tappet screen

[ldfly112]

I have a 1961 panhead when I purchased it. It had solid lifters and no tappet screen I am installing hydraulic lifters my question is will I need to install a tappet screen due to the new hyd. lifters please let me know your opinion on this THANKS

[BigLakeBob]

I've had my '62 for 41 years with most of that time running hydraulic lifters. I check the screen periodically and have never had to clean it due to foreign debris, but I still use it. If you can't find the original steel cylinder that houses the screen, I believe a stand alone shovelhead style would work. It may not seal the same without the bottom rubber washer, but would probably still help. Just to add, I think regular oil changes and using a modern paper style oil filter would help on possible contaminates. That's my opinion.

[dukekleman]

IDFLY,

I agree with Bob. You should run a filter screen for the Hydraulic lifter tappets.

The hydraulic lifter tappet itself is the best "Oil Filter" in the engine. What this means is the hydraulic unit tolerances will trap and contain the smallest micron of contamination.

I use the more modern screen. You'll need to shim things accordingly which can be accomplished easily with a quality Viton quattro seal from sources like Mcmaster carr.

A paper filter element from sources like Harley Davidson, Drag specialties or Emgo for examples should be used in your canister as Bob stated.

Lastly it is important to mention engine oil. I do not know the operating tolerances of your current engines state...with that said I do not know what oil viscosity weight you are using.

Why ask, for hydraulic lifters to function properly, Hydraulic lifter units require a thinner viscosity of (15W50 or 20W50) and oil pressure stability. Operating tolerances are everything when it comes to the oil pressure numbers and maintaining them with in range when the engine is hot a operating temperatures.

I only mention this to try and help you with your decisions. If the engine is of high mileage and/or has larger operating tolerances you may get frustrated with your hydraulic lifters.

Personally I really like hydraulic valve train and use it every time possible!

I hope this helps,

Duke Kleman