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internal bearing fail

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Old Jun 22, 2025 | 10:14 AM
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Default internal bearing fail

'04 stock 88 Deuce 34k miles
suspected counter balance bearing based on previous indi suspicion of a different "sound" it was making last year

Yesterday, I felt an occasional vibration accompanied with a "trill/buzz" sound that would indicate a bearing to me
It's the first time it's happened, and not constant.
Did it 3-4 times on mild deceleration in 2000 rpm range

I'm sure I don't want to tear into it even if I could determine what was/is wrong for sure

Kinda donno what to do.
Buy a used engine for a couple grand?
If direct fit, I reasonably comfortable I could handle that

or send my engine out

biggest problem is how tight money is

suggestions welcome

KTF

 
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Old Jun 22, 2025 | 10:30 AM
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I would want to try and narrow it down a lot more before either of the ideas you are considering.
Maybe get the bike on a stand where you can run it, - in gear and use a stethoscope or a long handle screw driver and do some sound investigations. At least get some ideas of where the sound is coming from. Sure don't want to go buying a new engine, or pull yours with just an odd sound.
 
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Old Jun 22, 2025 | 10:50 AM
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Originally Posted by MarlinSpike
I would want to try and narrow it down a lot more before either of the ideas you are considering.
Maybe get the bike on a stand where you can run it, - in gear and use a stethoscope or a long handle screw driver and do some sound investigations. At least get some ideas of where the sound is coming from. Sure don't want to go buying a new engine, or pull yours with just an odd sound.
the "odd sound" started a couple years ago.

best I could isolate with stethoscope it's up front, lower left side.

Two indi's both ruled out the comp.
Both said it sounded like coming from lower
The most experienced indi suspected counter balance
The other had no clue

at the time, I didn't intend to spend thousands to "find out"
Now that it's escalated and I'm sure it's not a wheel bearing (I was hoping when I first heard it yesterday) I don't want a bearing coming apart internally
so she parked til I decide what to do

KTF
 
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Old Jun 22, 2025 | 12:36 PM
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That's a tough one.
If it were mine, I would get out the manual and do some preliminary investigation, and then I would start digging in.
If you don't feel you are up to that - Maybe a good shop you like. But investigation won't be cheap, and the best would be as they investigate, "hope" that they find the issue, and it's not major or too expensive.
So I see where the dilemma is. Dig in yourself, or pay the Man, and cross your fingers.
 
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Old Jun 22, 2025 | 12:51 PM
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This is tough case. What you going to figure out yourself? Maybe if it gets worse an indi can. Write a blank check to an indie you trust to rip it open. 2004 will spend more than you should on it. But that is what we do with harleys Maybe used engine, cheapest route. Find someone with a video of it running, or better yet still in bike.

Miles are so low though, you would not think it is the engine.

If money wasn't an issue, I would open it, and fix what you find, and go to big bore at the same time. I might also consider parking it until you have more money. Is it your only bike? Do you have enough money to buy another older TC that you have wanted? Granted for a few grand you could get yours going.

It was 1900 last year to get my crank rebuilt, no counter balancer. Me bringing bottom end to them. You are in a bad spot. I was too. 70k miles, and bad crank. Bike was not worth it. But what are you going to do junk it? Chances are you will spend to much compared to what it is worth.
 
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Old Jun 22, 2025 | 01:13 PM
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Can you do some inspections yourself?

If you had a bearing fail, or in the process of failing.. there should be metal in the oil.

At the very least, pull your oil filter, cut it open, and see if there is metal in the filter.

Or, if you have the skill, open the cam chest and check the bottom of the cam chest area, and the oil pump for signs of metal.


FWIW.....

A good friend had new ticking sound on his '12 bagger at 60K miles. His year had the crappy "c" lifters, so I offered to open up his cam chest, inspect his lifters and replace if necessary.

When I opened up his cam chest, I found that metal had gone through and trashed his oil pump.....

I ended up splitting the cases, and finding metal fragments and debris in the sump. His rods moved left on the crank, into the left side thrust washer, and ate it up.

Metal had trashed the oil pump, contaminated the cam plate, oil pan, and scratched the cylinders/rings.It had been going on for a while. He's getting a new short block from HD and we are working with the rest...


NOT all ticking noises are that bad... but you need to know what you are dealing with...

Only then, can you make an informed decision of what repair path to take..

Sorry about your issue. Please report back what you find and how you fix it...

Good luck...


 
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Old Jun 22, 2025 | 01:23 PM
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How are you cutting oil filter? I got one I want to do.
 
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Old Jun 22, 2025 | 02:03 PM
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Originally Posted by Rounders
How are you cutting oil filter? I got one I want to do.
filter cutter is what i learned here
there are lots of different types from relatively inexpensive to costly
goggle "oil filter cutters"









KTF
 
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Old Jun 22, 2025 | 04:16 PM
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Originally Posted by Cap77
filter cutter is what i learned here
there are lots of different types from relatively inexpensive to costly
goggle "oil filter cutters"
KTF
Just ordered one, I just threw out a bunch of filters that had been draining for years. That I was going to inspect, but never did. Cleaned up my oil area, took 25 gallons in, last year took 70 in. Many years worth. Got a tote in the truck to bring in the oil I just drained this morning. Going to be a better person, atleast about this, atleast for awhile.

First I thought you would have to screw it down. But video should a go putting filter in vise. I've got some vices
 
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Old Jun 22, 2025 | 05:10 PM
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Originally Posted by Rounders
. Many years worth. Got a tote in the truck to bring in the oil I just drained this morning. Going to be a better person, atleast about this, atleast for awhile.

waste oil
Auto zone takes it here.
I use 5 gal buckets w/lids
If you know any painters, there's your free source
.................................................. .........................................

back to the scoot
I don't have $1000-1500 bukz for an indi to pull and diagnose what I suspect will be $3000 bill all said 'n done

I took it for 60 mile ride this afternoon.
The bearing screeched momentarily a couple/three times
always in a low/no load 2000ish rpm range in a lower gear (2nd)

Because no one has ever accused me of being smart, I very well may ride it til it breaks.
call a tow truck to bring it home , then start a tear down.



I might go look at a rice burner tomorrow after work
Factory new old stock Kaw Versys 650LT for $6500
Maybe , I donno

KTF



 
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