"Noisy" engine
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Joined: Sep 2008
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From: Lancaster County, PA
"Noisy" engine
New to me at 4800 miles, now at 8000 miles 2007 Springer Classic was in the shop for an "emergency" rear flat tire repair. Was on my way to the site of vacation and picked up a nail, but this is not germane to the issue at hand.
After they changed the rear tire, the mech took it for a test ride.
When he returned, he let it idle in the shop and had a puzzled look on his face. I asked him what was up and he said my engine was "noisy". I asked him what he thought it was and had nothing to offer. I had noticed the noise maybe sometime after the first thousand miles I put on the thing and decided at the time it was becasue I was becoming more attuned to hearing things other than the awesome harley rumble. I did notice it was louder on my last trip (this vacation) but attributed it to the fact that I was wearing a new half-helmet instead of the modular I had been wearing.
I am planning on taking it to my indy for his opinion at the end of this week, after having ridden it home (125 miles) from my vacation site.
Hard to describe the sound: seems to be a mechanical sound, but not a loud knocking. Just a low, yet distinct mechanical accompaniment to the exhaust noise, but definitely discernible. Being new to HDs, when I noticed it i simply thought it was all part of the deal.
My bike has the 6 speed tranny and the 96 inch balanced engine.
Edit: did change engine oil within 200 mile of when I took ownership. Ran Amsoil at indy dealer's suggestion. Monitor level each ride and have added maybe a half quart over the 4k since I changed the oil.
Anyone experience this or have any ideas that will help me when I take it to my indy for his opinion on Friday?
Thanks in advance!
Kal
After they changed the rear tire, the mech took it for a test ride.
When he returned, he let it idle in the shop and had a puzzled look on his face. I asked him what was up and he said my engine was "noisy". I asked him what he thought it was and had nothing to offer. I had noticed the noise maybe sometime after the first thousand miles I put on the thing and decided at the time it was becasue I was becoming more attuned to hearing things other than the awesome harley rumble. I did notice it was louder on my last trip (this vacation) but attributed it to the fact that I was wearing a new half-helmet instead of the modular I had been wearing.
I am planning on taking it to my indy for his opinion at the end of this week, after having ridden it home (125 miles) from my vacation site.
Hard to describe the sound: seems to be a mechanical sound, but not a loud knocking. Just a low, yet distinct mechanical accompaniment to the exhaust noise, but definitely discernible. Being new to HDs, when I noticed it i simply thought it was all part of the deal.
My bike has the 6 speed tranny and the 96 inch balanced engine.
Edit: did change engine oil within 200 mile of when I took ownership. Ran Amsoil at indy dealer's suggestion. Monitor level each ride and have added maybe a half quart over the 4k since I changed the oil.
Anyone experience this or have any ideas that will help me when I take it to my indy for his opinion on Friday?
Thanks in advance!
Kal
Last edited by ckal704; Aug 19, 2012 at 05:59 PM.
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,301
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From: Honah Lee
In my opinion the only way to listen to a Harley engine is with a stethoscope. I have a home made one from a real one with a 14" piece of small steel brake line hammered closed on one end. You would think most engines on a hot day and hot are coming apart but sound normal with the stethoscope. All you here with it is faint whirling hum. Mine is a little louder at the primary near the clutch end. Not sure why since I inspected both the clutch hub bearing and the inner primary bearing and know they are fine. Listen to yours and let me know what you hear. My opinion was the mechanic needed a job and was seeing if you would bite. It's the exhaust pipes mostly. Put a rag over the ends and it will go away. A real honest mechanic does not go into a Harley for that type of noise. I dare say any engine after 6-10K will show some type off roller scratches but that does not mean anything except someone justifying the taking of your money.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Aug 19, 2012 at 06:20 PM.
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
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From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
It really hard to even guess over the net what's wrong..
Its also part of the problem buying a used low mile bike..
Do U know the history of the bike at all and did U get any maintenance records of what's been done to her.?
Did U have someone check her out to see if anything was needed, fixed, or if anything was wrong with her before U bought it.??
could be something as simple as a loose bolt, nut somewhere or as much as bearing issues.
..
Its also part of the problem buying a used low mile bike..
Do U know the history of the bike at all and did U get any maintenance records of what's been done to her.?
Did U have someone check her out to see if anything was needed, fixed, or if anything was wrong with her before U bought it.??
could be something as simple as a loose bolt, nut somewhere or as much as bearing issues.
..
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Joined: Sep 2008
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From: Lancaster County, PA
Well, I wish I could say I figured it out myself, but I didn't. I can say that when it first reared its head, I thought it was exhaust noise and checked the manifold nuts that hold the header pipes on, but they were nice and snug.
Indy put the stethoscope on the lower end and and various places on the right side of the engine and said the various whirring noises one hears when standing next to it/ riding it with half helmet sounded normal to him. Then he listened to the left side of the engine and immediately established that the O2 sensor was loose. Unplugged it, tightened 'er up good and snug and plugged it back in. Noise gone!
Charge to me: $0.00.
That is why I will always go back there for inspection and other work. And leave a modest tip like I did when they installed a tire at my last inspection.
Indy put the stethoscope on the lower end and and various places on the right side of the engine and said the various whirring noises one hears when standing next to it/ riding it with half helmet sounded normal to him. Then he listened to the left side of the engine and immediately established that the O2 sensor was loose. Unplugged it, tightened 'er up good and snug and plugged it back in. Noise gone!
Charge to me: $0.00.
That is why I will always go back there for inspection and other work. And leave a modest tip like I did when they installed a tire at my last inspection.
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