engine ticking noise when warm
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
engine ticking noise when warm
ever since i bought my bike (03fxdx) in jan its had a slight ticking noise when it warms up, the bike runs fine and pulls hard, the engine has been modified, just wondering if i should be worried or its normal
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 104
Likes: 5
From: Columbus, NC
Mine did the same thing dealer said its normal. Recentaly changed my motor oil (20w50) and transmission to Amsoil what a differance! The motor lost its ticking and has almost 700 miles since oil change. Just changing the oil has made a big differance.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,629
Likes: 46
From: East Hartford, CT
I had ticking when my oil line blew off.
Good thing for me I had Amsoil and there was no damage whatsoever.
I refilled with Amsoil, drove it home and changed the oil again.
Absolutely no metal on the magnetic plug!
Amsoil is great stuff.
Ended up modifing the oil cooler to fit AN6 flare fittings and stainless braided hoses.
Good thing for me I had Amsoil and there was no damage whatsoever.
I refilled with Amsoil, drove it home and changed the oil again.
Absolutely no metal on the magnetic plug!
Amsoil is great stuff.
Ended up modifing the oil cooler to fit AN6 flare fittings and stainless braided hoses.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,570
Likes: 117
From: Southeast NC
geeze. im glad to hear this because i just bought a fat bob. new to the big air cooled twins. same thing. bike is mint 2008. 9k on it. no modifications. all records say oils changed at 1k 5k and 9k. pulls hard and sounds great except when it gets warmed up good and hot. hear a slight ticking noise when cruising. guess im just used to jap racing 4 stokes
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,384
Likes: 12
From: Out on Deranged
Mine did the same thing dealer said its normal. Recentaly changed my motor oil (20w50) and transmission to Amsoil what a differance! The motor lost its ticking and has almost 700 miles since oil change. Just changing the oil has made a big differance.
Last edited by maddghost; Jun 5, 2012 at 05:07 AM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,706
Likes: 14
From: Near Frankenmuth, MI
Does it seem to get louder as you roll on the throttle and quieter when you idle along or just maintain speed?
I'm discovering the "normal" tick can be quieted with additives or different oil ... But NOT synthetic which seem to allow more sound to be heard.
I just added a LUCAS oil additive and was quickly pleased to not hear the high pitch lifter ticking noise. It's actually the design of the motor with the angle the pushrods strike the rocker, and it being open air cooled motor allows this sound to be heard outside of the motor.
I'm discovering the "normal" tick can be quieted with additives or different oil ... But NOT synthetic which seem to allow more sound to be heard.
I just added a LUCAS oil additive and was quickly pleased to not hear the high pitch lifter ticking noise. It's actually the design of the motor with the angle the pushrods strike the rocker, and it being open air cooled motor allows this sound to be heard outside of the motor.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,555
Likes: 3
From: Clarksburg, PA
Mine doesn't tick all the time..just when it's running!
Built almost the same motor for my brother and it sounds great...both 2006s.
I hate it, but after tearing into it and replacing things that didn't need replacing several times, I said the hell with it...I ride it like I stole it and if it blows up I will build it again.
Built almost the same motor for my brother and it sounds great...both 2006s.
I hate it, but after tearing into it and replacing things that didn't need replacing several times, I said the hell with it...I ride it like I stole it and if it blows up I will build it again.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,016
Likes: 277
From: East Tn Foot of The Dragon
Does it seem to get louder as you roll on the throttle and quieter when you idle along or just maintain speed?
I'm discovering the "normal" tick can be quieted with additives or different oil ... But NOT synthetic which seem to allow more sound to be heard.
I just added a LUCAS oil additive and was quickly pleased to not hear the high pitch lifter ticking noise. It's actually the design of the motor with the angle the pushrods strike the rocker, and it being open air cooled motor allows this sound to be heard outside of the motor.
I'm discovering the "normal" tick can be quieted with additives or different oil ... But NOT synthetic which seem to allow more sound to be heard.
I just added a LUCAS oil additive and was quickly pleased to not hear the high pitch lifter ticking noise. It's actually the design of the motor with the angle the pushrods strike the rocker, and it being open air cooled motor allows this sound to be heard outside of the motor.
