Adjustable push rods

I've just installed new cams (37G),a fueling oil pump,new cam plate,inner and outer cam bearings, and I am having trouble with the Screamin Eagle adjustable push rods. The directions say to turn them 2 1/2 turns after they are seated and they should turn freely. They do not turn freely. In fact they only turn freely at the point where they are seated. any suggestions or advise??
Also, is it nessesary to prime the oil pump or can I just pour three quarts into the engine and let it do its thing?
Its a 2002 wide Glide with the twin cam engine.
Help!!:gah:

The Push rods come in TWO lengths. Exaust and intake.
The instructions say to Lower the lifters to their lowest poin on the Cylender being worked on and proceed with adjusting them as I described.
It troubles me that they do not spin freely.

I failed to mention I am using the stock hydraulic lifters.

Negative. You first let the lifters bleed down BEFORE adjusting them. In fact, after turning the engine over and checking the first cylender, you wait 10 to 15 minutes to let them bleed down before doing the 2nd cylender.
I am still not comfortable with the rods not spinning freely.
Anybody else care to add some knowledge. It's been quite some time since I adjusted some hydraulics, since the old Shovel I'm thinking.

I set the lifters in oil overnight before installing them to prefill them then put the cam on the base circle(low spot) and then tighten them to 2 and a half turns. You can usually tell when you start pushing the plunger down in the lifter if you prefill them as it gets alot tighter and the pushrod will not spin for a few seconds after you set them wait at least ten minutes and do the other cylinder. Did you use the new tapered pushrods or the older style? Or being you did not prefill you could totally loosen the pushrod and watch the plunger, just when all the slack is taken out turn it another 2 and a half turns, If I was a betting man I bet you totally collapsed the plunger insisde the lifter, Todd

Oh, and to answer your other question, once you set your pushrods and you are all done after a few minutes the pushrods will spin with your fingers If they dont they are to tight. Hope this helps Todd

I just added same pushrods, bring lifters to lowest point on one cylinder, adjust as instructions say, they will feel tight when you finish, have a cup of coffee and a couple cigarettes, the lifters will bleed down and then they will turn freely, hope this helps, have patience, they will bleed down....

I talked to a friend and he suggested that with 45000 miles on the scooter that I should replace the lifters anyway. I did and the rods do indeed spin after installing them. I'll keep ya posted as to what happens.

Replace them with the Harley B lifter, the one that the part number ends in B, great lifter for the money, I have also heard you can use a small block chevy crane roller lifter but havent done it myself if you are interested I will dig up part numbers,Todd

Push Rod Adj

I've had SE adj. push-rods in my Dyna w/the stock lifters also.The procedure you followed seems correct & should be fine as the lifters are "hydraulic" & will compensate for slight tightness you feel.
I eventually went to a SE-perfect fit (select length) type push rod.Is there any reason(s) why you didn't replace/upgrade your lifters at this time?I've had pretty good results with the FEULING HP lifters,not too expensive too(around $95.00).
I think you'll be fine with your set-up...00 wildglide

Hey all. After all the meticulous work and worry, the bike ran better than it ever did. Immediate throttle response, much more power too.
Unfortunately, an 18 year old BIMBO decided tu turn in front of me while I was only 10 yards or less from her. :gah: I tried an evasive manuver ( throw weight right to go left ) but the car was 3 feet to long. I did almost come to a stop but with the weight of the bike and her car, the front end was completely wiped out. I came away with a severly sprained right arm, wrist and shoulder,and a small wound on the right knee.
I chalk up my good fortune to martial arts training and knowing how to fall and roll. It works well!!
Anyway, 6 grand worth of damage. The frame is ok but everything forward of that is toast. A few more weeks down time again but you can't keep a good man down. I will follow up again and let you know if the new front end has any affects on handeling after 45000 miles.
Ride safe

I'm really getting tired of every body getting shwacked getting kinda spooky any more

HD Dragon Slayer - Sorry to hear about the wreck.....major suckage. Glad you're ok and will be riding again soon.

Well that just blows,:gah: but glad your still here to tell us about it. Hope ya recover soon.