2014 FLHTK - 103HO

Engine has around 60K, no major internal mods other than rocker lockers 30K ago and a +4° cam gear. My hearing is pretty bad these days but I'm getting a rattle that sounds like possible valvetrain noise, but seems to be worse on the left side of the bike. It's getting slowly louder to the point my deaf ears can hear it clearly while riding. I'm just looking for ideas for things to check when I put it up on the lift this coming weekend and run it. I would really prefer not to pull the rocker covers unless I can asertain that the noise is coming from there, that's such a PITA. If I can isolate the noise to the primary area I'll pull that cover, already have a gasket ready.

I'm hoping that @hattitude might see this, he can likely tell me what lifter noise would manifest as sound-wise. I'm not even sure if the lifters are suspect on Rushmores, or if that can cause a rattle in the rocker box, but that would make sense. Another question is how are the timing chain tensioners on these? I remember when I had that cover off the outer one looked pretty thin but I'm not too comfortable with realigning the oil pump if I pull all that apart, having never done it before.

 

Sounds are really subjective, and they are also often very misleading, as to their location..... even with a Mechanic's Stethoscope, they can be hard to precisely pin down.

The sound of a collapsed lifter, or several lifters that haven't pumped up after a cam install is first started, is a sound you won't forget...

Your 2014 Twin Cam uses the much renown and maligned "C" lifters. They first entered the production line in June of 2011. By August of 2011, all the previous (and well regarded) "B" lifters were gone, and most all post 8/2011 Twin Cam engine builds had the "C" lifters as their OEM lifters. Harley continued using the "C" Lifters well into the M8 years. I haven't checked lately, they may still be using them.... I hope not...

The "C" lifters have a reputation of being less than adequate. Some would consider what I just said to be kind, and call them "crappy" or "worthless"....

At 60K miles, you could very well have a lifter issue. Anytime I go into a Twin Cam engine's cam chest, I change the lifters and inner cam bearings, regardless of the reason I had to open up the cam chest. Be it at 5k miles, or 50K miles.

Your bike has the good '07+ cam plate, oil pump, hydraulic cam tensioners, and roller chains between the cam gears behind the cam plate, and between the cam/crank gears on the front of the plate. Many have gone over 100K miles without any issues, but if you think you have valve noises, it's time to open the cam chest...

A collapsed or failing lifter is one thing. If it's an inner cam bearing issue, catching it sooner, rather than later, can save you $$$$$$$.

In any case, IMHO, you are smart to heed the new, and increasing noise, to verify if you in fact have a problem....

FWIW... I recently opened up a friend's bike, during a 60K mile service. He had a "crank Issue". His OEM lifters and inner cam bearings were actually in good shape.... but new ones were used for the rebuild... So it may not be doom & gloom....

If you think the noise may be coming from the primary side, that's easier to check, so start there... I have re-used several OEM primary gaskets, but at 60K miles, and all the heat cycles it has endured, it might be wise to just replace it... However, if nothing is found to be amiss, and the noise is still there... Open up the cam chest...

Good luck with the inspection, and keep us posted.....

I am curious as to what you will find...