Indian Motorcycle 2003 Chief Vintage, Service Manual

Page: 158 / 305

*/%*"/$)*&'7*/5"(&4&37*$&."/6"- &/(*/&
149
1VTISPE"EKVTUNFOU
On engines equipped with fixed-length pushrods, the
pushrods are color coded for position and are not
adjustable. The following procedure is for engines
equipped with adjustable pushrods. The adjustable end
of these pushrods is positioned at the lower end and
seated in the lifter block. To verify the engine is
equipped with adjustable pushrods, remove the pushrod
tube clip and slide the lower pushrod tube up. The
adjustable end of the pushrod will be visible.
The pushrods should be checked and adjusted
whenever engine service, such as replacement or
removal of rocker arms, rocker shaft assembly, rocker
base, cylinder head, lifter block or camshaft has been
performed. Incorrectly adjusted pushrods can cause
engine misfires, non-firing and lowered engine
compression due to incorrect valve closure.
5PPMTSFRVJSFE
3/8" open end wrenches (3)
7/16" open end wrenches (3)
Small flatblade screwdriver
Motorcycle lift
Blue threadlock
'SPOUBOE3FBS$ZMJOEFS1VTISPE"EKVTUNFOU
Place a motorcycle lift under the transmission area of the
frame and raise the motorcycle so that the rear wheel is
off the ground.
Remove the pushrod tube clip of each pushrod tube,
using a small flatblade screwdriver at the base of the
clip. Pry the clip up and out (all pushrods).
Figure 286 — Removing pushrod tube clip
With spring pressure released, slide the lower pushrod
tubes upward to reveal the pushrods. Use elastic bands
and clips to hold the lower tubes up and out of the way
for adjustment.
Figure 287 — Supporting lower pushrod tubes
Place the transmission into fifth gear and rotate the rear
wheel until both front cylinder valve lifters are at the
lowest point (end of compression stroke).
Let the lifters bleed down for approximately
10 minutes before rotating the engine. Rotating the
engine with unbled lifters can bend valves or
pushrods.
Lift the pushrod so that the ball end (top) comes into
contact with the socket in the rocker arm. If the pushrod
has no play, loosen the pushrod adjustment, using either
two 3/8" wrenches or two 7/16" wrenches, depending
on type of pushrod. The following picture shows the
pushrod hex (1), the middle locknut hex (2) and the ball
end adjuster hex (3).
Figure 288 — Adjustment end of pushrod