Push Rods
About Push Rods
Pushrods carry the motion from the lifter up to the rocker arm in overhead-valve engines such as Harley-Davidson V-twins. They are replaced when bent or worn at the ends, and are often changed when a cam swap or head work alters the length needed.
The main choice is fixed or adjustable. Fixed-length pushrods are stock replacements for a given engine, such as the M8 or the Sportster (XL). Adjustable pushrods let the length be set to suit changes like a different cam, head or cylinder height, and they are listed for Evolution, Twin Cam, XL and M8 engines. Follow the maker's instructions for setting length, and for hydraulic lifters, the time they need to bleed down before the engine is turned over. Pushrod tube kits and pushrod covers, including carbon fiber ones, are listed too, and a holding tool for pushrod tubes.
Brands in this category include Andrews, S&S Cycle, Feuling Parts, Colony and Drag Specialties. Pushrods work with Tappets & Lifters and Rocker Arms & Parts, and a cam change involves Camshafts. The whole group is Valvetrain Components.
FAQs on motorcycle pushrods
Why would I need adjustable pushrods?
Adjustable pushrods let you set the length for the engine as it is built, which matters after a cam change or machining of the head or cylinders. Fixed-length pushrods suit an engine that is otherwise stock.
How can I check whether a pushrod is bent?
Roll it on a flat surface, such as a sheet of glass, and look for wobble, and inspect the ends for wear or pitting. A bent or damaged pushrod should be replaced, not straightened, since the metal may already be weakened.
What do pushrod tubes do?
Pushrod tubes surround the pushrods as they pass through the cylinder and head, and they have seals. When they leak oil, the tube kit or seals need replacing. Check the exact kit for your engine.
Are pushrods the same for every Harley-Davidson engine?
No. Length and design vary by engine family, such as Evolution, Sportster, Twin Cam and M8. Pick your bike in the Ride Finder at the top of the page and match the listing to your engine and year before ordering.
