Hmmmm, a noisy valvetrain on an EVO after messing with the rocker boxes.... (No, Rufus, doesnt ring a bell)

So, my input, although I've yet to fix mine.. Since thats all you've done and the noise is new.. I would closely check your pushrods for clearance. The adjuster nut may be hitting the tubes, I'd feel each tube first then look for witness marks on each pushrod.

If thats not it.... Well, the possibilities are apparently endless...

You could have:
rocker arms hitting the covers
excessive endplay in the rockers.
exhaust leak, it will tick
bad lifter, failing to pump up or roller bearing
chipped cam gear teeth
excessive cam/pinion gear backlash
valve seat wear
loose compensator nut (I plan to install mine today.. Hopefully thats it)

Noises tend to travel through these engines pretty easily, so it could be difficult to track down. But, obviously, use the KISS method and begin with that you've disturbed..

Good luck with it, keep us posted.

 

As mentioned, I would check for pushrod to tube clearance...especially the front exhaust. I recently trimmed that tube on mine 1/2" to gain clearance...after riding it for 12K miles with it ticking and slowly seeping oil. Also, different rods will propagate sounds differently.

 

Hey All,

Just to close out this thread....
Exhaust Leak!

I pulled the pipes and noticed some irregularities in the front gasket.
Grabbed some news ones put those in - the tick is gone and everything seems all good.

Thanks for all of the responses they certainly helped.

 

That's great 4speed. Glad it was something simple (and inexpensive)

And speaking for many, thank you for the update of the final results - that helps everyone tremendously in the future. Much appreciated

 

Hey 4speed...thanks for posting what you found....

After I did my cam and pushrod change the bike seemed a little noisier and had a ticking. The bike has quieted down and the ticking went away. Now recently I noticed that the ticking sometimes comes back when the bike is hot. I just checked and it looks like my front exhaust pipe may not have been completely seated in...that dang frame was in my way, making it difficult to tighten it down.

So today I retightened the front exhaust and I could tell it wasn't seated good but now it is tight. I'll see if my noises go away too next time I have a chance to get some good riding in.

 

Hey Mr1986FLST - I hear ya. It's an easy fix to what sounds like a bigger issue. Exhaust leaks on a V-Twin sounds more serious than say a exhaust leak on a 350 Chevy. More valve train noise. I'm now battling rocker box alignment as they have shifted a bit. I sanded them a wee bit last night and will reinstall this eve.

If anyone has an tips/opinions on rocker box alignment - shoot!

Much appreciated.

4spd

 

I fought this for a while...took me three times to get it right. My rocker covers were far from flat, but they did seal. I did try to sand the gasket surfaces on a surface plate but they were so far out of flat that there was no way to restore them...just use as is.

Clean gasket surfaces really good with a q-tip and rubbing alcohol or similar. If reusing the rubber gaskets (as long as they aren't too old this should be fine), clean them with denatured alcohol. When installing the covers, align carefully and tighten the bolts slowly and evenly...a quarter turn at a time until torque is reached. Worked for me for the last 15k+ miles.

 

I think I have them dialed at the moment. Rode for a while last weekend and they seem to be rocking steady.

Thanks for the replies.