Harley Pushrod Adjustment Chart: How to Get Optimum Performance

The right pushrod adjustment on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle is essential for good performance. The pushrod is an important part of the valve actuation system, allowing the engine to run efficiently.

An incorrect or worn-out pushrod adjustment can cause poor performance, vibration and engine damage. Taking the time to make sure the pushrods are correctly adjusted is essential for long-term reliability and optimum performance. And you can do it efficiently by following the Harley pushrod adjustment chart to get optimum performance.

However, we’ll discuss the importance of pushrod adjustment and provide a chart to help you get the most out of your Harley. We’ll review the importance of properly adjusting the pushrod and what can go wrong if it’s not set correctly. We’ll also provide a quick reference chart to ensure you can quickly and easily adjust the pushrod without any guesswork.

Harley Pushrod Adjustment Chart

How To Adjust The Pushrod Without Any Guesswork? 

How To Adjust The Pushrod Without Any Guesswork

Well, you can do this by using the Harley Pushrod Adjustment Chart. It has all the necessary information to adjust the pushrod to the proper length. The chart includes the specs for both intake and exhaust pushrods, factory-recommended lengths and the acceptable range of lengths.

The chart also includes the specs for different engine types, head sizes and compression ratios. This ensures the pushrod is adjusted to the correct length for the specific engine. With this information, you can ensure that the pushrod is adjusted properly to get the best performance from your engine.

Step 01

Rotate the engine until the piston in the adjusted cylinder reaches the top dead center (TDC). This will bring the tappets in that cylinder to the base circle of their camshaft lobes, the lowest point of the tappet blocks. Observe that the valve is fully closed and seated.

Step 02

Bring the pushrods to zero lashes so they are secure against the rocker’s arm and tappet/lifter with no movement. Use a marker or paint stick to mark them. Turn the pushrods into four full rotations or 24 flats (for S&S Pushrods with 32 Threads per inch). Let the tappet/lifter bleed down for 20-30 minutes; the longer, the better.

If you can spin the pushrod with your fingers after this period, you do not have limited travel tappets (HL2T kit). Or, if you don’t have HL2T or Travel limited tappets, secure the pushrod and repeat the process for the other cylinder. If you have HL2T or Travel limited tappets, continue to the next step. Rotate the engine, watching the intake valve open (pushrod up) and close (pushrod down). Slowly rotate until the cylinder’s piston you are adjusting is where the intake valve is just beginning to open.

Step 03

If you cannot spin the pushrod, you have S&S Limited Travel tappets (HL2T kit). To shorten the pushrod, you will experience resistance due to the valve spring tension as you turn. This resistance will give way once the adjustment is correct, and you should be able to spin the pushrod freely, with no up and down movement. To complete this process, turn the pushrod one full turn, or six flats, then lock it into place and repeat for the rear cylinder.

Accessing The Harley-Davidson Pushrod Adjustment Chart

Accessing The Harley-Davidson Pushrod Adjustment Chart

The purpose of pushrod adjustment is to help ensure that the engine valves open and close at the right time and with the right amount of force. An improperly adjusted pushrod can result in poor engine performance and excessive wear on the valvetrain components.

The Harley pushrod adjustment chart provides a guide to adjusting the pushrods correctly. You can use the chart to determine the required pushrod length and the ideal setting for the pushrod adjustment. Using the chart and properly adjusting the pushrods is important to ensure the engine runs optimally.

PUSHORD REFERENCE*
Threads Per Inch Distance Per Turn Distance Per Flat Adjustment for S&S Tappets
24 0.0417 0.0069 3 Turns or 18 Flats
28 0.0357 0.0059 3.5 Turns or 21 Flats
32 (S&S”) 0.0313 0.0052 4 Turns or 24 Flats
36 0.0275 0.0045 4.5 Turns or 27 Flats
40 0.025 0.0042 5 Turns or 30 Flats
52 0.0192 0.0032 6.5 Turns or 39 Flats
*for reference only, use instructions that came with your tappets!
MANUFACTURE* POPULAR PUSHROD THREADS PER INCH  
JIMS* Pro-lite 24 #2380,2400
Slim Jims 32 #2404,2369
Andrews 28  
Andrews 32  
Crane 28 New Time Savers
Crane 24 Old Time Savers
Crane 32  
Harley-Davidson* 32  
S&S* 32  
Screamin Eagle 32  
Rivera 40 Taper Lite
Rev Tech 36  
*NOTE: This chart represents guidelines only. Check the manufacturer for  “Threads per inch.”


Accessing the Harley-Davidson pushrod adjustment chart is essential for any motorcycle owner. The chart provides the necessary information to ensure that the engine is running at its optimal performance. It outlines the various factors you must take into consideration when adjusting the pushrods, such as the type of engine, the model, the year, and the displacement.

This information allows the user to determine the correct tension for the pushrods and helps to ensure that the engine runs smoothly and efficiently. By following the instructions provided in the chart, users can make sure that their engine is running at its best, providing a smooth ride and maximum performance.

Understanding Pushrod Adjustment On Harley-Davidson Engines

Understanding Pushrod Adjustment On Harley-Davidson Engines

Adjusting pushrod tension on a Harley-Davidson engine is an important task that should be completed at least annually. It is a critical step to maintaining peak performance and avoiding potential engine damage. The first step is to warm up the engine and then remove the valve covers to inspect the rocker arms for any signs of wear.

Once the inspection is complete, you will need to tighten the pushrods to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications. This is usually done with a feeler gauge and can require some patience and finesse. It is important to adjust that each pushrod is ed to the correct tension, as this directly affects engine performance and can cause premature wear if not done correctly. Taking the time to adjust the pushrods on your Harley-Davidson engine properly will help to ensure its long-term health and performance.

Importance Of Pushrod Adjustment

Importance Of Pushrod Adjustment

The importance of pushrod adjustment in a vehicle’s engine that we can’t overstate. Adjusting pushrod length correctly helps to ensure that the valvetrain operates correctly, allowing for maximum performance and efficiency. In addition, proper pushrod adjustment also helps to reduce wear on components and eliminate problems such as valvetrain noise.

Adjusting the pushrods correctly requires specialized tools and knowledge of the engine. We highly recommend performing any pushrod adjustment by a certified technician. Furthermore, the technician should inspect the pushrod ends and the rocker’s arms for wear and replace any components that are not within tolerance. Pushrod adjustment is an important part of proper engine maintenance and can help ensure the longevity of a vehicle’s engine.

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Conclusion 

Overall, pushrod adjustment on Harley-Davidson engines is important in ensuring your bike runs smoothly and efficiently. Following the steps outlined in this blog, you can easily access the official Harley pushrod adjustment chart and understand the importance of pushrod adjustment for your bike. Pushrod adjustment is an important aspect of maintaining a Harley-Davidson engine.

It is recommended to consult the Harley-Davidson pushrod adjustment chart and understand the basics of pushrod adjustment to ensure that the engine is running at its best. It is also important to remember to check the pushrod adjustment regularly to prevent any problems from occurring in the future. With regular adjustments, you’ll be able to enjoy your Harley-Davidson for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.What Are The Key Components Of A Harley Pushrod Adjustment Chart?

Ans: The key components of a Harley pushrod adjustment chart include the year, model and engine size of the motorcycle, along with the desired pushrod length and the corresponding adjustment range.

2.How Do I Use A Harley Pushrod Adjustment Chart To Adjust My Pushrods?

Ans: To use a Harley pushrod adjustment chart, you must first measure the existing valve lash and then compare it to the manufacturer’s recommended valve lash. If the existing valve lash is different from the recommended valve lash, then you must adjust the pushrods by either adding or subtracting turns depending on the difference between the existing and recommended valve lash.

3.What Is The Correct Procedure For Adjusting Pushrods Using A Pushrod Adjustment Chart Formally?

Ans: The correct procedure for adjusting pushrods using a Harley pushrod adjustment chart is to loosen the jam nut, rotate the pushrod until the adjustable end is flush with the cylinder head, and then re-tighten the jam nut.

4.How Often Should I Check My Harley Pushrod Adjustment Chart?

Ans: You should check your Harley pushrod adjustment chart every time you service your bike or at least every 6-12 months.

5.What Are The Potential Consequences Of Incorrectly Adjusting My Pushrods Using A Harley Pushrod Adjustment Chart? 

Ans: The potential consequences of incorrectly adjusting your pushrods using a Harley pushrod adjustment chart include increased engine noise, poor engine performance, and potential engine damage due to improper valve timing.

 

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