valvetrain clatter at startup
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 326
Likes: 54
From: Westmoreland,N.H.
valvetrain clatter at startup
the valve train seems to drain it's oil and on cold startup it will clatter for about 2 seconds until the oil pump catches up. everything is fine after that. warm starts no problem.any clues will be helpful.
Supporter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,788
Likes: 5,625
From: along the shore of Mishigami
Sounds like one or more lifters bleeding down, maybe the engine stops on a stroke with a lot of pressure from rocker down thru pushrod and pushing against the lifter pushing oil out of the lift. My best guess.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9,282
Likes: 1,139
From: southeast PA
Need more info. It would help to know what motor you have, how old it is, mods, etc.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 234
Likes: 45
From: Spain
Same issue here, woods alpha lifters from fuel moto here, it happens ALWAYS, tried to re-adjust the pushrods since maybe one of them got over tightened but nothing, I always felt that those lifters never held the pressure too long (they bled really quick when adjusting them)
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 2,066
Likes: 259
From: Northstreet, michigan
More info would help. Try telling us the year, model, and what valvetrain you're running. If it's factory or upgraded, that would be good to know. Assuming you are running hydraulic lifters, this would be normal as they bleed down during extended soak periods. S&s offers solid lifter conversions. They also make a ring that you install in the lifters that is supposed to help with noise. I'm not sure the exact name of the product but I heard about it in a YouTube video a while back. I think it was one of the revzilla videos that talked about it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 19,922
Likes: 8,027
From: poway
All lifters bleed down if the motor stops where the lifter is hold in the valve off the seat. There really isn't any position on the crank where one valve is not off the seat slightly. The nature of the beast. It's how quickly the lifter recovers during motor start that is the issue.
Lifters need replace.. One of them is bleeding and sticking when bike sits.
The problem with Woods lifters is that they are too tight and can't pump up when they are cold. Bobby likes to set the lifter piston so tight to control bleed that pistons in the lifters stick down when the oil is cool..
You don't want to convert to solids.. You can try travel limiters or simply adjust the lifter pistons deeper if you have adjustable pushrods. You adjust to say 0.140 preload on the lifter instead of the usual 0.100 inches.
Lifters need replace.. One of them is bleeding and sticking when bike sits.
The problem with Woods lifters is that they are too tight and can't pump up when they are cold. Bobby likes to set the lifter piston so tight to control bleed that pistons in the lifters stick down when the oil is cool..
You don't want to convert to solids.. You can try travel limiters or simply adjust the lifter pistons deeper if you have adjustable pushrods. You adjust to say 0.140 preload on the lifter instead of the usual 0.100 inches.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 749
Likes: 287
From: Detroit area
also what oil filters are you using? some can have s**tty anti-drainback valves, and oil drains out of the filter while sitting.
Trending Topics
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 865
Likes: 67
From: Los Angeles,ca
Interesting. I have woods lifters, adjustable pushrods and woods 555 cams.
I have this valvtrain clatter if for example I left bike in 2nd gear on light and accelerating. Not all the time, need to pay more attention and make some notes
I have this valvtrain clatter if for example I left bike in 2nd gear on light and accelerating. Not all the time, need to pay more attention and make some notes
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 19,922
Likes: 8,027
From: poway
That is more than likely pinging..