Yesterday I started noticing a noise that sound like loose valve train sounds. Like lifters, push rods or tappets clacking. It seems to be getting worse but maybe me just focusing on it obsessively. It is the same on accell and decell. When I got home today I got down and tried to locate to source. Best I can tell it seems most pronounced at the front cylinder lifters.

If any of this reminds you of something please help me out.

Ric

 

If it sounds like a sewing machine, that is normal. Sportster engines have alot of valve train noise. Sometimes I notice it more than other times. Don't worry about it, just ride it.

 

I've had the bike for two and a half yrs and know the constant werring sound the valve train makes. Your right about that sometimes it is more noticeable the others. This seems different and louder.

 

If ya got a ton of miles on it, it may be time for a top-end rebuild.

 

If you have adjustables in there,one may have backed off or a bad lifter. Or what Gpsjr said.

 

Maybe rocker arms and rocker arm shafts.

 

I have started to read the manual. I am really getting to know this bike very well. I ride it every day and have done a lot of work on it. Can I inspect the push rods with out removing the rocker covers?

 

Only if you have 3 piece pushrod tubes.

 

What Buckethead said. If you have one piece P/R tubes,you don't have adjustable pushrods.

 

Well, this morning, after the bike warmed up, the noise started up again. This evening coming home from work I did not notice it. Sounds like it might be a lifter, maybe?