[Rad Rich]

Hello again,
2017 classic chrome.  I bought with 1,200 miles 2 years ago.  I am at 4,500 miles today.  I believe I have hydraulic valves?  Do I need to do or have any adjustment to the valves or the tappets?  Just love her and want to keep her till I'm dead.  Hopefully a long time from now (55)!

Thanks,

[Farmer_John]

hydraulic lifters, just like a chevy small block!

[Keef Sparrow]

No adjustment needed - unless they go wrong, which I believe has been known to happen but is rare. I think regular oil/filter changes are more important with hydraulic tappets though to keep them working properly.

[Carl Fenn]

No that’s the one good thing about hydraulic valves no need for any adjustment self adjusting.

[Rad Rich]

Thanks for the info Gentlemen!  Hope we all have a great weekend and turn some wheels.

[ssrealty]

No that’s the one good thing about hydraulic valves no need for any adjustment self adjusting.

Does the 2020 last year model also have hydraulic valves and require no adjustment?

[Haggis]

Yes, all the 500 uce efi engines use hydraulic lifters.

[tooseevee]

Is there a preload adjustment on these lifters?

[Haggis]

Nope. Not that can see anyway.
I think they have a max travel of around 50 thou as well.

[GlennF]

Never had to mess about with hydraulic lifters even when storing bikes for long period. Even if they stick they seem to settle down pretty quick once your up and running.

What I DID have to replace after long (several year) storages was a couple of cam chains.  But the Bullets do not have a cam chain so no risk of issues there.

[Silverback]

I have 2012 classic 500 chrome.
If it has hydraulic valves then what's the tappet cover for?
What is the ticking sound like valves need adjustment?
Sounds louder after long hot ride in this 95 degree heat Texas desert.

[Haggis]

No idea why the kept the tappet cover?
There is nothing behind it that needs screwing or adjusting.
Maybe easier access when fitting the lifters?
Or, just a styling thing to look old.
Anyway, just below the lifters you have the inlet and exhaust cams. They need the backlash between the gears adjusted to keep them quiet.
Sounds just like loose tappets, worse when hot.

[Silverback]

Cool thanks. Sounds like I need to adjust back lash.  Appreciate the quick response.

[axman88]

No idea why the kept the tappet cover?
There is nothing behind it that needs screwing or adjusting.
Maybe easier access when fitting the lifters?
Or, just a styling thing to look old.

Just speculating, but maybe this is the access point for the side pull cores that are used to mold the lifter channels?  That's a complicated mold.

[Silverback]

No help locally as they don't know anything about the uce engine. Just the new j engine. 
I am having trouble finding any info via manual on this procedure.  I did find this on the you tube.  Any help would be appreciated.  It doesn't seem as though he removes rocker arms.

https://youtu.be/ccpaq3agnGo