Sportster top end ticking noise. Is it normal???
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 11
Likes: 2
From: Barcelona
Sportster top end ticking noise. Is it normal???
Hello everyone!
I have been riding a 2007 Sportster 1200 Custom for about a year. Just recently I started paying attention to a ticking noise that seems to be coming from the engines top end. As this is my first Haley-Davidson I am not really experienced in this field. After doing some reading through other threads and watching some YouTube videos I suspect it may have to do with the lifters and/or the rocker box. On the other hand, many say that Sportster engines are just noisy Any input from someone more knowledgeable and experienced than I am will be greatly appreciated!
The motorcycle is pretty much stock, other than some minor details and slip-on Vance & Hines Straight Shots. I believe the rocker box gaskets were replaced some time ago. Last oil change I used HD 360 20/50.
Cheers!
Best from Barcelona, and ride safe.
I have been riding a 2007 Sportster 1200 Custom for about a year. Just recently I started paying attention to a ticking noise that seems to be coming from the engines top end. As this is my first Haley-Davidson I am not really experienced in this field. After doing some reading through other threads and watching some YouTube videos I suspect it may have to do with the lifters and/or the rocker box. On the other hand, many say that Sportster engines are just noisy Any input from someone more knowledgeable and experienced than I am will be greatly appreciated!
The motorcycle is pretty much stock, other than some minor details and slip-on Vance & Hines Straight Shots. I believe the rocker box gaskets were replaced some time ago. Last oil change I used HD 360 20/50.
Cheers!
Best from Barcelona, and ride safe.
Well I'm no Harley expert ( yet ) but that sounds as if one of the hydraulic lifters has not filled with oil . The Harley manual actually explains that upon start up there may be some ticking sounds until the system fills up . Does this noise persist into your ride ?
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 11
Likes: 2
From: Barcelona
Thanks for your input. It does persist into the ride. In fact, I think it becomes more noticeable when the engine is warmed up... When I recorded the video I'd been riding for about 15-20 minutes.
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 11
Likes: 2
From: Barcelona
I'll try that! Thanks.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 1,609
Likes: 694
From: over the mountain
If a lifter doesn't pump up it will be a great deal louder than that. I had one that quit pumping up and the clatter is loud. I don't hear that much nose from yours at all. Sportsters are noisy anyway.
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Told you .
Cheers mate , I told you I was no expert ! Thanks for the correction. If I ever get a stuck lifter I'll really know about it from what you're saying . So what's the probable cause , and more importantly , the cure of a stuck lifter ?
Last edited by Midpegs; May 18, 2019 at 03:00 PM.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 1,609
Likes: 694
From: over the mountain
I replaced mine with S&S premium lifters. They are expensive but the quietest on the market.
You could check out rocker lockers. They stop some of the tapping in the rocker boxes.
You could check out rocker lockers. They stop some of the tapping in the rocker boxes.
Last edited by apache snow; May 18, 2019 at 05:04 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,713
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From: SC
Artlo,
If it's mechanical (lifter, rocker play) it will show up louder using the old screwdriver stethoscope method.
Also, don't just crank down on the header bolts. Be nice. If it is an exhaust leak, it may need new gaskets. Make sure you don't go over the proper torque values when "tightening" the header nuts. Apply something less than the top torque value (can't remember what it is) and see if they move. If not, then back them off first to break them loose, clean the studs, and then torque them.
I'm willing to bet if it is an exhaust leak you will end needing new gaskets anyway.
If it's mechanical (lifter, rocker play) it will show up louder using the old screwdriver stethoscope method.
Also, don't just crank down on the header bolts. Be nice. If it is an exhaust leak, it may need new gaskets. Make sure you don't go over the proper torque values when "tightening" the header nuts. Apply something less than the top torque value (can't remember what it is) and see if they move. If not, then back them off first to break them loose, clean the studs, and then torque them.
I'm willing to bet if it is an exhaust leak you will end needing new gaskets anyway.