Noise in rocker = engine out?
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 28
Likes: 4
From: Kentucky
Noise in rocker = engine out?
Hi Guys. newby here. I have a 1982 Shovelhead FLH. Starts and runs great, with a few minor issues. The one that worries me is a "clatter" or "tapping" that I have traced to the front cylinder rocker area. Specifically, a stethoscope, which lead me to the front exhaust rocker.
I checked the pushrods and they were set just fine. It will start and make no noise, but after a minute it starts making a sound like the rocker is tapping on something. I don't think there is any loss of power, and the noise is dead on with the revs.
I should mention that the bike had a rebuild at 40,000 miles a couple of years ago. It has less than 2000 on the rebuild. I bought it just a couple months ago.
I went by a local shop, they listened to it and just said "engine out", which made my blood run cold.
So I'm thinking valve spring keeper, or just end play? Do I have to pull the engine to get the front head off?
I checked the pushrods and they were set just fine. It will start and make no noise, but after a minute it starts making a sound like the rocker is tapping on something. I don't think there is any loss of power, and the noise is dead on with the revs.
I should mention that the bike had a rebuild at 40,000 miles a couple of years ago. It has less than 2000 on the rebuild. I bought it just a couple months ago.
I went by a local shop, they listened to it and just said "engine out", which made my blood run cold.
So I'm thinking valve spring keeper, or just end play? Do I have to pull the engine to get the front head off?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2015
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From: Canada
The heads come off to remove the rocker boxes. Not a huge job but you dont just take the rocker boxes off like a twinkie or evo.
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 28
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From: Kentucky
Whew
So, one other thing. The shift linkage has alot of slop at the gearbox end. Also, the shifter will stick in the up position in 3rd and 4th. Will I need to remove the whole primary to access that well enough to clean and adjust the shifter?
I have to add that I'm finding the bike quite easy to work on. So far I've adjusted the clutch and installed the heavy duty post springs with no problems. I'm going to service the brakes as well, and it's not leaking at all.
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From: la la land jerzey
ok I could be wrong don't what to scare you - but the local shop has an ear if he is competent and it might be the front rod and that's the reason he said engine out
the rocker arm bushing would have to fall out and I have never seen that happen - to have a in step with the RPMs knock - not with the front rod
the rocker arm bushing would have to fall out and I have never seen that happen - to have a in step with the RPMs knock - not with the front rod
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Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 28
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From: Kentucky
That is true, but at that time he agreed with me that it was from the rocker area and he said that to remove the head required pulling the engine. That is what compelled me to join the forum. Later i did more work to diagnose the problem and it never seemed to be bottom end.
Actually I found a lose nut on the front upper frame mount. I'm still looking for the source and I really don't want to tear down the whole bike for something that may be minor.
Actually I found a lose nut on the front upper frame mount. I'm still looking for the source and I really don't want to tear down the whole bike for something that may be minor.
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From: la la land jerzey
check the top motor mount for a crack under the gas tank
and the bolts holding the engine in the frame - remember sound travels in an all metal engine
loose compensator < front sprocket
a piston can and does knock as well
pull the head and jug and send pictures - what to do then can be answered depending on what you find or don't find
and the bolts holding the engine in the frame - remember sound travels in an all metal engine
loose compensator < front sprocket
a piston can and does knock as well
pull the head and jug and send pictures - what to do then can be answered depending on what you find or don't find
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 25
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From: wisconsin
Sounds like the same noise
Hi, I wanted to jump in here as I have a similar problem. 1983 flh, lots of miles on her. I was on a short ride the other day and after about 22 miles, started to get that noise which sounds like the front head area. The next day, started right up, let her run and when I hit 150 degrees on the oil tank thermo, it started to make that noise again.
After letting her cool some, I opened up the push rod covers, all seem to be good ( I had them adjusted last year ). At first, all but one could be turned by hand except one, I pulled the plugs and rotated the engine and that one freed up but another one couldn't be turned. I am assuming this is alright depending on the position of the valves.
Hoping to get a couple of opinions on this. I am leaning to something in the rocker box also.
Thanks
After letting her cool some, I opened up the push rod covers, all seem to be good ( I had them adjusted last year ). At first, all but one could be turned by hand except one, I pulled the plugs and rotated the engine and that one freed up but another one couldn't be turned. I am assuming this is alright depending on the position of the valves.
Hoping to get a couple of opinions on this. I am leaning to something in the rocker box also.
Thanks