So I finally fired up my barnyard find after refurbishing for about 3 weeks. It ran pretty darn good for coming out of a field in Wisconsin. But it sounds like it is grinding rocks somewhere in the bottom end near the front...it's either coming from the generator or the crank....I've had Evo sportsters and they are noisy in the bottom end but this is pretty loud.....plugs look good...tan, seems to accelerate good, no issues beyond the noise....primary chain is not loose, etc.....

So do ironheads normally sound like they grind rocks? It does seem like it's the generator making the noise but my experience with other older big twins leads me back to the crank and cases.

Mine did that at one time but just as I started off and released the clutch.Kinda of a knock,grind,vibration all together.Right there by the generator.It was the compensator sprocket.Big round nut that holds it on was loose.

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75 Ironhead..Ride hard..You can rest when you die.

I think he has a XLCH. They don't have compensator sprockets.

Pat

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Pat
Clayton, NC

yeah...its an xlch...no comp sprocket....I'm pretty sure its the generator...I can feel the grinding in the generator, not in the cases...but then again....

the bike runs like a hot rod so I'm guessing the bottom end is okay....I guess Ill find out sooner or later

2 bolts remove the generator. Pull it and have a look at it and the drive gear. Better to find out now then have the gear go and get caught up elsewhere to do more damage.

JMO.,

Skinner