Harley Pushrod Adjustment & Rocker Boxes - Twin Cam Engine Build - Kevin Baxter - Pro Twin Performan 

Kevin your videos are top notch. I feel like im sitting in a classroom .

Oh man Kevin, I'm headed to the garage to check my rocker box covers. Haha! Your attention to detail is keeping me very busy. 👍

Love your videos ,I’ve been wrenching on Harley shovelheads for almost 50 years,but just recently bought an 08 twin cam and have been trying to learn as much as possible ,I’m learning new stuff everyday from you, keep up the good work.

I make sure both cams of the cylinder that I’m installing pushrods on are on their base circles by feeling or looking at the other cylinder lifters. When the other cylinder is on overlap and both lifters are in motion, the cylinder I’m working on will have both cams on their base circles.

nothing finer than a tradesman that pays attention to the details, it's the details that decide a win or fail on any job. great job Kevin!

Best way to adjust push rods with adjustable push rods is to start at the bottom and come back up whatever the threads are easiest way to determine how many turns is 32 threads put a dot between three and two 3.2 turns 24 threads 2.4 turns etc reason I know I invented them in the early nineties

Your an amazing Meticulous Mechanic with very high Standards and Morals with everything your do. Doesn't matter if it's a Engine build or your sweeping the floor. You do the very best job that you can no matter the task. You are also very good at articulating how and what to do directly and discreetly to the task leaving. No questions should be asked, because of you being so thorough in explanation. Your knowledge of your craft is second to none , THANK YOU!!!

Hey, Kevin! I'm curious about something here. My OCD is catching up to me, or maybe rather my worry, but is there a list of specific engine components that need to be replaced when doing a complete tear down/rebuild? More specifically all the bolts e.g. rocker box bolts torqued to the head. Curious your thoughts!

Great video as alway, do you find a need to go back and adjust the push rods after a couple thousand miles. I am trying to determine if it’s normal valve train noise from my SS475 cam and lifters or they need to be readjusted.

Couldn't watch it live, but I need to watch every one KB does.....KNOWLEDGE!!!

Know this is an old video but just got my bike back from shop and could hear the lifters ticking, readjusted and it's so quiet now ,thanks keven

That pushrod tube tool is amazing. Jims is top notch. Thanks for all the great content from Kingston Ontario.

Thanks greatly for this video Kevin. I am actually underway with a can/cam plate upgrade with lifters and pushrods. Even though I was extremely particular in my pushrods there's always that apprehension of doing it right. Your video helped me make sure I was on the money. Always enjoy your topics and instruction. Greatly appreciated buddy

I’ve never understood adjustable pushrods. With .100 compression on the lifter it seems hinky to use adjustable pushrods when a pushrod length checker could be used to get the correct length when checking clearance then order proper length pushrods.

I love how meticulous you are. You can work on my bike anytime.

Hey Kevin. with your cam cover off you can line up your timing marks up for TDC on the rear cylinder, right? That's what I've done with 3 cam swaps.

Very informative videos! Is there a drill spec for the drain holes on the breathers!??

Why adjustable push rods on a a complete engine build the engine is out and you have all the room in the world? I can understand using adjustable on a pure cam swap only......Not being critical; honestly just trying to understand why you wouldn't use a non adjustable pushrod?

Why do all that just leave the cam cover off and use the timing marks for exact TDC? Timing marks facing each other on each cam sprocket then it's TDC for rear, both timing marks on the top of each cam sprocket and inline with hash mark on cam plate then front is TDC

Nice video but the camera keeps moving fast and we didn't see when you need to extend the pushrod after the zero lash i believe 3 turns and quarter .

I recently replaced my rocker box gaskets and breather assembly. I did not replace the stock OEM pushrods. Should I have replaced them. Why adjustable vs solid pushrods?

Let me ask a question on the rocker box. When u torque the rocker box down at 20 ft/lbs won't that mess up the torque on the other bolts that u torque at 12 ft/lbs

Would you reccomend a new o-ring for the Breather? GREAT tip with cleaning material and making space for the Valve springs! I never would have thought to check that.

Sir what a video..... awesome... clear,informative and by far the best out there and I’ve watched quite a few, I’ve just started a rebuild of my 01 twin cam and you’ve definitely helped ... instantly subscribed !!! Keep well 🤘😎🤘

There's a blue bike sitting behind where you're working... (Teal Blue). That's exactly what I have here! I haven't been able to tell if it's a Heritage Softail you have there. But it's a close match to mine. "Lots of chrome!"

I don’t care what anyone says Harley Davidson has some of the most outdated engines out here in 2021. HD has been using 1950’s/1960’s technology so long and it’s caught up to them. This labor intensive engines are and have been a problem that other manufacturers have designed their engines around such as 3 hole oil changes, a huge primary chain rotating, rocker arms. Let hope Harley jumps on the thought out revolution max engine format they currently have in two bikes as of 2021.

Another great bolt cleaner is an ultrasonic cleaner off Amazon. Some heavy duty simple green gets em cleaner then I can using a wire wheel or brake clean.

so, how much would you charge (including labor) to bullet proof my 88? I just bought it recently (it's an 06 Street glide with only 28k on it), and I haven't reached that point where I'm desperate to make it super fast or anything. And, when that day comes, I want to know I can do so safely without flushing all my money down the toilet. Soooooo, I'm thinking Timken bearings on the left side of the crank, all new bearings in the cam chest, and a decent set of gear driven cams. Oh. and of course new cam plate and an updated fuel pump. I understand if you don't want to discuss this publicly, but you can shoot me a DM whenever you like. Oh, and maybe an updated compensator based on your judgement after you've inspected it.

I love these videos you do a great job. Truly enjoy you showing the engines going back together and the diagnostics of what went wrong. These are the videos that truly help someone like me and I watch them 20x over

I have a question that I have never seen addressed anywhere. In one of your previous videos you said you had experience with hot rod auto engines. I'm sure you remember the racer's trick of adjusting the hydraulic lifters to top of travel zero lash. Start the engine after a preliminary adjustment and slowly loosen the rocker locknut until the lifter clicks, then tighten until the click stops, then go 1/16 to 1/8 turn more, semi-effectively turning them into solids. Makes it impossible to pump the lifters up at high RPM, although you can still float the valves. Can this trick be used on Harleys? I don't see why you couldn't. Any opinion?

Sorry to bother you. I have s&s quicky pushrods along with the s&s lifters in my 19 breakout m8 114 stage 2 475c cam kit. They're instructions said 4 turns then let bleed down your video says 3¼ turns so should I fix it your way or leave them just like I have them?

Great video, pushrod adjustment is confusing for a lot of people and you explained it extremely well. I've had people that didn't know what brand pushrods they had and they were all freaked out until I told them is really doesn't matter as long as you know the thread pitch. The same with the lifters just go with the average and check for binding and you'll be fine. Its not rocket science.

what was the count on push rods? ( Video skips how many rotations)

What is the difference in use for loc-tight vs Anti-seize compound?????? I know Anti-Seize is messy and it seems if you get a spot of it on your hand pretty soon you'll have most of your body covered with it. Don - Peoria, AZ

Why didn't you show what 3.2 turns looks like? I get 3 full rotations but what is a point 2 rotation?? This was literally the most important part and was missing from video 🤦‍♂️

Point of interest for people wondering why the engine is being rotated one full turn (360 degrees), the cams rotate 1/2 engine speed, thus one turn of the crankshaft (360 degrees) is equal to 180 degrees rotation of the cams.

I put together 110 kit on my 07 Electra glide classic 96 cubic inch motor had about 3,000 miles on it had a base gasket leak pulled it apart this spring found scratches in cylinders with skirts are on the Pistons looked a little closer with the lifter lifter bore broke out exhaust lifter bore have you ever seen this

Another excellent installment - Informative AND entertaining - Many Thanks

I'm glad I found this video because I'm in the process of a cam change complete and really don't understand the 100 thousands gap but I do now, so do you have to soak the new lifters in oil before installing then let them bleed down again?

I have a 2003 heritage. B motor. I built it to a 95 with S&S 509 cams, stock heads, this spring. Cam plate up grade ect.. Good tune and runs well. However I got a little heavy handed on the throttle a few times. Got 4000 miles on build. Developed a slight knock. Random. Not constant like a rod knock. And a whooshing sound in the motor. I hear the knock when I put my stethoscope on the front of the engine block. Picked up some vibration as well. Compensator was checked. Clutch was replaced soon after I built it due to it slipping when I got on it a couple times. So I ruled that out. Long story short I'm tearing it down to verify issues. I believe I have issues in the counterbalancing setup. That being said, since I'm in there I'm going to have the crank checked and trued and welded along with the token bearing conversion. So to my question.. since I'm doing a complete rebuild on the bottom end I was wondering about having the case bored to accept 107 pistons and cylinders a d keep TV he existing 4" stroke. What are your thoughts on the stock stroke 107 build? Thanks. Appreciate your knowledge.

question. You have a dyno. live in orlando fl. only eight hours. would love to you or one of your guys tune my bike . 2005 duce 103 screaming eagle.fuel injected

I have 14 fat bob would improper adjusted push rods cause a back fire out the intake,my bike has s&s adjustable rods with tw-777 cams and every time I start after it sits for a while and is cold,I start it and let it idle and it will idle fine for a little while then it almost sounds like a misfire,then sputters and backfires out the filter and stalls. But it starts back up and when I go for a ride it never does it again until it cools again. I’m thinking I miss adjusted the push rods

Awesome tutorial. My question is why not use solid 1 piece pushrods? And if using solid pushrods how do you measure for proper length if you are using a variety of aftermarket parts from different manufacturers?

Very cool how you make the rocker boxes clear . I bet mine will have those witness marks. I'm not tearin it down just to find out.

Ahh.. a wrencher is easy to entertain.. “let me test myself on my torque value”.. I do it too.. nice thing is, the wife ALWAYS knows where we are

Question: why would you use adjustable pushrods here? Since you have everything apart it seams that solid would be the thing to use? Thanks.

Just curious, why are you using adjustable pushrods if you already have the rocker box opened up?

What are your thoughts on putting in rocker lockers? Even as a preventive measure.

Any cons to using adjustable pushrods? I'm planning a cam swap and wonder if I want to keep the OEM pushrods or go adjustable. I know it's a difference in labor.

We appreciate the knowledge but the camera man sucks,, while your doing push rods the cam is all over the place

If you had the cam cover off Can’t you just line up the timing marks ???

Kevin I have just received my S & S cam chest kit for my M8 and the instructions say to adjust the pushrods 4 turns should I ignore this and go with 3.2?

What I'd the compression on these engines? It looks like the compression release is in the way of the spark plug

I'm going to ask you a stupid question but anyway, what service or shop manual do you use?

Great video. I didn't see the date it was uploaded. Did I miss it if you said weather or not the rocker support plates are reversible?

Have you any experience with the chapstick type loctite? Its not as wet and can be put on the threads without having to wipe off your fingers after smearing it all over the threads.

If the umbrella valve prevents the air from getting sucked in the engine during the upstroke of the pistons, is there some other valve that allows air back in the crankcase? Or do the pistons have to overcome the effects of negative pressure during the upstroke?

Kevin 5 Stars !!!!! Thanks !!!! Is that a Craftsman wrench you are using on that Briggs and Stratton motor LOL

Ken, how many flats are in 3.25 turns? You edited it out🤣🤣

Im suprised you didnt talk about the clearance issue with the notch on the rocker shat and its ability to hammer on the rocker assembly bolt and the use of rockouts or rocker lockers to cure this problem .

Absolutely the best how to videos out there. Kevin, thanks so much for sharing with us. Happy I joined as a member.

Top work & we'll explained for us mere mortals 😅👍

Duey cheats LOL

I'm curious w do you think of the sportster motor, not the new sportster s motor.

What are your thoughts of adding rocker lockers?

Thank you very detailed, and helpful. Well done

I would also suggest rolling the pushrods on a flat surface to ensure they are true/straight.

I enjoy playing with my bike, and I ain't afraid of getting dirty and diggin around on the inside, but your attention to detail and the precision you employ in your workmanship reminds me of the "hillbilly" that I truly am. KUDOS to you for your talent , your humility, (clearancing the rocker bow 2x to get it right) and your willingness to share your abilities and "tricks" with us.

I recently installed a new DarkHorse Man O War compensator in my 2023 Road Glide Limited. I used the center on the torque spec (84-120 in lbs) on my primary cover and it leaked. I backed out the bolts and re-torqued to 120 in lbs - and no leaks.

What I do is 1 valve at a time... roll motor over until front intake lifter is at its highest... (roll over a few times to verify) then go to rear intake and adjust, then roll rear intake lifter at highest then do front...vise versa with exhaust valves.

Uhhh, there’s a little debris on the floor man…..just kiddin’. Your videos are wonderful. Do you know if there are any expert engine builders with your knowledge and expertise in Colorado. Winder, Georgia is a long way from here?

After graduating from RU-vid tech, I’ve failed on a dyna I’ve been working on. After so many different tries I finally came across your video and was able to adjust my pushrods correctly. I feel like every other video I watched said the complete opposite for tdc during adjustments

Thank you for your Harley Tech tips. Learnt more about Harley engines in the last 4 weeks watching them than years of tinkering with engines. However, new to Harleys I have a 2018 Slim now thinking I should have stayed with a more reliable design ie 2014+ Sportster. Again thank you for your excellent explained videos.

What if after the rear push rods installed. The engine won't spin enough to get to TDC for front cylinder

What were you doing with the straw? I didn't see how you counted the turns on the push rods..you seem to be in a hurry at the most crucial moment..

I thought you had a Patreon page. I cannot seem to find it Kevin. Trying to figure out I want you to build my bike but I don’t know I should call you, but I will try to follow you on Patreon. Can’t find it just looking to see how much money I have to save for next winter 60,000 mile 14 CVO limited. Runs good but time for a refresh maybe 117 I don’t know what the run out is on it.

Pushrod question, on my 110 twin cam i installed s&s quicke pushrods and instruction calls for 24 flats which equals 4 full turns , is this correct ? Just installed them today and havent finished assembly of the bike yet

Another great instruction video Kevin, but i'm sending you a virtual kick in the peaches for having bare arms and a short sleeve shirt on in February. We're still ass deep in snow up here in Beaver Valley. Come on man!!! LOL

Your attention to detail is phenomenal! Couple things I've picked up on. First why don't those housings have locating dowels machined in by the factory and second increasing clearance as you've done, won't that risk flaky chrome coming away inside the rocker box?

This is cool. I have my fuel pump out of my old twincam Heritage right now. I have has a new noise up top since I put the 551 cam chest upgrade in it. I re did the breathers then. I wonder, I may not have got the base plate centered on reassembly. Its too damn hot to ride here right now so its perfect timing. Thank you for that. I have a set of centering bolts. For the old style oil pump that was in it. Thank you Kevin.

@33:20, isn't the lifter already fully collapsed? I know you filled them with oil before installing, but you didn't pump them up, right?

Is it a bad thing that I now have an overwhelming urge to tear down the motor in my Softail and check everything? Kevin, you are a joy to watch and a great teacher. I am slowly working my way through all your videos with great intrigue and enjoyment! Well done Sir.

For real kevin your work is teaching me tons in only the two days I have watch your chanel names Angel been a body man 30years nothing touching or rubbing peace brother

Twin cam engine, the lobes on a conventional overhead camshaft operate directely on a cam follower or bucket and then the valve stem, should HD really not call this an extended push rod rocker arm system ?

Hard to find the next video in this build series.

Wow. If i ever want an engine rebuild I would want you to do it. OCD like a Jarhead. Lol. Thank you sir.

I wouldn’t put those on any bike i own.

Why is my 103 se clattering in the front cylinder rocker box

Do you do all of the assemblies yourself?

Imagine Baxter and Tatro working in the same shop...sitcom comedy genius.

Do you like to use roller rockers if yes what brand? Thanks your video’s are awesome!!!!

This is the best video I've seen on this subject. Love the go pro angle too. Seeing things as they are for me is really helpful.

So many things are shiny!

How critical is it to make sure rocker assemblies get reinstalled in exactly the same spot they came out of? Do you make sure they stay together as a unit?

I feel like your the professor and I’m the student in college great 👍 knowledge and skills

Excellent work Kevin. So whats the cost to have this work done? the complete rebuild.

Use a cloths pin to hold the tube up

Outstanding video! Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

Hey Boss, what's your opinion on using 350 small block lifters?

Thank you for taking time to explain this part of a build..