78 Ironhead on rigged
I only have a few things that I issues with I hope yall can help. The first thing is sounds like a hollow tapping coming from the front end of the the motor. 2nd is back firing out the crab while riding it has a super B crab on it. Any ideas are appreciated.
I have not had a,S&S carb, nor have i had this problem myself so i'll leave it to others to be more specific about possible solutions.
Some notes for the tapping sound ...
The "sound" can be quite disturbing, very much like the engine is going to blow up. Literally like a tin can of marbles. What you need to do is to determine if it is the normal sound or if something is wrong.
The best way to do this is to listen with a mechanics stethoscope. You can use a screwdriver or a length of hose but the real tool is much better, and can be purchased inexpensively at Princess Auto or Harbor Freight.
With the engine at idle listen at ...
- all 4 rocker ends, both sides of the engine
- all 4 pushrods, top, middle and bottom
- all 4 lifter blocks
- all 4 cams, listening thru the gearcase cover
- both ends of the generator
If a pushrod is too loose you will hear a louder click sound at its lifter block.
It is worthwhile to do this process a couple of times a year, just to keep track of stuff. It is a very good idea to do this when the engine is running well so that you know what running well sounds like thru the stethoscope.



