Engine Tapping Sound
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: East Coast, USA
Engine Tapping Sound
I'm trying to diagnosis an engine tapping sound. I haven't disassembled anything yet, and was hoping to get some direction since I have very little experience in this area. The fall season is prime riding season for me, I'm hoping this isn't anything major.
The motorcycle is a 2011 Ultra, that is basically stock, with just a SE air cleaner. I do have a Dynojet Power Vision.
240,000+ miles, still original lifters, cam, cam bearing. Never even opened the cam chest. Bike seems to still run well. No obvious performance issues.
What I hear is a tapping sound. I'm going to attach an audio file. I know diagnosing a sound over the Internet is difficult, but thought I'd take a shot and post it since someone may have had a similar issue.
In my garage, I actually have new lifters, cam bearing, Andrews 48H cam, adjustable pushrods, top end gaskets, that I've purchased a few years ago. Just never got around to installing the parts.
My guess is something has worn out... duh
Anyone have any guesses or ideas? Can I keep riding the motorcycle or will bad things happen?
The motorcycle is a 2011 Ultra, that is basically stock, with just a SE air cleaner. I do have a Dynojet Power Vision.
240,000+ miles, still original lifters, cam, cam bearing. Never even opened the cam chest. Bike seems to still run well. No obvious performance issues.
What I hear is a tapping sound. I'm going to attach an audio file. I know diagnosing a sound over the Internet is difficult, but thought I'd take a shot and post it since someone may have had a similar issue.
In my garage, I actually have new lifters, cam bearing, Andrews 48H cam, adjustable pushrods, top end gaskets, that I've purchased a few years ago. Just never got around to installing the parts.
My guess is something has worn out... duh
Anyone have any guesses or ideas? Can I keep riding the motorcycle or will bad things happen?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 17,897
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From: backwoods
I think it is a poor idea to have that many miles on lifters. If they go they can do damage
I also don't know why you would add air, leaning out stock bike
Inspect rocker arms too. Pitting and play. This is why you need 2-3 bikes
I also don't know why you would add air, leaning out stock bike
Inspect rocker arms too. Pitting and play. This is why you need 2-3 bikes
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Also on amazon.com...
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Joined: Apr 2016
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From: Inland NW
I actually have new lifters, cam bearing, Andrews 48H cam, adjustable pushrods, top end gaskets, that I've purchased a few years ago. Just never got around to installing the parts.
My guess is something has worn out... duh
Anyone have any guesses or ideas? Can I keep riding the motorcycle or will bad things happen?
My guess is something has worn out... duh
Anyone have any guesses or ideas? Can I keep riding the motorcycle or will bad things happen?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,031
Likes: 12,551
From: South Carolina
At that mileage, any tapping sounds are a clear message to open up the cam chest.
The lifters don`t owe you a thing.
I would also replace inner cam bearings and the cam chain tensioners.
http://www.larrysmotorcyclemachine.com/lifters.html
The lifters don`t owe you a thing.
I would also replace inner cam bearings and the cam chain tensioners.
http://www.larrysmotorcyclemachine.com/lifters.html
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Sep 17, 2024 at 06:58 AM.
Tourer
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 372
Likes: 320
From: Coastal Carolina
240,000+ miles? Wow! Congrats as thats impressive. That sound reminds me of a that 1980 something Oldsmobile, you remember, that one your friend or neighbor had that was also missing a hubcap...
At 240K and that sound I would think its time for a rebuild or as a last resort perhaps time to try some snake oil? Lucas Oil Stabilizer? Motor Honey? Valve Metic? Those things did wonders for that old V8 Olds, for a time...
I'm not recommending any snake oil in a bike but more asking if a engine is at the end of it's service life ( how can it not be at 240K miles)? would it hurt to try snake oil and plan on a rebuild over the winter months?
I would not ride it far without good towing insurance if at all.
At 240K and that sound I would think its time for a rebuild or as a last resort perhaps time to try some snake oil? Lucas Oil Stabilizer? Motor Honey? Valve Metic? Those things did wonders for that old V8 Olds, for a time...
I'm not recommending any snake oil in a bike but more asking if a engine is at the end of it's service life ( how can it not be at 240K miles)? would it hurt to try snake oil and plan on a rebuild over the winter months?
I would not ride it far without good towing insurance if at all.
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Seasoned HDF Member
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From: Lititz Pa
After 240000 miles I would tap too.If you have the parts and the know how just do the top end and enjoy it for anther 240 thousand miles.
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Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: East Coast, USA
Thank you for all the replies. I'll open up the cam chest this weekend. I was looking over the HD factory service manual and noticed that there is a section on diagnosing valve train noise. I'm pretty good at following directions (lol).
A couple more questions since I want to try and get any parts I may need before I start this project.
1. Should I just replace the secondary cam drive chain? I already have replacement pads for the cam chain tensioners.
2. Is it worthwhile to invest in the S&S TC3 Oil Pump and Cam Plate? Keep in mind I have the 96 ci engine and I don't have an oil cooler. I have no interest in installing an oil cooler, since I like the looks of the bike without it. Yea, that may be a dumb reason, but that's my reason.
A couple more questions since I want to try and get any parts I may need before I start this project.
1. Should I just replace the secondary cam drive chain? I already have replacement pads for the cam chain tensioners.
2. Is it worthwhile to invest in the S&S TC3 Oil Pump and Cam Plate? Keep in mind I have the 96 ci engine and I don't have an oil cooler. I have no interest in installing an oil cooler, since I like the looks of the bike without it. Yea, that may be a dumb reason, but that's my reason.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,007
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From: Poolville
To me it definitely sounds like a lifter collapsed and what I'm hearing is a loose pushrod in the rocker arm.. I wouldn't tear down the top end but cut the pushrods, seeing you have new adjustables.. Carefully inspect the ball ends of the pushrods for abnormal wear , especially the top. If so you will need to disassemble the top end to inspect the rockers.. 240k is a lot of miles.. I would do the S&S TC3 pump and plate.. Best out there.. Don't forget to check pinion run out.. Curios to see what the pinion shaft did to the OEM cam plate.. Also for $100 I would probably be doing both chains..
Don't forget, A lot of Pic's..
Note: before you purchase anything do the tear down and inspect first.. Then make your list..
Don't forget, A lot of Pic's..
Note: before you purchase anything do the tear down and inspect first.. Then make your list..
Last edited by 98hotrodfatboy; Sep 17, 2024 at 08:35 AM.