On cold startup I've got valve rattle for a split second till the oil circulates.
Is this common on the 103 or is it telling me the Syn 3 is no good in this engine?
I didn't have this problem with the 96 engine.It annoys the hell out of me.

 

Sounds like lifters are bleeding down after its cut off.

 

My 2012 Limited did it, my wife's 2012 Triglide does it and my 2013 Limited does it. I run Mobile 1 V-Twin oil. The wife's Tri has 25,000 miles on it and the 2012 Limited had 31,000 miles with no adverse effects. This doesn't keep you from being annoyed, but I don't think it is a mechanical problem to worry about.

Bill

 

My 2011 Ultra does it on sometimes. It soon goes away. I found if I let it warm up good it doesn't happen as often. I have 30,000 miles with no issues.

 

Sounds like a lifter. I have the same issue on my 2013.

 

sometimes something loose in the exhaust will rattle until it expands...check the easy stuff unless you have direct knowledge that there is a problem with the valvetrain

oil: correct grade for your climate/season? a heavier oil will not flow as easily when cold...





mike

 

Sounds like a lifter. Time to change them out.

My did that about 1 K before it destroyed itself

 

===================

Is you motor by any chance modded with hot cams having higher spring pressure rate that can put more pressure on the hyd lifters overnight making them more likely to bleed down overnight?


That could situation could make hyd lifters blled down overnight having to be pumped up again which takes a few seconds to until oil pressure's up to normal firing up cold.

As long as the lifters/valve train stays relatively quiet after it quiets down post starting cold and motor getting to full oil pressure a few seconds later you have nothing to worry about.

But with that said i have hit that issue in the past when running syn oil that at times can thin a bit more then std dino does which can be an issue with hyd lifters.

That can happen when a hyd lifter has a little more internal clearance between plunger and lifter body then it should adding to the bleed down issues over night & when i tried some std dino like spectro 25-60 it fixed the issue because it didnt allow the lifter/s to fully bleed down overnight anymore.

But dont regularly run that oil below 45-50 deg F.

It's specifically mfg'd & formulated for air cooler Harley V-twins per mfg.

See below for link and info on the oil.

Scott

http://www.spectroshop.com/heavy-dut...60/prod_60.htm

Product Information

Heavy Duty
Spectro Heavy Duty Engine Oil is a superior motor lubricant designed specifically for use in American-made Harley® V-Twin engines. Crafted from superior petroleum stocks combined with the most advanced anti-wear, anti-carbon additive systems available, Spectro Heavy Duty extends component life, reduces wear, eliminates valve sticking. Meets all known OEM warranty requirements. Exceeds A.P.I. SF/SG – CD/CG - 4.
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Price: $8.93

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Product Code: R.HD2560

 

I have a 2013 flhtk. mine does the same thing. but I found out my rattle is my cross over pipe. goes away when it warms up. and I am using amsoil 20-50.

 

Bump the starter without starting, once or twice, before going for the start.

Install a K&P reusable oil filter.

Both these will help with lifter clatter on cold starts.

Alan