New lifters

Getting ready to install gear drive cams and new lifters. Do I need to preload the lifters with oil, or just install them dry?

Definitely oil them up 1st. One way to do it if time is not of the essence is let 'em soak - pour enough oil in something like a coffee can to cover the lifters & just let 'em set overnight.

Thanks Art. I'll do that. I didn't know if I needed to try and pump them somehow (wasn't sure how I was going to accomplish that).

Project is planned for this weekend.

Since you've got plenty of time, soaking the lifters as described will do fine - there's not a practical way of pumping them up as the engine will do once you get it running. And while a thinner oil will soak in quicker, a heavier oil will stay there better.

You can soak them to make sure the rollers are lubricated but if you are installing adjustable pushrods you'll need to bleed the lifters down to adjust them.

Went real well. Finished it up about a week ago. I was kinda slow, because I read everything several times, and would sit with a beer and look at it for a while between steps. Hardest part of the whole install was putting the exhaust back on. Weather was has been pretty good here (for Idaho) the past week (except pretty cold going to work in the AM), so have ridden some just about every day.

My engine had only 12,500 miles, but when I took it apart, the cam chain tensioners were very worn. Definately into the unacceptable range of wear.

A big thanks to everyone at 'Bike Talk'. I always go over past posts before I start a project and appreciate all input I receive from my queries.

Can't say that the kids and grankids will be happy as I spent my Christmas budget.

Sky