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High Performance Quick-Install Adjustable Pushrods
J017742013-11-01
GENERAL
Kit Number
17997-99A
Models
For model fitment information, see the P&A retail catalog or the Parts and Accessories section of www.harley-davidson.com (English only).
Kit Contents
Table 1. Kit Contents
Description (Quantity)
Part Number
Pushrod assembly (Intake) (2)
17998-99A
Pushrod assembly (Exhaust) (2)
17906-99A
Pushrod cover, lower (4)
17938-83
Keeper, pushrod spring cover (4)
17634-99
O-ring, pushrod cover, upper (4)
11293
O-ring, pushrod cover, lower (4)
11145
O-ring, pushrod cover, middle (4)
11132
NOTE
These pushrods may be used with hydraulic tappets, tappets that have been converted to solid tappets or with Screamin' Eagle hydraulic tappets.
NOTE
The installation of this kit may void the Harley-Davidson limited warranty.
NOTE
Harley-Davidson motorcycles equipped with some high performance engine parts may not be used on public roads and in some cases must be restricted to closed course competition. This engine related performance part is intended for racing applications and is not legal for sale or use in California on pollution controlled motor vehicles. Engine related performance parts are intended FOR THE EXPERIENCED RIDER ONLY.
WARNING
Rider and passenger safety depend upon the correct installation of this kit. Use the appropriate service manual procedures. If the procedure is not within your capabilities or you do not have the correct tools, have a Harley-Davidson dealer perform the installation. Improper installation of this kit could result in death or serious injury. (00333b)
NOTE
A Service Manual is available from your Harley-Davidson Dealer.
NOTE
Solid tappets must not be used with the stock camshaft. Severe engine damage may result.
1Exhaust Pushrod Tube has Thicker "Finished" area and is slightly longer.
2Locknut
3Adjusting screw
4Adjusting screw flats
5Pushrod tube
6Intake Pushrod Tube has Thinner "Finished" area and is slightly shorter.
Figure 1. Adjustable Push Rod
INSTALLATION
WARNING
To prevent accidental vehicle start-up, which could cause death or serious injury, disconnect battery cables (negative (-) cable first) before proceeding. (00307a)
WARNING
Disconnect negative (-) battery cable first. If positive (+) cable should contact ground with negative (-) cable connected, the resulting sparks can cause a battery explosion, which could result in death or serious injury. (00049a)
NOTE
When removing the stock pushrods as described in step 1 below, do not cut pushrods using a method that creates metal debris, which may end up in the engine (such as using a hacksaw or die grinder) and cause severe damage.
  1. Remove stock pushrods using a bolt cutter.
  2. Place the motorcycle on a hydraulic center stand with the rear wheel raised off the ground. Remove spark plugs.
  3. With transmission in gear use rear wheel to turn engine over until both front cylinder tappets are at their lowest point.
  4. Replace O-rings, lower pushrod cover and spring cover keeper with new components supplied in kit.
  5. See Figure 1. Loosen locknut on all of the pushrods and adjust them to their shortest length.
    6. NOTE
    See Figure 1. In Step 6, pushrods with the Thinner "Finished" area on the tubes must be installed to the Intake location on the cylinders; pushrods with the Thicker "Finished" area on the tubes are slightly longer and must be installed to the Exhaust locations on the cylinders.
  6. Install pushrods with pushrod covers. Be sure adjuster end of pushrod is down and ball end of adjuster is in tappet socket.
  7. If hydraulic tappets are used, adjust pushrods following procedure A. With solid tappets, follow procedure B.
    8. NOTE
    Pushrod adjustment must be made with engine cold.
PROCEDURE A (Hydraulic Tappets)
  1. Adjust pushrod length to zero clearance.
  2. See Figure 1. With the pushrod tube kept from rotating with a 1/2 inch or adjustable wrench, slowly turn the adjusting screw with a 5/16 in. wrench, 2-1/2 complete turns counter clockwise (lengthening the pushrod) as viewed from the bottom. (You may wish to mark adjuster to aid in counting turns.)
  3. Hold adjusting screw and tighten locknut with 1/2 in. open end wrench against the pushrod tube. If pushrod turns with locknut use three open end wrenches, one to hold the pushrod tube, one to hold adjusting screw and one to turn locknut.
    4. NOTE
    Wait ten minutes before turning engine over after adjusting front or rear cylinder pushrods. This wait allows tappets to bleed down and prevents bending pushrods or valves. Pushrods should turn freely and valves must be on their seats (closed) before turning over engine.
  4. Wait ten minutes. With transmission in gear, use rear wheel to turn engine over until both rear cylinder tappets are at their lowest position.
  5. Repeat steps 4 through 3A for the rear cylinder.
  6. Install pushrod spring cap retainers on pushrod covers. Install spark plugs and return transmission to neutral.
  7. Connect battery cables.
WARNING
Connect positive (+) battery cable first. If positive (+) cable should contact ground with negative (-) cable connected, the resulting sparks can cause a battery explosion, which could result in death or serious injury. (00068a)
PROCEDURE B (Solid Tappets)
  1. Turn adjusting screw on pushrod until zero clearance exists in valve train. Pushrod should turn with no drag and no up and down "shake".
  2. Hold adjusting screw and tighten locknut with 1/2 in. open end wrench against the pushrod tube. If pushrod turns with locknut use three open end wrenches, one to hold the pushrod tube, one to hold adjusting screw and one to turn locknut.
  3. With transmission in gear, use rear wheel to turn engine over until both rear cylinder tappets are at their lowest position.
  4. Repeat steps 4 through 2B for the rear cylinder.
  5. Install pushrod spring cap retainers on pushrod covers. Install spark plugs and return transmission to neutral.
  6. Connect battery cables.
WARNING
Connect positive (+) battery cable first. If positive (+) cable should contact ground with negative (-) cable connected, the resulting sparks can cause a battery explosion, which could result in death or serious injury. (00068a)
NOTE
Due to the large number of heads and cams available for Twin Cam engines, check for contact between the pushrods and upper pushrod covers. Check by rotating engine slowly until both valves are in closed position on the cylinder you are checking. If contact occurs, the rocker arm supports should be shifted toward the engine's cam side.