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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.
2003 RKC TC88. Current mileage 92877. I have S&S adjustable pushrods (not quickees), and Hylift Johnson STD lifters from Larry's with the limiters. BIke has been running great since I last was in the camchest to replace the tensioner shoes May last year, about 10,000 miles ago. I put the new lifters in then too.
Commuting home from work today, on the freeway exit and I thought the car next to me seemed to have a loud clacking or something going on, but when the car wasn't next to me, the sound continued. I had my full face helmet on so I couldn't hear it that well, but realized it was my bike. Pulled into the gas station and got off the bike, to check, and sure enough, something loud coming from what seems like the rear cylinder area. Gently rode home through the neighborhood, about a mile, and parked it. Oil was a little low so I added some, but that didn't seem to help.
Video attached, but maybe a lifter? Maybe pushrod hitting the cover? Valve? Also posted troubleshooting checklists from the repair manual. I think this falls under the 'Valve Train Noise' list rather than 'Knocks or Pings', but both are there anyway. It lists spark plugs as a possibility, but this sounds like something mechanical to me. Also, I installed Rockouts a few years ago, so I'm ruling out noisy rockers, for now anyway.
I would guess bent or loose pushrod also. Drop the tubes & have a look.... start with simple things first.
Good luck in the hunt
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like said before,its hard to tell from the video,but any noise that comes up out of the blue should be addressed asap,could be a loose nut on the p/rod (if its a bent p/rod,there a reason for that,p/rods dont bend without hitting something) but what comes to mind first is either a inner bearing or lifter failure,both will be very bad if not caught right at the start
Thanks everyone. After sleeping on it, my thoughts this morning were the same as what you all suggested; check pushrods and go from there. It's possible the pushrod(s) just need to be readjusted, but I will check and see. I have tomorrow off from work, so I think I will get an early start on it tomorrow morning. I'm going to go down the checklist from the manual, starting with #2-4 (but not discounting #1), and check the pushrods initially.
My motorcycle, a 2000 Springer is in the shop as we speak. It has basically the same issue. I am waiting to hear from the mechanic. One thing I noted about your bike, and I may be incorrect, but it sure shakes a lot, Is that normal for your bike?
My motorcycle, a 2000 Springer is in the shop as we speak. It has basically the same issue. I am waiting to hear from the mechanic. One thing I noted about your bike, and I may be incorrect, but it sure shakes a lot, Is that normal for your bike?
At idle like that, it is normal for my bike. Replaced the engine mounts and such, it's still the same. It's not like that other than at idle.
FWIW I checked the pushrods and lifters over the weekend, and they are fine. What I did find is a wicked exhaust leak at the rear header. My local shop is out of exhaust gaskets(!!), so I'm ordering some. Temp just changed in my area over the weekend, 20F this morning. No rush to get this fixed immediately.
My motorcycle, a 2000 Springer is in the shop as we speak. It has basically the same issue. I am waiting to hear from the mechanic. One thing I noted about your bike, and I may be incorrect, but it sure shakes a lot, Is that normal for your bike?
your bike is counter balanced and solid mounted, the touring bikes are not counter balanced and rubber mounted.
If your push rods are adjusted right, and your oil has been changed when it should be, and nothing is loose or vibrating somewhere on the motor, and it's not out of oil, I would chalk your noise up to having a 17 year old Harley with 93,000 miles on it. Your top end might be worn, and getting real close to needing a rebuild.,,,
If your push rods are adjusted right, and your oil has been changed when it should be, and nothing is loose or vibrating somewhere on the motor, and it's not out of oil, I would chalk your noise up to having a 17 year old Harley with 93,000 miles on it. Your top end might be worn, and getting real close to needing a rebuild.,,,
A big 10-4 on that. I've already had "the talk" with my budget officer. I also found a fairly wicked rear exhaust leak.
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Engine Noise
