Prior to opening the engine, the OP may want to double check for things such as a loose heat shield, tank mounting hardware, etc.
If the brass inserts do not cure it, then as djl has mentioned, a lifter could be the culprit and if that is the case, my more would be on the f/exhaust.
Scott

 

Thanks. I went to the dealer and bought the O rings and oils for a service (with the two funky H.D. funnels.)
I also bought four gaskets. Two valve cover gaskets and two rocker box gaskets for the rocker mod. I'm convinced that that is the issue. With my mechanics stethoscope, the front rocker arm area IS THE NOISE.
So, I'm doing the oil service....And checking clearance on the primary chain this weekend.
I'll do the rocker mod in the very near future now that I'm convinced that it won't explode.
I've never owned a Harley before. And I appreciate everyone taking the time to talk me down from this.
I'll make a new post with photos of the DURING and AFTER the mod. As well as a review when I'm done.
In the meanwhile, I'll just crank up the stereo and ignore that faint ticking sound.
Thanks

 

Yes sir. Thank you.
But at this point. I'm thinking that the inserts are a win-win anyway.
If this isn't the culprit, I will keep searching. But it seems worthwhile regardless.
For low. Or for a remedy for a noise the might develop in the future.
It seems like THE MOTOR COMPANY should have adopted this remedy in the first place.
I mean $15 for no noise?
Come on.

 

Another thing to consider.... oil. No matter what you may hear... oil matters. I've tried a LOT of oils, and when it comes to noise there is nothing better than Spectro 25-60 DINO oil. FWIW, the worst I've tried is Mobil 1 V-Twin 20-50 (probably a fine oil in every other sense)

Cheers,

John @ Rockout

__________________________________________________ ____
For ROCKOUT information & purchasing please click HERE For all Twin Cams and Evo Big Twins & Sporsters

 

Actually I got 3 quarts of TWIN POWER synthetic 20w50 engine oil with the bike. (Plus tranny and primary oils) in a kit the original owner had and liked to use.
I'll use it and see if I like it.

 

I got the ROCKOUTs very fast!!
So now I have everything?
Too bad this doesn't come as a complete "kit".


So...Remove the valve covers. Remove the rocker boxes. Install the ROCKOUTs. Replace the gaskets on re assembly?(make sure the pushrod go back into the rockers)
Correct?
I've never wrenched on a pushrod M/C engine before.
It seems too simple.

 

Hey brother,

You can return the rocker box gaskets.... you won't need to remove the rocker box, just the covers.

John @ Rockout

__________________________________________________ ____
For ROCKOUT information & purchasing please click HERE For all Twin Cams and Evo Big Twins & Sportsters

 

Im going to search for a tutorial on removing the rtocker assemblies.
Wont I need to rotate the engine and release the valve tension on the cams for each cylinder?

 

Do one cylinder at a time.... follow the simple instructions to get the cylinder on the cam's base circle. After completing that cylinder wait 30 minutes & repeat for the other. Just don't be in a hurry & all will go smoothly

John @ Rockout

__________________________________________________ ____
For ROCKOUT information & purchasing please click HERE For all Twin Cams and Evo Big Twins & Sportsters

 

I didnt actually look at the directions yet...