you don't have a 7/16th? What kind of advise is that? Who, working on an old Ironhead wouldn't have a full set of all tools, and who, while adjusting the pushrods wouldn't have a shaved thin 7/16??? Stop trying to be so "inclusive". Trying to include those who don't have enough sense to have the basic tools.....sheesh!! Have enough truth to say, "If you don't have a decent full set of tools go and buy them or don't bother working on an old Ironhead. Or working on ANYTHING for that matter.

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

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

My first harley was a 74 sportster 1000 with right hand shift and kicker only. Always had trouble starting it when the engine was warm. Rode it to sturgis in 1990, about a 500 mile trip from home. Didn't dare shut it off to refuel because it wouldn't start warm. Ended up doing a compression test on it and lo and behold only 20 psi hot. Push rods were set too tight and when the engine warmed up they would hold the valves open ever so slightly. And with a kicker only you would kick that bitch 50 plus times to get it started. Adjusted the push rods and from then on it started first kick hot or cold. Suffered with a shitty starting sporty for damn near a year til I got that figured out. Wish I still had that bike

My Harley ironhead bevor Adjustig. Pitsch patsch vrom the carb. After Adjustig the pushrods the carb. Booom BANG. Manivold down .

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.

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

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

Good job thanks for the help

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

thank you are really cool guy

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?

That what oldlady are for ✌

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

Next time if that pos runs long enough to need a valve adjustment try changing the lock nuts and a little oil on the push rod ends is mandatory.

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

Like the tank

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.

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!

Your explanations are very usuful. Thanks for the vid. Keep safe and be happy.

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

Step by step Amigo. don't look like you wanna ride today anyway. cheers

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

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!

exact same process we use to run the valves in a hurry on a sbc in the pits on race night

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

Sorry, I meant adjustable push rods, and solid lifters.

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! ✌🏼

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

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

Excellent video Saddle Tramp! ✌😎

Love it... :-)

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 ")

thank you!

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? :)

Are you rotating the engine in between each push rod?

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.

My 2 cents! Adj. rear intake when front intake is all the way up! Adj. rear exh. when front exh is all the way up! Now do the same for the front cly. Rears up adjust the fronts! Not on the bottom of the cams! TIP. Also fram VW beetle filterworks better than glass filter which heats gas vapor lock!

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.

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

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

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

Great instructional video Sir, I learned! Cheerz!

Always enjoy your vids,very educational. 👍

Yo i appreciate yourtime good brother

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?

Great vid man, you explain stuff so well.

Looking good. Thanks

Very informative video! Thanks man!

HEY AMIGO!!

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

Where did you get the steel beaded lines

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

😎👍😎

Pretty simple great video

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

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

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

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