Tracking down a new noise
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 684
Likes: 9
From: Indian Head, PA
Ok, I am even more confused and frustrated. I went to the dealer today and checked out a "B" lifter. Looked exactly like what I have in my engine and had almost exactly the same type of play in it. I didn't buy any lifters because according to the brand new one I looked at, mine are practically new. So that leaves me with a conundrum. If the pushrods were fine and the lifters are fine, and the cam looks perfect and has no play in it, where the hell is this noise coming from? Bent valve or clogged tappet screen? The one guy at the dealership suggested putting it all back together and run it until something breaks...
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: DeRidder, La
Try to isolate the noise. I know this is easier said than done. Long handle screw driver makes a great stethoscope. I had a noise on my shovel that did the exact same thig you describe. I checked everything, lifters etc. Turns out a wrist pin keeper came out and really mucked things up. I had to do a complete tear down to the crank pin. I hope that is not the case with you.
I have also had it be something simple like exhaust gaskets. Once had the breather hose come loose on a Roadstar and it made a terrible noise.
Hope you figure it out. Maybe check your motor mounts?
I have also had it be something simple like exhaust gaskets. Once had the breather hose come loose on a Roadstar and it made a terrible noise.
Hope you figure it out. Maybe check your motor mounts?
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
From: NW FL
Bro, I have about three or four threads on here about noisy valves. I've got an EV-27 in my 93, and actually had a bad lifter. It manifested as a really loud ticking that came about occasionally and not in time with the engine - basically in time with the roller coming about. Changed ALL bearings and rods out, still have a jackhammer noise coming from something down there. Drives me nuts. I'm thinking rocker clearance, or not enough oil. Gonna change out to full synthetic tomorrow, but I'm not expecting any miracles.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,706
Likes: 14
From: Near Frankenmuth, MI
Stop at an auto parts store and pick up a mechanic's stethoscope, they're less than $20.
Wrist pins are deep in the motor. Odds are there is something less severe making the noise ... you just have to "pin" it down.
The exhaust seals are only about $15 for both. I hope to install mine this weekend and check it out.
Wrist pins are deep in the motor. Odds are there is something less severe making the noise ... you just have to "pin" it down.
The exhaust seals are only about $15 for both. I hope to install mine this weekend and check it out.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,468
Likes: 12
From: Bluffton, South Carolina
Check to ensure that the compensater nut is tight. Sometimes they will work loose and the noise can be transmitted through the crank to the other side making it sound like something in the cam chest is wrong. Did you check the cam bearing??? Hope this helps, as tracking down noises can get frustrating at times.
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 684
Likes: 9
From: Indian Head, PA
Where is the compensator nut and how do I get to it? The book I have isn't much help as I am having trouble locating that.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,468
Likes: 12
From: Bluffton, South Carolina
The compensator nut is on the primary side of the bike. Remove the outer primary and you will see a 1 1/2" nut on the engine. Sometimes these work loose or the spring goes bad and you will get a noise. The torque setting will be in your service manual. Check your engine mounts for any excess movement and ensure that no part of the engine or exhaust is near the frame, tank, etc, or that may make a noise as well. Hope this helps.
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 684
Likes: 9
From: Indian Head, PA
I put it back together today with the original lifters and pushrods. I had the lifters soaking all this time. I readjusted the pushrods, tightened the exhaust studs at the heads, moved a heat shield clamp that was really close to the right side of the tranny case and made sure to reattach the side bags well. The noise seems to have diminished now, but is still there. Now it seems to be coming from the tranny. I checked the fluid and it's still got plenty, the level is fine and the color of the fluid is almost clear, it's so clean. I haven't checked the compensator nut yet, but will soon. Thanks for the replies and suggestions, I really appreciate them.