OddBall Dyno Sheet
The OP has referred to a "ticking" sound that turns into a "high pitched squealing or whirring sound". That indicates to me that the sounds are two different sounds with two different sources. The ticking is most likely valve train noise that can be reduced or eliminated with more preload on the lifters. The squealing/whirring sound is most likely coming from something rotating in the cam chest or even the primary but the OP seems to be focused on the cam chest. So, he should be looking at all rotating components in the cam chest for the source of that noise.
I hope the OP posts some pictures of the cam chest and components as he tears into it. I am also interested in his compression numbers.
Last edited by BamBamUSMC; Apr 24, 2015 at 03:57 PM.
Lifters look good btw.
1. You need to pull the cam plate/cams out, remove cams from the cam plate and start over; first check the inner cam gears to be sure that they have been properly and fully pressed on the cam shafts.
2. Reinstall the cams in the cam plate and check the inner gear lash; check the attachments for one way to do that; lash should be .0005"-.001"; too tight and they will whine; too loose and the rattle.
3. Install the outer gears, no thrust washer behind the rear cam gear as with sprockets.
4. With 585 lift cams you should also check the clearance between the case main bearing boss and cam lobes; should be at least .030". Shouldn't be an issue in an '07 model but worth checking while you are in there. You can wrap electrical tape around the rear cam lobes to add .030" to the cam lobe and rotate the cams with the cam plate attached; if no contact, no worries.
5. Check the inside of the cam chest cover for possible contact with the rear cam gear
6. The outer cam gear teeth should be fully engaged with no overlap. You can adjust the front cam gear in/out by changing the spacer behind the cam gear.
7. Check the outer gear lash; see the attachment for one way to do this. I use plastigage as well but there is something about seeing the lash on a dial that is reassuring.
There are undersize/over size inner gears and undersize/oversize pinion gears available if necessary to correct lash.
EDIT: I have also attached a photo to illustrate the area at the main bearing boss that might need clearing (doubt it) but worth checking. See the machined areas at the top of the main bearing boss.
Last edited by djl; Apr 23, 2015 at 10:06 AM.
1. You need to pull the cam plate/cams out, remove cams from the cam plate and start over; first check the inner cam gears to be sure that they have been properly and fully pressed on the cam shafts.
2. Reinstall the cams in the cam plate and check the inner gear lash; check the attachments for one way to do that; lash should be .0005"-.001"; too tight and they will whine; too loose and the rattle.
3. Install the outer gears, no thrust washer behind the rear cam gear as with sprockets.
4. With 585 lift cams you should also check the clearance between the case main bearing boss and cam lobes; should be at least .030". Shouldn't be an issue in an '07 model but worth checking while you are in there. You can wrap electrical tape around the rear cam lobes to add .030" to the cam lobe and rotate the cams with the cam plate attached; if no contact, no worries.
5. Check the inside of the cam chest cover for possible contact with the rear cam gear
6. The outer cam gear teeth should be fully engaged with no overlap. You can adjust the front cam gear in/out by changing the spacer behind the cam gear.
7. Check the outer gear lash; see the attachment for one way to do this. I use plastigage as well but there is something about seeing the lash on a dial that is reassuring.
There are undersize/over size inner gears and undersize/oversize pinion gears available if necessary to correct lash.
EDIT: I have also attached a photo to illustrate the area at the main bearing boss that might need clearing (doubt it) but worth checking. See the machined areas at the top of the main bearing boss.
1. You need to pull the cam plate/cams out, remove cams from the cam plate and start over; first check the inner cam gears to be sure that they have been properly and fully pressed on the cam shafts.
2. Reinstall the cams in the cam plate and check the inner gear lash; check the attachments for one way to do that; lash should be .0005"-.001"; too tight and they will whine; too loose and the rattle.
3. Install the outer gears, no thrust washer behind the rear cam gear as with sprockets.
4. With 585 lift cams you should also check the clearance between the case main bearing boss and cam lobes; should be at least .030". Shouldn't be an issue in an '07 model but worth checking while you are in there. You can wrap electrical tape around the rear cam lobes to add .030" to the cam lobe and rotate the cams with the cam plate attached; if no contact, no worries.
5. Check the inside of the cam chest cover for possible contact with the rear cam gear
6. The outer cam gear teeth should be fully engaged with no overlap. You can adjust the front cam gear in/out by changing the spacer behind the cam gear.
7. Check the outer gear lash; see the attachment for one way to do this. I use plastigage as well but there is something about seeing the lash on a dial that is reassuring.
There are undersize/over size inner gears and undersize/oversize pinion gears available if necessary to correct lash.
EDIT: I have also attached a photo to illustrate the area at the main bearing boss that might need clearing (doubt it) but worth checking. See the machined areas at the top of the main bearing boss.
Last edited by BamBamUSMC; May 1, 2015 at 02:11 PM. Reason: Pics
Either way, make sure that the new cams have sufficient clearance (.030") in that same area. If so, you're good to go. If not, remove more material.
Last edited by dynawg1; May 1, 2015 at 05:45 PM.
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
Either way, make sure that the new cams have sufficient clearance (.030") in that same area. If so, you're good to go. If not, remove more material.
Next check is lash on inner and outer gears; keep digging.








