Finally resolved the lifter problems on my ride
First of all I want to thank all of your input and all the great suggestions. I did do a complete check of the motor although I couldn't do a real compression check as I couldn't find a 12mm adapter for the compression gauge, but the inside of the motor is super clean and very precision fit. Quite impressive.
So, anyhow I removed the old lifters and just for giggles, I tried to bleed them and they don't budge. I disassembled one lifter to see how it's constructed and the reed (as it appears to me) valve was stuck preventing the lifter from adjusting...I popped it loose and reassembled the valve and it pumps again. I didn't take any chances I replaced all 4 lifters with new HT2011 lifters and readjusted all the valves to zero tolerance. I put it all back together and fired her up...and chazamm it idles and runs perfectly. Took her out for another spin yesterday and I'm thrilled how evenly the cylinders fire. Sounds and runs like a different bike now. I'll check the plugs after a 1,000 miles or so to check the mixture and maybe do some fine tuning.
I wonder how many other Roadies have this same problem...I've seen one or two others that had the same one cylinder fire problem I was having.

So you put new lifters in? I've heard guys upgrading the springs to help with SVS or the like but usually leave the lifters alone Glad it worked for you.

BTW did you take any pics of your work?

Steven

I put the speed star valve springs in mine when I had the pistons done and it ran like a champ, but that's what makes America great, you can do the lifters if ya feel up to it....lol.

Peace,
Howie

I'm afraid that I'm really bad about taking photos, but I did use the photos from the tech article on the big bore kit which showed the lifters and cam area. The whole job took less than 1.5 hours.

I priced the lifters using a Yamaha part number and they were $35.00+. Then I priced the part number Charlie Horse used and I found them for about $8.00. Needless to say I was totally shocked at the price difference.

This is why I love this place. I learn lots of new ways to save money.

CH,glad to see you got it fixed but i have a few questions:

* How many miles were on your R* when this happened?

* Uppon disassembly did you see much wear on bottom contact of lifters & or on any of the cam lobes?

* Did you use an assembly lube on bottom of lifters or on cam lobes like for example ARP'S grey moly assembly lube paste so the new lifter's would safely/properly break into the used cam lobes that already had other lifters borken into them?

* What oil are you running ?

Scott

The bike had about 1,500 miles when the problem started...but was intermittent at first. Yamaha said "that was how the bike was design to run" (yea right!).

Cam and lifters showed very little wear at all.

Yes, used an assembly lube but don't remember the brand as I borrowed it from a mechanic friend who was assisting me.

I've been using Amsoil Motorcycle oil 20w50 for most of the motor's life. I was originally was using Yamalube...until the lifter noise started, then tried Valvoline motorcycle twin synthetic then switched to Amsoil.

I discovered a similar problem when I tried to bleed down the Lifters in my o4 last winter so I could properly adjust the Adjustable pushrods I installed . The lifters would not Budge even with pressure from a Vise . In effect they were solid lifters not Hydraulic . They were original Yamaha with about 12,000 miles on them . My top end noise has been pretty well gone ever since . WARNING , Smith brothers adjustable pushrods are NOT made for 1700 's I had to cut them shorter and Smith Bros. would not take any responsibility .

CH,looks like you did every thing justr right using assembly lube on the new lifters for proper breakin along with now using a top shelf oil like Amsoil MCV 20w-50 too.

I am also swithcing to the Amsoil MCV 20w-50 in my 06 R* silverado with 5k miles on it as soon as the spring riding weather gets here.

Let us know how those non OEM HT2011 hyd lifter work out after you get a few miles on them.

BTW,who mf'g them,from my muscle car engine building exp the pt#'s on those lifters look to me to be Sealed Power/Speed Pro parts,is that correct?

Thanks....Scott

scottw wrote:


BTW,who mf'g them,from my muscle car engine building exp the pt#'s on those lifters look to me to be Sealed Power/Speed Pro parts,is that correct?

Thanks....Scott

got it right, they are made for Jeeps. these replacement lifter info has been around for yrs, I can't even tell ya how many are using them in the Roadie, but more than enough to know they cause no issues.