I've got a question. I have a 2009 Dyna low rider with 12k on the clock. I'm getting a inconsistent ticking noise (clutch in/ out, warmed up/ cold, moving/ sitting but it's also off and on). All I can tell is its coming from the power side of the engine right around where the cams are. For what it matters, I had a set of 574 reaper cams installed about 1,000 miles ago. But the ticking noise just started about 300 miles ago. I have no clue what it might be any suggestions?

 

If you reused the stock tappets / lifters it is most likely the cause. The stock lifters are prone to collapse failures.

You most likely have adjustable pushrods so that may be another source, a jam nut backing off the pushrod , but they usually unscrew themselves completely causing a huge noise and rough running.

The fact it comes and goes sounds more like lifter.

Change your oil, put in some standard (non synthetic) 20/50 and try again, if that quiets it somewhat especially when cold then it most likely is a lifter.

 

I did reuse the stock lifter/ tappets with SE adjustable pushrods. Do you think that I'm ok to keep riding the bike or should I park it until I get some time and money to find out what's causing the tapping? Won't using standard oil after using synthetic gum up the oil passages in the engine?

 

Ok

Your call

No