88 FLT engine noise

[Danny Boy]

i was out on a ride running about 60mph when all of a sudden my engine shut down then started back up on it's own. I pulled over to check everything over and all seemed fine. Proceeded down road and it happened again about 1/2mile later along with a loud rapping noise. Checked oil,temp & oil pressure were all fine. Started my way back home when noise stopped and bike ran fine until i got about 1 block from house. Noise sounds like it is coming from top of block near lifters and the rear cylinder seems to be shutting down. Could this be a lifter problem? Please Help,i need my baby back running.

[easyricer]

Sounds like a lifter failure, and you probably have some oil pump damage as well. I've rebuilt several that had those same symptoms and most had a lifter roller bearing come apart. Little chunks of metal scattered though out the motor.
New set of lifters, cam, bearings, lifter blocks, oil pump and a complete engine gasket set. Top end has to come off to check flywheels and cases for debris.
EASY

[dubepj]

Sorry to butt in on your note but i have a question for easyricer.  I'm thinking of changing my cam to an ev-27.  I wonder if i can get away with keeping the old stock lifters on my 98 wide glide with 48000 miles.  When did they start putting in the B lifters?? I would change the cam bearing to a Torrington.

[Grayrider]

With 48k on the clock you should change the lifters.
New bearing and possibly change breather gear while in there.
Lifters should definitely be changed regardless with those miles.

[easyricer]

I agree, with almost 50k on the clock, would be a good idea to change them. If money is the issue, at the very least give them a very good check over to make sure they are in good shape.
EASY

[BluHarley]

What a bummer Dan....good luck with that.