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Knocking noise

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Old Feb 12, 2020 | 05:02 PM
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From: Chipping Norton
Unhappy Knocking noise
Hi all wonder if anyone can throw any light on a strange noise i have. Its a 1997 Sportster 883 with 1200 conversion. Its only done 13000 miles from new always been serviced by myself 32 years Vehicle Technician.Always genuine parts used. Ok so it starts fine sounds good, when i ride it & accelerate hard I have this deep down heavy rumbling, knocking noise. If it was a car I would say the main bearings were rumbling. Is this something common with Harley Evo engines. I don't want to pull it all apart & renew the mains if there is a possibility it could be something else. Dealers have told me its not worth mending, but to me its my baby lol. Would appreciate any views from someone on here. Thanks a lot Reg
 
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Old Feb 12, 2020 | 09:25 PM
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Has it happened this whole time or did it suddenly develop?
 
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Old Feb 13, 2020 | 02:11 AM
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From: Chipping Norton
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Originally Posted by Mattbastard
Has it happened this whole time or did it suddenly develop?
Hi no its been a really quite engine,thought it started to ping a while back now a heavy Knockin, rumbling under load😎
 
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Old Feb 13, 2020 | 06:44 AM
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Ever check the primary chain tension ?

If you can duplicate the noise will sitting still it`s time to break out the screwdriver / stethoscope.
 
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Old Feb 13, 2020 | 09:14 AM
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No its only under load it makes the noise
 
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Old Feb 13, 2020 | 10:10 AM
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Have you checked the primary ? yes it`s a long shot but it only takes 15 minutes.
 
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Old Feb 13, 2020 | 10:30 AM
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From: Chipping Norton
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Checked what in the primary ?? The crankshaft nut do you mean ??
 
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Old Feb 13, 2020 | 10:57 AM
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Originally Posted by TheHog883
Checked what in the primary ?? The crankshaft nut do you mean ??

no.. maybe the chain is being slapped around and hitting the prinary case, it would resonate onto the lower engine cases

but thats a long shot, you can still tell its coming mostly from the left side.. if you have a deep knock, you have to do some more research where exactly its coming from.. if you dont have a stethascope, use long screwdriver against the ear..
 
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Old Feb 13, 2020 | 11:01 AM
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Yes its much to heavier knock to be the chain, but thanks for the suggestion
 
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