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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.
Hey, just got a 97 sportster 1200 and it’s my first Harley. I bought it running and riding and it didn’t like idling but it sure did haul down the road. I’ve maybe ridden it 5 miles. It has an exhaust and se air cleaner. Put some new plugs cause old ones were black as night and it fouled this new set after about 15min. I have another post in the carb section about the idling and such. Went and got some more just to see and put em in. Started her up and boom…. a wonderful new knocking sound from the front cylinder. It sounds more in the middle than top or bottom end. Also sometimes when starting it, it makes a loud clanking sound right at the front midsection of the motor. I just don’t understand how it’d go from running alright to knocking and I pray it’s not bearings. It’s my first Harley so I’m still learning the ends and outs of these motors so maybe it’s something not super serious. Any help would be great cause I really don’t want to shell out the cash to buy a new top or bottom end for this thing. Pic is of the newest plugs and it’s idled for about 15 seconds with em.
I was about to tear into the carb. Went to start her up one last time and it wouldn’t. Plugs weren’t sparking at all so I tossed some new in just to see. With the new ones it started right up but now with a knock. I ain’t got a problem taking it somewhere but I’d much rather save my money and do it myself. I’ve built a couple engines so it’s not really an issue of being able more of time and money. I’d rather see what y’all think of the knock before tearing into it or taking to someone. Put a vid of it
Thanks
still knocking? Know any history on the bike?? Was it being ridden when you bought it?
yes. The guy said he rode it a few times a week so it hasn’t been sitting or anything. It hasn’t made a single bad sound before this
also the guy I got it from just went and got a new belt out on and fresh oil at my local hd dealer
yes. The guy said he rode it a few times a week so it hasn’t been sitting or anything. It hasn’t made a single bad sound before this
also the guy I got it from just went and got a new belt out on and fresh oil at my local hd dealer
Yeah you might want to check to see how much oil is in there.
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First Harley now knocking
