JIMS 1029-53B User Manual

Instruction Sheet For #1029-53B (Power Glide)

“Power Glide™” Tappet Block Kit

Use on Pan Big Twin 1953-65

Use on Shovel Big Twin 1966-84

Please read all instructions thoroughly before starting this
job.

1. Remove tappets and tappet blocks per H.D.® Service
Manual.

2. Remove all old gasket material and keep all foreign
material out of tappet block holes. If you were using
the stock hydraulic units you can use the same
pushrods. If you were using solid tappets you need
hydraulic style pushrods, for Shovel motors use JIMS

®

No.2369 or H.D.®No.17904-66, or equivelant - for Panhead motors use JIMS®No.2404 or
H.D.®No.17905-53B or equivelant.

3. Wash pushrods and pushrod covers, install new seals.

4. *Check for correct thread pitch and style of tappet screws pertaining to year of application. Tappet
blocks can be countersunk for early style screws.

5. Note: These blocks are designed to accommodate a gross valve lift of .550 at the valve, this is about
.385 at the cam. You will need at least .035 roller to block clearance with any cam being used. To
check for this do the following: With a tappet in rear block, no base gasket, one tappet at a time,
Cam lobe for the one that you are checking at the highest point of lift. Slide the assembly into the
motor (Note: if the tappet block flange does not touch the motor case during this trial assembly,
remove material as needed to give the necessary .035" of up and down tappet movement) With the
assembly still in motor snug with JIMS® tool #33443-84 to about 30 in./lb. (Note: Use JIMS® tool
#33443-84 only if your case has 1/4-20 threads.) Now check again for .035" free movement.
Do the same for the other tappets. If more clearance is needed remove the least amount of material
from the tappet blocks as needed. (Note: make sure to remove any burrs after modifying the blocks,
wash and air dry.) Also check tappet to tappet clearance on cams with small base circles.

6. Apply a light film of motor oil or sealer to both sides of gasket, install on blocks. Apply assembly lube
to tappets and rollers. Slip tappets into blocks, you can hold tappets in place with your fingers or a
rubber band works well.

7. With both blocks in place on case. Install JIMS® tool #33443-84 if your case has 1/4-20 mounting
holes. Lube tool and screw into the tappet screw hole to center block into case. Tighten to 30 in./lb.
Apply lube to the other three screws and torque to 30 in/lb. Install the other block the same way.
Remove tool and install last lubed screw and finish torquing to 120 in./lb. in a criss cross pattern at
30 in/lb. increments.

8. This is a good time to clean the tappet filter. See H.D.® Service Manual.

9. Locate the front pushrod and covers first. Apply assembly lube to top and bottom ends and threads of

Rev G

5/98

No.2274-IS

“FROM THE TRACK... TO THE STREET!”

555 Dawson Drive, Camarillo, CA 93012 • Phone [phone] • Fax [phone]

IMPORTANT NOTE

This adjustment will make the pushrod tight, which will bleed the hydraulic lifter. It will take 10-15
minutes, or longer, to bleed off. It is very important that the engine is not rotated while pushrods are
tight. The pushrod will spin with your fingers after it has bled off properly.

Tighten lock nut. Recheck lock nut, close covers and install clips. Repeat exact procedure on other
pushrods. Turn motor over several times to pump oil into the Power Glide™ Tappet or until the oil
light goes out, or until oil is returning to the oil tank.

CAUTION: Use motorcycle oil 50w, 60w, or 20-50w at best (see item e below)

Pushrod Adjustments

Threads Wrench Total Travel Approximate
per inch Flats Distance Turns

24 7 .049 1.2
32 10 .052 1.6
40 13 .052 1.6

Popular Pushrods

Andrews 28
Andrews 32
Crane 24 Time Savers
Crane 32
H.D. 32
S & S 32
Rivera 40 Taper Lite

The following is sometimes mistaken for noisy tappets:

A. The most common being the clearance between cam gears and pinion gear (referred to as gear

lash). If you did not change the cams at the time of installing this kit and had no gear lash but a

slight whine when motor was cold it is safe to say you are OK in this area.
B. Rocker arm end play .004” to .010” is good.
C. Oil pressure at normal operating temperature about 2000 r.p.m. should be 12-35 p.s.i..
D. Check valve to guide clearance.
E. If using 50w or 60w oil you may have ticking noise at cold start. This is normal.

pushrods. (Note: longest pushrod is for the front exhaust tappet) With the front exhaust cam at the
lowest point adjust pushrod with thumb and finger just until you eliminate all up and down movement.

10.Extend the pushrod adjuster:

7 wrench flats if your pushrods have 24 threads per inch.
10 wrench flats if your pushrods have 32 threads per inch.
13 wrench flats if your pushrods have 40 threads per inch.

This is about .050 from the snap ring down for all of the adjustments.

“FROM THE TRACK... TO THE STREET!”

555 Dawson Drive, Camarillo, CA 93012 • Phone [phone] • Fax [phone]