Engine noise.
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 91
Likes: 2
From: Gods Vacation Home, Kodak, Tn.
Engine noise.
I have a 2014 Electra Glide Ultra Classic. When first started in the morning, there is a (one) 'metal' rap noise in the engine, then this goes away. The when running it thru the gears, hitting 3000 rpm it does it again, once. Then its the normal Harley engine. Pull great and hasn't let me down. This does it when thr bike has sit a couple of days. Help???
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 179
Likes: 15
From: Virginia
That's my guess as well. Depending on where the engine stops when you cut it off, sometimes (most of the time) a valve is held in the open position. This causes that particular lifter to bleed down, maybe even all the way down. Sounds like once the lifters get pumped back up the sound goes away, which sounds normal to me.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 11,463
Likes: 2,990
From: Charleston, SC
I've seen a few fault lifters over the years and if left unaddressed it could lead to scoring/flaking of the cam lobe surfaces.
Will it explode, No, but if you're hearing them work improperly, you should replace them.
Will it explode, No, but if you're hearing them work improperly, you should replace them.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,664
Likes: 184
From: Indiana, USA
my '13 with 12k miles makes a stange noise only after cold start. I think the ignition and fuel MAPs are somewhat different until a minimum temperature is met. After the min temp is met it seems to roll over into the standard MAP and the noise goes away. i could be wrong but that is what it seems.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,674
Likes: 314
From: Ohio
Buddy of mine had his 13 roadglide with 4k miles in for a noise that sounds similar to yours it ended up being in the topend
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,136
Likes: 6,161
From: SE Michigan
It could either be typical valve train/lifter clatter, or.... brain cancer.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,674
Likes: 314
From: Ohio
It could either be typical valve train/lifter clatter or could be worse. the only thing to do is get it to a mechanic and have if checked. Its awful hard to diagnos over the internet
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,570
Likes: 117
From: Southeast NC
start with easy stuff. don't panic with all these answer. i had the same noise. ended up being loose front heat shield. the hose clamps that are used to tighten them to your pipes corrode and they feel like they are tight but in fact might not be. spray wd40 on then. loosen them. move the heat shield around making sure its not hitting anything around them and re tighten. i did this and sound went away. it would oscillate at certain rmp,s and make a noise