Valve ping noise ?
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 108
Likes: 15
From: Pa
Never had the timing checked, but it could be an issue. When I first brought it home I did a complete fluid change and added some seafoam to the gas to clean up any carbon ect form the cyls and the carb. I have used the seafoam with good success over the years, also I have checked the primary chain tension, all ok. Could be a timing issue though ,will have to check on that, Thanks for the info. Hopefully I can get this bike sorted out.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,488
Likes: 30
From: Maryland near DC
your bike pinging under load is VERY common for the 'turn of the century' era sportsters..more for the 1200s than the 883s though...there are some things you can try, first make sure to use 'stock type' plugs not platinum tipped etc. and go 2-3 numbers colder (often helps), check the timing and if it has a after market spark controller set it at a less aggressive curve ( a lot of the stock controllers in those years were replaced because they had heat failure issues)...you have already rejetted the bike which is good thing, because they came 'lean' from the factory and if you changed the exhaust/ intake (even just the air filter) it would need new/bigger jets..But I must say that all those things will prolly not fix the pinging issue..What will probably work is to change out the needle in the carb. with a narrower one (hint:jpcycles)...Don't drill the carb hole to the diaphragm, it will not fix the issue and will make the bike run worse (except for racing)..Also, if you change out the cams you may never get rid of the ping...What most folks have done, is do all the stuff above and if you still have ping on hard acceleration, ignore it, time has shown that on these motors that it doesn't hurt the motors ...The needle replacement seems to be the most likely item to fix the ping with the colder plugs coming in second...if you are REALLY determined to get rid of 'ping' you can replace the pistons and have the heads worked, to fit the new pistons (there is a couple of guys on this site that are experts on getting the most out of sportsters)...
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 108
Likes: 15
From: Pa
Going to check things out some today, and at this point going to go to a step colder on the plugs. It has had new plugs put in about 700 miles ago, what hd calls for. Only pipes it has on is used screamin eagle slip ons. It had pacho straight type pipes on it with no baffles and was just to loud. Makes me think to that the loudness may have drowned out the ping before but now quieter, its heard . This bike is just an over all a local bike and it is a 1200 cc. All stock. Realize all the bikes for years have been lean, that's why the jet up and is puzzling. It does run good though I think, even stock, which is all I need coming from a 900LBS+ BIKE. I like the nimbleness. Wife said it looks like a tough bike. If I knew how to post pics I would, Old school !
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,488
Likes: 30
From: Maryland near DC
Going to check things out some today, and at this point going to go to a step colder on the plugs. It has had new plugs put in about 700 miles ago, what hd calls for. Only pipes it has on is used screamin eagle slip ons. It had pacho straight type pipes on it with no baffles and was just to loud. Makes me think to that the loudness may have drowned out the ping before but now quieter, its heard . This bike is just an over all a local bike and it is a 1200 cc. All stock. Realize all the bikes for years have been lean, that's why the jet up and is puzzling. It does run good though I think, even stock, which is all I need coming from a 900LBS+ BIKE. I like the nimbleness. Wife said it looks like a tough bike. If I knew how to post pics I would, Old school !
You should go 2-3 numbers colder on the plugs to see any change..one number won't make a difference...and you can get the plugs at any of the car parts stores such as autozone...and if you take the plug with you they should be able to tell you what number is colder (it varies with brand)...it woun't hurt the bike to go with colder plugs, the worst that will happen is that the plugs will foul a little quicker from carbon build up..it won't affect the amount of carbon build up on the pistons etc..also, what size main jets are in the carb..I believe that (from memory) it should have around 180s in it..
https://www.jpcycles.com/product/402-822
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 108
Likes: 15
From: Pa
You should go 2-3 numbers colder on the plugs to see any change..one number won't make a difference...and you can get the plugs at any of the car parts stores such as autozone...and if you take the plug with you they should be able to tell you what number is colder (it varies with brand)...it woun't hurt the bike to go with colder plugs, the worst that will happen is that the plugs will foul a little quicker from carbon build up..it won't affect the amount of carbon build up on the pistons etc..also, what size main jets are in the carb..I believe that (from memory) it should have around 180s in it..
https://www.jpcycles.com/product/402-822
https://www.jpcycles.com/product/402-822
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
Likes: 306
From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
Buying 2 step colder plugs to try and mask a symptom before verifying your ignition timing doesn't make much sense to me.
IMO, carb jetting, which you did, and ignition timing are both part of a basic tuneup on your bike.
IMO, carb jetting, which you did, and ignition timing are both part of a basic tuneup on your bike.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,488
Likes: 30
From: Maryland near DC
go back and read the older posts.. those topics have been covered...BUT, even with the timing/advance curve, correct and the right size jets these years bikes have continuing issues with pinging in the mid RPM range under load.. the most likely real fix for this issue with these bikes is replacing the needle in the carb. and colder plugs....Or you can replace the pistons for ones that change the squish pattern and/or rework the heads to change the flow pattern into the cylinders...the first choices are far less costly which makes more sense to me...
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
Likes: 306
From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
go back and read the older posts.. those topics have been covered...BUT, even with the timing/advance curve, correct and the right size jets these years bikes have continuing issues with pinging in the mid RPM range under load.. the most likely real fix for this issue with these bikes is replacing the needle in the carb. and colder plugs....Or you can replace the pistons for ones that change the squish pattern and/or rework the heads to change the flow pattern into the cylinders...the first choices are far less costly which makes more sense to me...
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 108
Likes: 15
From: Pa
So, my question is this , if timing an issue why would it change ? If nothing was touched. I would think or assume an experienced HD tech would know this. I have always had in mind if it isn't broke don't fix it. I rode metrics for years and never had any issues but since having HD'S my wallet is much lighter. Go ahead and flame on. May consider in the future of going back if money permits.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
Likes: 306
From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
So, my question is this , if timing an issue why would it change ? If nothing was touched. I would think or assume an experienced HD tech would know this. I have always had in mind if it isn't broke don't fix it. I rode metrics for years and never had any issues but since having HD'S my wallet is much lighter. Go ahead and flame on. May consider in the future of going back if money permits.
IME, it's always best to question what a previous owner may have done or not done correctly. Do you know that an "experienced HD tech" checked the timing?
It may be fine, but it costs nothing to check.