ticks when cold
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 678
Likes: 15
From: OHIO
ticks when cold
Hey all. I know its hard to identify engine noise over the web, but hopefully someone can at least steer me in right direction. I have a 09 FXD that "rattles" when cold. Got caught in a downpour the other day and temp dropped on engine and I thought the engine was going to blow. It also rattles when decelerating. I put SE compensator in already. Bike has 16000 miles on it and has had Amsoil in it since I bought it with 2200 miles on it. Any thoughts appreciated.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 12,763
Likes: 2,597
From: san antonio
It's impossible to identify annoying noises, even via a YouTube video. The symptoms of "rattle" when cold and on deceleration are indicators of piston slap or rod bearing failure. However, that would be unusual for a bike motor with only 16K miles on it unless it was abused. Google up Blackstone oil test/analysis, get them to send you the sample kit/instructions and send them a sample. The test results will show high levels of aluminum or other metal traveling in the oil if either of the two problems referenced above are in play. I wouldn't think either of these conditions exist with that low mileage but anything is possible and the test would eliminate or confirm whether or not either could be the problem. You could have a motor that was assembled on a Friday, if you know what I mean.
However, the noise could be something as simple as a loose heat shield, a lifter bleeding down, loose fasteners; primary chain/compensator, etc.; there are a gazillion things that could cause such a noise. The fact that it occurs only when cold may have nothing to do with the actual source of the noise. Start looking the bike over for other sources of the noise.
You did not mention if the motor has been modified?
However, the noise could be something as simple as a loose heat shield, a lifter bleeding down, loose fasteners; primary chain/compensator, etc.; there are a gazillion things that could cause such a noise. The fact that it occurs only when cold may have nothing to do with the actual source of the noise. Start looking the bike over for other sources of the noise.
You did not mention if the motor has been modified?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,016
Likes: 277
From: East Tn Foot of The Dragon
Cold knock can be a scored piston or carbon on top of piston. To diagnose a scored or loose fit piston, engine must be started cold with spark plug wire barely on plug, while it's knocking pull wire away from spark plug far enough to cause engine to miss. If knock goes away it is a problem with that piston or wrist pin. Duplicate procedure with 2nd cylinder to isolate. If it is a carbon issue, install about 5 oz of Chevron Techron in fuel several tankfulls and run the wheels off it to clean off carbon, noise may subside.
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