Engine noise
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 649
Likes: 29
From: Alabama
Engine noise
This build I just completed is driving me nuts, 07 Dyna coverted to 103, SE 17071-03B Heads, 22483-04 pistons, Redshift 627 cams, Zippers adj push rods, Fueling Cam plate & Pump, Se Billet rocker plates& Rocker boxes.
When I first start it it sounds perfect, after 5-10 minutes I hear what sounds like lifter noise or something in valve train, I have tried a dozen different push rod adjustments, Different push rods, Reamed out push rod tubes, so there is no rubbing.
I just can't figure out what the noise is. Other than that is runs strong, Almost 200 lbs compression in both cylinders.
I used SE cylinders new, Wondering if maybe it is piston slap. Don't know how to tell.
Appreciate your input.
When I first start it it sounds perfect, after 5-10 minutes I hear what sounds like lifter noise or something in valve train, I have tried a dozen different push rod adjustments, Different push rods, Reamed out push rod tubes, so there is no rubbing.
I just can't figure out what the noise is. Other than that is runs strong, Almost 200 lbs compression in both cylinders.
I used SE cylinders new, Wondering if maybe it is piston slap. Don't know how to tell.
Appreciate your input.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
From: North Hills California
RE: Engine noise
My 06 has made top end noise since it was new. Some guys are getting rid of it by using a higher quality lifter with a larger plunger. The stock late model twin cam lifter is a GM part, same as what came in a hyd roller equipped 350. I read somewhere on this forum that the original HD twin cams (pre 04) came with Johnson lifters which used a larger plunger, and check ball. It makes sense since a TC88/96 has almost twice the valve spring pressure a Chevy has, and those of us that hop them up usually run like 170-200 lbs on the seat. I'm no hydraulic engineer, but I asked a friend of mine who actually is, and He told me that a larger cushon of oil under the pushrod seat (PLUNGER) may cure the noise. Another idea is that the cylinders probably grow about .030 when the bike warms up, I'm sure thats why mine clicks since I dont run adjustables, and I refuse to trust an aluminium pushrod which would probably grow with the jugg...
JUST MY 2 CENTS...
JUST MY 2 CENTS...
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,033
Likes: 29
RE: Engine noise
I do not have a "build", just a set of bolt in cams. My bike was dead quiet the first 50k miles on the stock cams. After I put in the aftermarket cams, I got the same results. My bike's valve train is quiet on cold starts. Once it gets hot, it sounds like a diesel. I listened to lots of experts and got lots of advise. I adjusted the pushrods this way and that way, swapped lifter brands, and added one of the famous Baisley springs. Nothing made a difference. After 17k miles, I don't pay any attention to the noise anymore.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 614
Likes: 3
From: Northern Ontario, Canada
RE: Engine noise
200 lbs of cranking pressure is high. Probably a bit too high.
Your valve train is under a fair amount of stress and coupled with the heat (and growth) I would have to agree with darkdyna06.
If it were piston slap, that would be very discouraging on a new build and I think it is unlikely.
Piston slap is usually louder when COLD and lightens up as the piston warms and expands.
Did anyone check deck hight etc on the build?
Not too sure what to tell you, but you could try using a stethoscope and try to track down exactly where the noise is coming from.
Your valve train is under a fair amount of stress and coupled with the heat (and growth) I would have to agree with darkdyna06.
If it were piston slap, that would be very discouraging on a new build and I think it is unlikely.
Piston slap is usually louder when COLD and lightens up as the piston warms and expands.
Did anyone check deck hight etc on the build?
Not too sure what to tell you, but you could try using a stethoscope and try to track down exactly where the noise is coming from.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,984
Likes: 7
RE: Engine noise
Could it be, rocker box to spring, touching? I put insome good aftermarket springs (Woods) that are bigger that beehive.Springs are actually bigger than retainer a little. When you bolt up the rocker box the slope of the cylinders can cause the box to slide toward the low side a little, gravity. All the bolt holes are bigger than bolts a small amount. This tightens up the clearance between the intake spring and the box. This combined with bigger springs caused mine to touch. This may be common knowledge to builders but I had never built up one of these before. Its the first top roll of the intake spring thatcan beREAL close here. I grinded some glearance here and on exhause also, why not? and made sure to push the box away from the intake when I tightened up. Basicly centered up.
Something to think about.
Something to think about.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,984
Likes: 7
RE: Engine noise
I looked at the specks for this cam and another place maybe to check is the top of the rocker box cover. Both at the spring and the pushrod overhead. I see you have SE boxes and covers so these, I think (some are) are supposed to be clearance but something to check.
That pushrod and top of rocker arm has to go up pretty far to get this spring down. Rocker arm top at spring side another.
That pushrod and top of rocker arm has to go up pretty far to get this spring down. Rocker arm top at spring side another.
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Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 649
Likes: 29
From: Alabama
RE: Engine noise
Thanks for input, I checked all clearances, Push rod tube, Rocker box, all are good, No spring interferance. I used a stethscope and I'm no doctor but it does sound like rocker noise and maybe it is too much spring presure, I'm using roller chain cams. I just don't know what it could be. Rocker shaft end play is .004 cold.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,984
Likes: 7
RE: Engine noise
People I've talked to, Bob Woods for one, say the new chain drive cams are strong and good for high lift cams. I do have S&S roller rockers and they fitted snug, snugin the support plates, minninum clearance. Just a ticking noise here. I figure rollersrolling on valve stem. I don't know any better but I think that must be normal. I've used, like you, a stethscope (long screwdriver to the ear) and I don't hear anything alarming anywherenow.
So could be rocker arm clearance. Shaft or endplay.
So could be rocker arm clearance. Shaft or endplay.