New EVO guy here need opinions
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Euclid
New EVO guy here need opinions
Hey guys, new here! Pretty excited about this new adventure. Wanted to get some opinions. I just bought a 1998 Softail Custom for $2k it's been rode hard and has an engine knock in the front cylinder. The previous owner thinks it might be valvetrain related. Here is a video. I plan on doing a compression test Sunday. I hope I can get her back up and running on the cheap butttttt we'll see
https://youtu.be/V_tRE6mjBrw
https://youtu.be/V_tRE6mjBrw
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,065
Likes: 4,561
From: Haslet Texas
Hey guys, new here! Pretty excited about this new adventure. Wanted to get some opinions. I just bought a 1998 Softail Custom for $2k it's been rode hard and has an engine knock in the front cylinder. The previous owner thinks it might be valvetrain related. Here is a video. I plan on doing a compression test Sunday. I hope I can get her back up and running on the cheap butttttt we'll see
https://youtu.be/V_tRE6mjBrw
https://youtu.be/V_tRE6mjBrw
Check your rocker box gaskets and rocker boxes for warps.
If one isn't sealing right you will get extra noise on that area.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,116
Likes: 7,639
From: Poolville
Good to see you over hear. We will do our best to help you and good idea on the FSM, you're gonna need it. That noise sounded pretty deep. Check the cam and lifters but more importantly check to see if you have any bent pushrods. That Youtube listing you posted sounded real serious. Almost sounded like a wrist pin bushing is gone. Drain the oil and check for any brass or bronze looking material. Do you know what the PO did to the motor? Also pull the oil filter and check for metal in there as well.... When mine sounded that bad it was a sheared crank pin.... It still ran though but for the little I did run it, it almost took out the right side case....... Start tearing in and check and note the locations of all the parts you disassemble.. Good luck man....
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 15,435
Likes: 7,127
From: Beyond Fucital
Try popping the pushrod covers for the front jug and see if there were adjustable pushrods
installed. Could be a loose locking nut and your valve is slapping the piston. DON'T RUN IT UNTIL YOU CHECK.
installed. Could be a loose locking nut and your valve is slapping the piston. DON'T RUN IT UNTIL YOU CHECK.
Trending Topics
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 295
Likes: 26
From: Western CT
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,872
Likes: 83
From: Canton, Michigan
$2k for a 'running' Softail EVO? A good deal, if it's a minor repair. If it isn't, and you don't have to split the cases, rebuilding the top end isn't that bad either.
Definitely get the FSM. Also get the FPM (Factory Parts Manual). They will both provide a lot of help 'figurin' stuff out.
Easiest thing to do would be check for the adjustable pushrods (like posted). That would also mean someone has put an aftermarket cam in it. The idle sounds like it. Hopefully they also swapped out the INA bearing for a Torrington....
Stock lifters have a lifespan. Some last well past 50,000 miles, some grenade before then. Mine lasted over 50K, but I had them replaced last winter 'just because'.
