Noise coming from cam chest area.

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Jun 19, 2018 | 01:36 AM

AFDynaRider

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Joined: Feb 2013

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From: Abilene TX

Noise coming from cam chest area.

My bike has always had a noisy top end (like a sewing machine on steroids) but I have long ago accepted it as normal and learned to live with it.

But now I have started hearing a different noise from the cam chest area (I think). It's hard to describe. To me it sounds like a squeaky bicycle chain/grinding metal on metal noise.

I have been hearing the on and off high pitched squeaking for a week but thought it was just wind noise from my helmet or something until tonight when I got home from work I decided to leave the bike running and investigate a little bit. The noise is the most noticeable if i stick my head under the bike near the cam chest.

The bike is a 2012 Wide Glide with 23,000 miles on it. Everything is stock except pipes, air cleaner, and fuel pack.

is it likely to be cam chain tensioners shoes failing? I wouldn't think so but I'm no expert. Am I being paranoid? I plan on opening up the cam chest to take a look but what else should I look at?

Thanks for any help. I know that noises are hard to diagnose over the internet but I want to see what you guys think before I do something drastic.

Jun 19, 2018 | 03:18 AM

Flstcjay

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Joined: Apr 2018

Posts: 280

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From: Manitoba

if you are hearing noise at the cam chest you’d best have a look. Even if only for piece of mind. Squeaky metal on metal sounds are not normal.

Jun 19, 2018 | 05:59 AM

joe40x

Road Warrior

Joined: Mar 2014

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From: nowhere

Start with the obvious and check for a loose or leaking exhaust.

Jun 19, 2018 | 08:28 AM

archergodwin

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Joined: Sep 2008

Posts: 4,440

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From: Northwest

Had some similar noises on my '08 FXDC w/72k miles. Bothered me enough I stopped riding it till I could figure out what's up. I opened up the primary and cam chest, and really didn't see anything wrong, or out of the ordinary particulate in the drained oil. I went ahead and replaced my Hayden primary chain tensioner with a Baker, and installed new Andrews cams, bearings and Fueling lifters, and a kit to lock the rocker shafts in place, all last weekend. (good time to replace some weeping rocker box gaskets anyway).

Wish I could tell you what the outcome is... I flubbed the o-ring in the fuel QD hooking the fuel line back up.. grrrr.

However, I intend to pull that sucker out tonight, replace it and fire that ****** up! I'll let you know in a day or so if that did anything to the noises I had.

Jun 19, 2018 | 09:00 AM

AFDynaRider

Thread Starter

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Joined: Feb 2013

Posts: 265

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From: Abilene TX

Thanks guys. I don't know when I will be able to tear into it but I will post updates when I do.

Jun 19, 2018 | 09:16 AM

brownie4412

HDF Community Team

Joined: Apr 2018

Posts: 2,574

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From: Ohio

Can you hear it while riding or is it more pronounced at idle, or when shutting it off? Maybe check your compensator nut. I know you said it sounds like its coming from the cam chest, but noise travels.

Jun 19, 2018 | 09:30 AM

Jackie Paper

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2010

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From: Honah Lee

Your 2012 has a modern roller chain on delrin tensioner shoes that once grooves in stops wearing. So they are good probably 100k. Maybe long term like +10 years may hot oil harden them and they may crack.

I doubt that is your problem. Put a stethoscope on it at idle. If it is smooth hum. Don't worrying about it. You are probably hearing the exact opening of the valves thru the open exhaust.

Last edited by Jackie Paper; Jun 19, 2018 at 09:32 AM.