Ironhead side to side freeplay on pushrods? how much is acceptable

[IronMick]

Originally Posted by Lockeshill

One more thing. What is the torque on those locknuts? I had a hell of a time getting all but one loose. Even rounded one a little bit. My Indy wrench must have cranked those bastards on there.

The split locknuts do not have to be very tight; i call it "firm plus a little more". Probably about 10 ft lbs. Have to be careful with a longer wrench as they apply more force.

I think DR DICK has commented on this but i do not recall his explanation or his recommendation.

You do have to be certain that the corresponding tappet is all the way up.

[antsap]

I'm with Mick. I used to ApeShit these as well, and was in the habit of rounding them off and replacing them frequently. Now I just snug em and give em another rch or two. They hold just fine, loosen easily next time you adjust, and don't require replacing.

[Mosey]

When you do run into over-tightened lock nuts, just put a screwdriver in the split and twist a little. They usually unscrew themselves after that. Ya just gotta show 'em who's the boss!

[brianbbs67]

I agree, 10-15 ft/lbs, snug plus a little. Rattling noise on an Ironhead are hard to find sometimes. I changed my a/c for a OEM one and rode it hearing a metallic noise. I thought it had to be the ac, but turned out the front pipe bracket nut had come loose! In other words, check every fastener on a regular basis.

[ryder rick]

Turn both the nut and the adjuster at the same time and they loosen up easy.

[2007Low]

Originally Posted by Mosey

When you do run into over-tightened lock nuts, just put a screwdriver in the split and twist a little. They usually unscrew themselves after that. Ya just gotta show 'em who's the boss!

I like that, good idea.