Exhaust Tick
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,093
Likes: 7,622
From: Poolville
K Cool. I don't think you need to pull the jets yet. See The thing that I don't like is in the second video when you muffle the exhaust it gets quieter. If it was an exhaust leak, wouldn't it get louder? Go to auto zone and get a compression tester. They have them as cheap as $25. All we want to do is confirm that the front cylinder and the rear cylinder are within 10% of each other. It's real easy to do and you don't have to go to your local indy to diagnose it. Think of it like an insurance policy. There are a lot of good people around that will help ya.
Last edited by 98hotrodfatboy; Apr 30, 2015 at 09:48 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,093
Likes: 7,622
From: Poolville
That would be a good choice as well...
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,376
Likes: 36
From: Round Rock, TX
Well, the speakers on my desktop computer clearly suck. I just listened to the video on my laptop and can hear the tick quite well. I think starting with a compression and a leakdown test is good advice.
A quick way we used to check for burnt exhaust valves (pretty common on old chevy small blocks) is to hold a dollar bill across the exhaust so that the exhaust gas flaps it. If you have a burnt exhaust valve it will suck the bill in every so often. I imagine it would work on a Harley, but I've never tried it.
A quick way we used to check for burnt exhaust valves (pretty common on old chevy small blocks) is to hold a dollar bill across the exhaust so that the exhaust gas flaps it. If you have a burnt exhaust valve it will suck the bill in every so often. I imagine it would work on a Harley, but I've never tried it.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 856
Likes: 9
From: North Carolina
Harbor Freight might be a place to look for a compression tester also.
http://www.harborfreight.com/quick-c...ter-95187.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/quick-c...ter-95187.html
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,216
Likes: 286
From: Buford, GA
Here's a pic of the plugs. The left is the front, right is the rear. Also jets are 46/185 which were changed out when I went with the Ness Big Sucker last year. Definitely not too lean.
Thanks!
Tony
Last edited by Tony_N; May 1, 2015 at 12:58 PM.
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,216
Likes: 286
From: Buford, GA
Well, the speakers on my desktop computer clearly suck. I just listened to the video on my laptop and can hear the tick quite well. I think starting with a compression and a leakdown test is good advice.
A quick way we used to check for burnt exhaust valves (pretty common on old chevy small blocks) is to hold a dollar bill across the exhaust so that the exhaust gas flaps it. If you have a burnt exhaust valve it will suck the bill in every so often. I imagine it would work on a Harley, but I've never tried it.
A quick way we used to check for burnt exhaust valves (pretty common on old chevy small blocks) is to hold a dollar bill across the exhaust so that the exhaust gas flaps it. If you have a burnt exhaust valve it will suck the bill in every so often. I imagine it would work on a Harley, but I've never tried it.
Pulled the rear pipe again this morning and replaced the gasket. I've included a pic of the old gasket. Also did not see any carbon around the o2 bungs or the pipe flanges.
I did try the dollar bill and it would get sucked in every couple seconds.
It will be the beginning of next week before I get a chance to pick up a compression tester. Will it hurt to ride it if it is a burnt valve?
Thanks!
Tony
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 2,358
Likes: 34
How about that pressure test I've read about on hear. Compressed air to a fitting to the spark plug hole then just listen for leaks? It's the easiest way to check the valves isn't it without having the testers?
I can't hear the tick playing it on my iPhone at all. Did you try the stethoscope?
I can't hear the tick playing it on my iPhone at all. Did you try the stethoscope?
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,216
Likes: 286
From: Buford, GA
How about that pressure test I've read about on hear. Compressed air to a fitting to the spark plug hole then just listen for leaks? It's the easiest way to check the valves isn't it without having the testers?
I can't hear the tick playing it on my iPhone at all. Did you try the stethoscope?
I can't hear the tick playing it on my iPhone at all. Did you try the stethoscope?
Didn't try a stethoscope yet KP. Messed with it a while this morning after getting in from work. Just pulled the pipe, changed the exhaust gasket, put the pipe back on and pulled the plugs to see what they looked like. Heading back to work shortly.
I'm not sure about the compressed air versus a pressure test...it's all new to me.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,938
Likes: 30
From: North Florida
Well a leak down test is the best way to find a burnt valve, once you have your compression tester you can use it for leak down, just hook it to a compressor on that cyclinder and listen to hear if it hissing out the exhaust.
Riding it probably won't hurt it more than it already is, I imagine the seat is shot, so, going to need the heads redone.
You have got to remember we are diagnosing over the internet, listening to a video, sooooo, don't jump to any conclusions until you do the tests.
Riding it probably won't hurt it more than it already is, I imagine the seat is shot, so, going to need the heads redone.
You have got to remember we are diagnosing over the internet, listening to a video, sooooo, don't jump to any conclusions until you do the tests.