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Engine Mechanical TopicsDiscussion for motor builds, cams, head work, stripped bolts and other engine related issues. The good and the bad. If it goes round and around or up and down, post it here.
I kinda assumed I'd see something apparent, and now I'm not sure where to go. Could it be a bearing issue? I wouldn't think roller bearings would make noise.
Definitely could be a bearing. You can check main bearing with a stethoscope, have someone turn rear wheel while in 5th gear. Listen for a tick at each revolution. Now that you have it apart, replace all the cam bearings. Also check lifter fit/tolerances in the lifter bores.
Take pic of the end of the crank and the cam chain sprocket hole.
I'm guessing you're suspecting something was loose there? I don't think the bolts were loose (I never checked them by hand, just zipped them off with an impact) but the gears were tight and didn't just pull off. Splines look good to me.
I'll check the crank bearings and lifter bores as suggested.
They all look good.. Steve Cole was finding the pinion sprocket slipping on the pinion to the point where both the sprocket hole and pinion shaft were worn even tho the bolt was torqued to spec. Not sure why the noise is on the right side only..
I'm guessing you're suspecting something was loose there? I don't think the bolts were loose (I never checked them by hand, just zipped them off with an impact) but the gears were tight and didn't just pull off. Splines look good to me.
I'll check the crank bearings and lifter bores as suggested.
I must say that, that looks a lot better than mine did. I had little sparkley pieces of metal in mine. I'm assuming that the tensioners were OK? Compression wise?
Pulled the heads and cylinders off. The rear connecting rod feels solid, just a hair of side to side play when wiggling the piston end, but the front has a fair amount. I didn't go so far to measure anything, but I'd say it moves 2-3mm side to side if I measured at the piston end, where the rear is probably less than a mm.
I'm not sure how this is measured, I'm guessing a feeler gauge at the crank pin? Not sure it matters, as I'm guessing that I'm well outside that range.
Doing a little Google research, looks like it's normal for the front to have more play than the rear. I'll set up a dial indicator and actually measure it.
Doing a little Google research, looks like it's normal for the front to have more play than the rear. I'll set up a dial indicator and actually measure it.
It's been that way since HD started using forked rear rods.. Find an old Panhead service manual.. You will be enlightened..
Now I do have a question, see the inlets where the cams sit, if there is a little scaring there can that be the cause of the noise?
I just went to a gear set up and the same noise started again like before when a bearing had come apart.
Now I do have a question, see the inlets where the cams sit, if there is a little scaring there can that be the cause of the noise?
I just went to a gear set up and the same noise started again like before when a bearing had come apart.
Are you discussing this?
Then the answer is no.. But.. If the cam end play is excessive, you might get a rattle.. The cam bearing clearance is also worth looking at..
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