This thread discusses the Content article: Assembling the Top End

In looking for every possible way to quiet down my thrashing machine ,I am considering adjustable pushrods . What I dont understand is the principal of Valve spring pre load as discussed in this article. Would not a 50% or 70% preload prematurly open the valves??
If I go to adjustable pushrods should I do better Valve Springs and Lifters all at the same time ? And does anyone make all three parts available . Thanks for any help. My 04 RS 1700 has just 21000 km or 14000 miles. and I have adjusted the valve sync and do use synthetic oil but the Noise from the warmed up engine is unbearable . Im sure there has to be a cure !

Not to minimize your concerns but have you listened other R*'s?

For the 04 I would certainly upgrade to the heavier springs. I never did like Yamaha lifters but it seems like there are less problems with the new ones than with the older batches, but t $40 a box it's small change to change them out.

The 50% preload compresses the lifter not the valve spring, so the valve is not open. You need to be sure that the lifter is not too long or too short otherwise the lifter may not open or close properly within the lift of the cam.

Doc

Thanks Doc , no I have never been able to hear another Roadie ...I Know they must be around but I never hear from any in my area ( Ottawa Ontario.) I just know that my engine Cold is very quiet , but the longer and Harder I ride the noisier it gets . There are numerous sounds typical of My friends various H D rides but the rythmic clattering and Clacking that happens at anything less than W.O.T. ...or at least hard acceleration as the engine temp gets up there would wake the dead . And my pipes are pretty loud .

When you said " lifter is not too long or too short " did you mean "Push rod is not too long or too short"

and when you said "the lifter may not open or close properly within the lift of the cam." did you mean "Valve may not open or close properly within the lift of the Cam "
I was slightly confused by those two statements.
Gene

Under my avatar is a little house ... run you cursor over it.

"You need to be sure that the lifter is not too long or too short otherwise the lifter may not open or close properly within the lift of the cam."

Hmmmm ... I can see the confusion ..... 'You need to be sure the rod is not too long or too short otherwise the valve may not open or close properly within the lift of the cam." As you know the cam has a lobe that determines the lift ... how much the valve opens .... so if you are at either end of the lift then you will get too much or too little lift. In the former case it could be catastrophic.

1sailn 1ride: If you ask, you might be able to find someone in the Ottawa area that knows a little about Road Stars.

Sailin I am in southern Ontario and experience the same thing you are. Cold all is quiet hot sounds like a diesel. I was concerned about this too but have excepted it as normal. After 17000 kms in 2 years I am pretty sure it's ok. If not it would have blown up by now.

Thanks all , Ill post a new thread loking for Ottawa R riders .

Hey Sailin look up a guy here hmmmm whats his name....oh yea DocShadow he might be close to you ...Coug

What do you expect from a sailor.

Doc

I did post 14 Oz's of Lucas Oil stabilizer added in place of oil in the crankcase quiets down the motor considerably. Mixes with any oil you choose, and is safe for wet clutch use. You can look into LUCAS on a search for yourself and check out the motorcycle products and the Oil Stabilizer. It worked for me but no one else reported yet that they used it. Very quiet now and very smooth and quiet as compared to without. MC