Harley FLH Engine Whine
I read a tech article once that the whine on a shovel was from the cam chest AND the transmission on the earlier ratchet top trannys. The later cowpatty top trannies were a lot quieter. Having owned both and knowing my earlier shovel was a lot whinyer, It is believable. I could tell which one of my buddies was coming through the woods by the whine of the bike. "yup, thats Tom coming, and Big Mike is right behind him""
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Road Master
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 943
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I tried the primary chain adjustment tip and switched to 60wt oil but it made no discernible difference in the whine that I can tell. If it's normal, I'm ok with it, I just didn't want to damage the engine. I'm going to ride it and not worry about it. Thanks for the responses.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,078
Likes: 39
From: NW Florida
When you change the cam gear you should measure it and get a matching pinion gear. They make a set of gauge pins that you mic the cam with then you take that measurement and pick the matching pinion from the chart. Too tight and you get a whine, too loose you get a clunk. A slight whine is normal.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2008
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i might add if you want to get all the old out,i drain and change, then take the return line loose from the tank and point it toward the drain pan,then fire it up and let some run out the return line.that will flush the old out,shut it off and hook up the return line,wall-uh. i cant take the credit though,an old timer showed me that. as far as the whine,straight pipes will get rid of alot that. he he! my 2 cents worth
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,128
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From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Shovel's have have a cam gear whine period . Some are louder than others and in the older pre-78 models it is more noticeable the gear mesh tolerances where not as clean a later yrs and every bike does have it's own sound ( Kudo's to the poster that knew that ) Primary chain whine has a heavier sound and you'll feel bad vibration before it's that loud . Run 60wt oil period 70 if you live in a hot area I've seen post's telling people to run 20-50 in Shovels and I'm sorry but that's bad advice while it will work your bike WILL not like it , think she makes some noise now try 20-50 . If you don't collapse a lifter it'll sound like a 5 gal can of bolts rolling down a hill and it will run HOT . If the noise really bothers you pop a lifter block and look to make sure the lifter rollers are in good shape and the cam lobes are not worn , left stock with good maintenence cam and lifters on a shovel while not great are reliable . Trouble starts with cam changes or the old solid lifter conversions , these eventually take out a roller on the lifters and trash the cam unless done right and few where the good stuff costs money and most go cheap . Sorry if I rambled here , pet peeve . I'm a shovel man over 30yrs now , that and Pans are all I've owned or worked on through the years ( 70's & 80's dealership experience included ) I have nor ever will ever ride an EMO or a Twink bike period just not my thing .
TwiZted
TwiZted
Last edited by TwiZted Biker; Jul 30, 2010 at 03:34 PM.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,128
Likes: 51,461
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Word brother .................
Last edited by TwiZted Biker; Aug 24, 2010 at 12:56 AM.
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 73
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yoh biker,cool on the stool,them old 72's clean up real good.i like the way you went it,come out real nice.
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Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,128
Likes: 51,461
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Thanks for the kick back Farmer , bike and I have been together a LONG time . She really confuses most of the EMO and Twinky riders , been asked if it's everything but my ex mother-in-law 
PS . Nice seeing one still in plain cloths man , this one started life with me as 5 boxes of parts and a motor in a bent frame I found at a swap for $900
PS . Nice seeing one still in plain cloths man , this one started life with me as 5 boxes of parts and a motor in a bent frame I found at a swap for $900
Last edited by TwiZted Biker; Jul 20, 2010 at 12:11 AM.
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Joined: Feb 2008
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was them cardboard boxs? my old 72 had been molested more than once,last time i striped her down,i got to feellin i'd better put back to stock while i can remember where the parts whur. heres my old stripper[66 flb] kick only. he started whining so i kicked the crap out of him,he dont whine no moe.
