My 2010 Ultra Classic has made what I would describe as ticking like valve train noise since new. Dealer said it was typical and that I heard it more because of the lowers v.s. my Heritage that I traded? 4 years and a 103 kit (put in with in the first 3000 miles), later it still makes the noise. Now I am hearing a slapping noise coming from the primary area. Drive chain is tight and adjuster is working like it should. My mechanic says it the compensator. He tried the shimming and adding a spring thing. It seams to have made it worse. Any one have any ideas. He suggests the SE replacement, but does not know if it will cure the noise.

 

[quote=sdfirema. He tried the shimming and adding a spring thing. It seams to have made it worse. Any one have any ideas. He suggests the SE replacement, but does not know if it will cure the noise.[/quote]



Time for a new mechanic....Not sure if it will fix it?? If the compensator is bad...a new compensator will fix the noise.

 

I've never heard anyone suggest that a valve train like ticking noise was caused by a bad compensator. I think it probably is normal valve train tick and your mechanic is blowing smoke. Although your compensator could very well be bad!

 

Read the OP again. "Now I am hearing a slapping noise coming from the primary area. "

 

Back to the dealer is my suggestion and dont let them convince you that its normal. if you have warrenty left then take it to another dealer.

 

there is definitely some truth in hearing valve noise more on an ultra. However you are dealing with two separate issues it sounds like. Both somewhat typical for Harleys. what cam did you use for the 103 and what lifters? you may have the original lifters that are making the noise and probably worse if your cam is more aggresive. the second noise sounds more like your compensator and is a known issue.

 

You say a 103 kit in 1st 3k miles, how many miles are on it now? I agree the ticking since new may be normal and you can definately hear it more with a fairing, even more with lowers. The noise in the primary however is another problem, if it is a problem. Do you hear it all the time or just in some conditions? You say the chain is adjusted properly. Can you roll the chain around 1 complete cycle and confirm it is not going from tight to loose to tight again? I only say this because, I had a similar noise and found a bigger problem with the chain going slack to very tight.

 

Just shy of 23,000 miles on her now. The sounds are coming from the primary side down low.