I have a 1993 anniversary Wide Glide. I have always used the long oil filter and i think this is what cause my stator plug to the regulator to burn up on Mt Washington during Laconia this yr. Anyway got it pushed started etc many times then got it to a dealer. new battery/ stator, and 550 bucks. Now that's its running great I hear the tatter tatter of the valves. it seems to have gotten louder lately. Do these need adjusting etc? I have 36k on my bike and it has never had any major top motor work done on it. I do have the harley dyna service book. I am also pretty handy doing things like this. Im just not sure if its a normal sound with these motors. its always made some noise but seems louder lately. thanks jeff

 

I suspect you have a lifter going bad, or possibly an inner cam bearing.

I suggest you don`t ignore this noise, it can get very expensive if either part fails.

Even if the engine was not making the noise, I would suggest you replace the lifters and the inner cam bearing because of the mileage on the engine, and the fact that you have the old "A" type lifters in your `93.

New lifters from Harley are good lifters, they are a newer design known as the "B" lifters.

The `93 model also has the weaker INA inner cam bearing, which should be replaced with a Torrington B-138 bearing.

 

Great reply Dan, hope he takes your advice !!!

 

Since it was just apart, you might want to check the compensator nut. I have heard that they can sound like valve train noise. Listen to both with a stethascope, or a screw driver.

 

If I were you, I would change the lifters. With 36k miles on them, they don't have long to go. My '93 Ultra's blew apart with 49,925 miles on them, had to do the reman thing. Lots of $$$$. A new set of lifters, very little $$$$.,,