I had thunderheads installed on 07 Electra Glide Classic with PowerCommander V and S&S air cleaner (the new style one).

The top end noise (ticking) is so loud. I changed out the Synthetic oil for Dino 25-60. Still there.

About 30,000 miles on bike. Running super 93 octane. Stock Cam, Push Rods, 96ci, stock heads.

I purchased (not yet installed) Rockout Rockers with all new head gaskets. I was planning to stall those with Fuel Moto Adjustable pushrods if my stock rods are bent.

Am I on the right path? I've purchased all the right tools to do the job, btw I'm not good a this stuff. Very nervous. But every time I ask a harley mechanic I get, "that's normal". Well it wasn't "normal" before so I want it gone.

Everything I read tells me putting other cams in will make it worse. I just want it quieter like it was. Now it's driving me crazy. Yes I put the radio up, yes I went with a lower shield. It's all I can hear now. I'm focused on it.

Please please please someone that has solved the sewing machine clicking noise let me know if I'm doing the right things.

Thank you.

 

I doubt that your OEM pushrods are bent but replacing them with adjustable push rods will allow setting more preload on the lifters which should help. FYI, the FM push rods are Smith Brothers, very nice hardware but a PITA to adjust. Consider the SE Quick Install Tapered; PN 18404-08 IIRC but better check me on that. You are running the HD "B" lifters which are also good, unless for some reason one or more has gone **** up. Install the rocker lockers, install the pushrods of your choice and set preload on the lifters at .125"-.145" and see how it goes.

 

Get the Rockouts installed.

http://www.rockout.biz/

 

Earplugs/Get used to it.

I'm not being trite, I'm trying to save you some time, money and aggravation. It's a Harley and it was designed over 100 years ago. Bad noises get bad pretty fast and by that I mean they get some kinda loud. Until an old man in a Camry or Buick pulls up next to you at a light, rolls down the window and says your bike has a tapping/rapping/clacking/banging noise, ride the the thing.

 

Did the noise start after you installed the thunderheader exhaust?

 

What does that mean, "set preload on the lifters at .125"-.145"?

Thanks

 

I noticed it because the exhaust was loose when I got the bike home. After I tightened it kept coming loose. I have installed double nuts and it's fine, but now all I hear is that noise.

 

Thank you very much for purchasing my Rockout kit. Now put them in!

Seriously, it's a simple job, you don't need to remove the heads to do it, or replace pushrods. Lots of folks here to help, & I have email support available 7 days a week.



John @ Rockout

 

thanks. will be putting them in when they come in.

I was only considering changing to adjustable pushrods if that is what is causing my ticking noise.

 

Insure you have the exhaust tight, with a good seal at the head, load the lifter to .140" with the use of a high quality pushrod such as an S&S unit, and use the proper oil viscosity per ambient air temps as per dictated in the service manual.
Should be plenty quiet then.
Scott