I posted this on another forum, but received less answers.
The bike runs strong and smooth. I am aware that the Ironhead is noisier then most and that my bike is 36 years old, which means it will not be as quiet as a new bike. I do want to make sure it is a normal sound to the bike. When I ride it I can hear it, but I do not know where the sound is coming from (yet) or if it is a bad sound. This is my project bike, so if I have to shut her down for a rebuild I am okay with that, but if it is a need to adjust pushrods, primary chain or something else I would rather do that. I will try to add some more videos of the sounds as needed, so if you want a specific area tell me and I will work on getting it where you want.

 

WOW
Dwn in the depths somin is a knockin and a rumblin .
I recommend kiss
For fun do a Comp check.
Check all sprockets and inner primary / clutch assy.
But my guess it is in the bottom end

 

 

At that age, could be lots or a combo of things. If it was mine, and the clutch was org, I would start there & replace it & get rid of the grenade "Thinggy", even if it don't git rid of the noise, that's something that needs to be done anyway,so nothing is lost there, and it give you a "starting point". Regards "Big E"

 

I could be mistaken, but I believe the "thingy" is referred to as the clutch pack spring plate.

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/attac...7&d=1384744519

 

I restored my 1977 XLH 1000. This is my 3rd Ironhead and I know that sound is not normal. Disregard the "cluch Thinggy"sonce that came into play with the 1986 Evo Sportster. Change your 2 fluids. Ironheads use straight 50, 60 or 70 weight mineral oil. HD chain & gear lube is good for the clutch & trans. Check the rear wheel alignment, if off the chain might be misaligned with the sprocket.

 

I knew about the Clutch Handgrenade being an Evo thing as my wife had an '02 1200XLC. I do have to replace my clutch as no matter how much adjustment work I do it is dragging and the bike did sit for a year and a half with no fluid in the primary because it leaked and the guy drained it so it would not make a mess on his floor. I know the chain is loose and it slaps a little bit. I am going to adjust the wheel tonight. I rode the bike last night and it runs strong and when I am steady on the throttle it sounds smooth, but when I release the throttle and accelerate again I get a small kick, which might be the chain being loose.

BTW that is a nice lloking bike. This is my first bike restoration, but not my first restoration. I am actually close to just shutting the bike down and doing a ground up restoration, but the bike's value is not high enough for that kind of money expenditure, so I may do a partial restoration this year and then in a couple years do a full.

Also I love the forward controls my wife's XLC had and would like to get that for my bike and I see you have a set, where do you find them?

 

Thank you for the compliment. Took 2 1/2 years to get it there. The forward controls were on it when I bought it but I think they are V-Twin stuff. Now if you're feeling a small kick under those conditions, I would say the chains are too loose. The primary and/or drive chains would make that happen. Just PM me if you want to compare notes.

 

I just tightend the drive chain it had a few inches of play. I know have it to what it calls for and am planning to ride it tomorrow and see how it works. I do think I have to start by taking some of the basic steps that only take a few minutes to do and verify.

 

The bike sounds alot better with the chain tightened. I stillhave some noise, but it sounds like the cam gears or in that area. I plan to warm up the motor and do the screwrdiver sound test to pinpoint the noise.