The hydraulic lifters are self-adjusting. They automatically adjust length to compensate for engine expansion and valve mechanism wear. This keeps the valve mechanism free of lash when the engine is running.

When starting an engine which has been turned off even for a few minutes, the valve mechanism may be slightly noisy until the hydraulic units completely refill with oil. If at any time the valve mechanism becomes abnormally noisy, other than for a short period immediately after engine is started, it is an indication that one or more of the hydraulic units may not be functioning properly.

Always check the engine oil level first since normal circulation of oil through the engine is necessary for proper operation of the hydraulic lifters.

If engine oil is at the proper level, the lifters may not be functioning properly because of dirt in the oil supply passages leading to the lifter units. See a Harley-Davidson dealer for service.