Loud tick when hot
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Novice
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 16
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From: Trenton, Ont, Canada
Loud tick when hot
Looking for suggestions to check. I have a 97 RK(almost stock motor). Top end was getting noisy, had local shop change lifters and adj. push rods (all HD) They thought it may be a roller going. 200 miles later, came off the hiway and it started to tick really loud. With stethescope it's the loudest in front of the front cyl. sparkplug, 1/2 way down the head. At startup it's very quiet (25 psi oil idle), after 1/2 hr it starts to tick, low at first and builds to very loud. Doesn't go away until bike cools off completely, then same thing. .Sound comes on as I watch the oil pressure dropping as it gets hot. oil 5 psi idle, 15 @ 2000rpm(not too bad). Checked timing - OK, compression is good(110psi), lifter screen is clean. vent to tank clear, rocker vent to carb clear, supply line clear. Push Rods not touching tubes. Took front rocker box off today..no excessive visual wear(need to mic this weekend to be sure). Debating on pulling the heads off and checking guids, seats, stems. I am wondering if it's oil pressure related or temperature related. OR wear relating both Temp/pressure to the cause.
Need some advice or a match!!
Mittsy
Need some advice or a match!!
Mittsy
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 328
Likes: 13
From: Trabuco Canyon, California
This is a longshot...but I had something like you described about 20 years ago and it ended up being a magnet that came lose from the rotor in the primary...maybe they make them better now.
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: May 2010
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From: Trenton, Ont, Canada
Rods are still tight .100" preload.
I keep thinking valve issue, but it's only a guess at this point.
Gonna play with my oil pressure spring. Should help tell me which way to look next.
I keep thinking valve issue, but it's only a guess at this point.
Gonna play with my oil pressure spring. Should help tell me which way to look next.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 265
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From: Riverview, FL
I had this happen to a Jap bike I owned years ago. Have thenm check the piston travel as well as the baleners. When it happened to me, it ended up being the tops of the push rods that were out of sync due to the counter balancer.
Can't hurt to bheck the main engine bearing as well. Whatever the problem is, it is thermodynamic. As the metal heats up and expands, there is more travel and space for whatever is making the noise.
D
Can't hurt to bheck the main engine bearing as well. Whatever the problem is, it is thermodynamic. As the metal heats up and expands, there is more travel and space for whatever is making the noise.
D
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,595
Likes: 8
From: Vancouver Island British Colombia Canada
I think you have a failing valve guide. If you think it's valve related, see if you can find a head at a reasonable price & swap it out so you have minimal down time. Than re do your old one for a spare.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,133
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From: South Carolina
I had this happen to a Jap bike I owned years ago. Have thenm check the piston travel as well as the baleners. When it happened to me, it ended up being the tops of the push rods that were out of sync due to the counter balancer.
Can't hurt to bheck the main engine bearing as well. Whatever the problem is, it is thermodynamic. As the metal heats up and expands, there is more travel and space for whatever is making the noise.
D
Can't hurt to bheck the main engine bearing as well. Whatever the problem is, it is thermodynamic. As the metal heats up and expands, there is more travel and space for whatever is making the noise.
D
Sounds like a weak lifter, or worn rocker bushing.
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Novice
Joined: May 2010
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From: Trenton, Ont, Canada
Not a bad idea about the spare head.
Thanks for all the suggestions...will keep updating as I find anything out. Acquired telescoping gauges, small hole gauges, and mics, so I'll be doing a lot of measuring this weekend.
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 892
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From: San Diego (Poway), CA
I agree here. Check it when it's hot. Sounds like a bad lifter to me.
You did not say how many miles are on the engine (if not rebuilt). These motors (depending on year) got a bad batch of lifters at the factory and give out around 50K.
You did not say how many miles are on the engine (if not rebuilt). These motors (depending on year) got a bad batch of lifters at the factory and give out around 50K.
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: May 2010
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From: Trenton, Ont, Canada
See original post - 4 brand new HD lifters/SE adj rods installed. Guide blocks in mint condition. Was quiet for 150 miles after change.
41 000 miles on engine.
Don't think it's a lifter, no stethescope sounds on lifter guide blocks, tubes, or cam cover. Sound does travel, though.