Shovelhead Air Filter & Pushrod Adjustment

Mike is moving right along with a thorough service on his Shovelhead. Next on his list is air filter and pushrod adjustment. Mike explains the importance of running a quality air filter. The air box will also be cleaned at this time. While focused on this area, always inspect fuel hoses, hose clamps, throttle cables, carburetor, and intake assemblies. If the carburetor is removed for cleaning or repair, it is important to go a little further and replace intake seals as well.

Mike gives us a clear demonstration on adjusting pushrods with solid tappets. Once the front piston is at top dead center, the front intake and exhaust tappets will be all of the way down on the cam’s base circle. Mike meticulously sets both pushrods so that they can be turned by hand but with moderate “drag”, or interference. The same procedure will be repeated for the rear.