Loud ticking sound
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 117
Likes: 21
From: Minnesota
Loud ticking sound
I have a 2010 Ultra Classic with 70K on it. Every 300 miles or so I get a very loud clicking sound seemingly from the top end. The sound is much much louder than the typical tappet click that the engine has, It almost sounds like a lifter has collapsed and the pushrod has a lot of play in it. This only lasts for a few seconds then goes away. It happens mostly when the engine is warm and can occur at all speeds. I have replaced the lifters and pushrods with S and S parts but this did not stop the clicking. The bike has been well maintained and I have run Mobil 1 it is for years. Any ideas???? I'm stumped. I thought for sure it was a bad lifter that was bleeding down, but when the new lifters did not solve the problem I am back to square one.
Thanks
Thanks
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 180
Likes: 32
From: Alberta, Canada
I thought the same thing at first, but he said it's only every 300miles or so. My bike had the constant sewing machine sound up top at the rockers, I added rockouts and they work great. But the sound was always constant, so I think this is something else.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,189
Likes: 2,419
From: USA
A few questions, that may not help at all.
1. Does the sound change with load or throttle? Mine does, which contra-indicates anything to do with the valve train.
2. Does the sound change with rpm change? Mine only sorta does, which really baffles me. The higher I rev the engine, the louder my ticking will get, but not very much faster.
My noise isn't exactly like yours, but is similar. As my engine revs up, it starts playing the castanets. Going down the interstate, sitting upright, it's like I've got a flamenco dancer between my knees. Lean forward or to the side to find it, and it disappears. Downshift and the castanet clatter gets louder, but not much faster. Roll off the throttle and it quiets. Similar with opening the throttle wide open, it quiets the clatter (but not as much as rolling off the throttle does).
I'm suspecting more and more my noise is either a fuel injector or even perhaps a weird acoustical property of my intake. Mine has done this since I got the bike some years ago, with no change or failure.
Oh, if I take off the windshield (Road King), it's gone as well. So reflection is playing a big part of the game.
I did install the rockout thingies. Made no difference.
1. Does the sound change with load or throttle? Mine does, which contra-indicates anything to do with the valve train.
2. Does the sound change with rpm change? Mine only sorta does, which really baffles me. The higher I rev the engine, the louder my ticking will get, but not very much faster.
My noise isn't exactly like yours, but is similar. As my engine revs up, it starts playing the castanets. Going down the interstate, sitting upright, it's like I've got a flamenco dancer between my knees. Lean forward or to the side to find it, and it disappears. Downshift and the castanet clatter gets louder, but not much faster. Roll off the throttle and it quiets. Similar with opening the throttle wide open, it quiets the clatter (but not as much as rolling off the throttle does).
I'm suspecting more and more my noise is either a fuel injector or even perhaps a weird acoustical property of my intake. Mine has done this since I got the bike some years ago, with no change or failure.
Oh, if I take off the windshield (Road King), it's gone as well. So reflection is playing a big part of the game.
I did install the rockout thingies. Made no difference.
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 117
Likes: 21
From: Minnesota
A few questions, that may not help at all.
1. Does the sound change with load or throttle? Mine does, which contra-indicates anything to do with the valve train.
2. Does the sound change with rpm change? Mine only sorta does, which really baffles me. The higher I rev the engine, the louder my ticking will get, but not very much faster.
My noise isn't exactly like yours, but is similar. As my engine revs up, it starts playing the castanets. Going down the interstate, sitting upright, it's like I've got a flamenco dancer between my knees. Lean forward or to the side to find it, and it disappears. Downshift and the castanet clatter gets louder, but not much faster. Roll off the throttle and it quiets. Similar with opening the throttle wide open, it quiets the clatter (but not as much as rolling off the throttle does).
I'm suspecting more and more my noise is either a fuel injector or even perhaps a weird acoustical property of my intake. Mine has done this since I got the bike some years ago, with no change or failure.
Oh, if I take off the windshield (Road King), it's gone as well. So reflection is playing a big part of the game.
I did install the rockout thingies. Made no difference.
1. Does the sound change with load or throttle? Mine does, which contra-indicates anything to do with the valve train.
2. Does the sound change with rpm change? Mine only sorta does, which really baffles me. The higher I rev the engine, the louder my ticking will get, but not very much faster.
My noise isn't exactly like yours, but is similar. As my engine revs up, it starts playing the castanets. Going down the interstate, sitting upright, it's like I've got a flamenco dancer between my knees. Lean forward or to the side to find it, and it disappears. Downshift and the castanet clatter gets louder, but not much faster. Roll off the throttle and it quiets. Similar with opening the throttle wide open, it quiets the clatter (but not as much as rolling off the throttle does).
I'm suspecting more and more my noise is either a fuel injector or even perhaps a weird acoustical property of my intake. Mine has done this since I got the bike some years ago, with no change or failure.
Oh, if I take off the windshield (Road King), it's gone as well. So reflection is playing a big part of the game.
I did install the rockout thingies. Made no difference.
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 117
Likes: 21
From: Minnesota
What are you doing to your Ultra?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 10,637
Likes: 1,246
From: Lake, Ms
Robb the Rockouts will fix your issues. The rocker arm tick on mine wasn't constant either but after the installation of the Rockouts the ticking never came back. It's a cheap fix.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 117
Likes: 21
From: Minnesota
I think you are right, it has to be the rockers, I am looking at Rocker Lockers online right now.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
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
Sponsor
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 8,538
Likes: 1,646
From: SF Bay area
If I can answer any questions or help in any way just holler 
John @ Rockout
__________________________________________________ ____
For ROCKOUT information & purchasing please click HERE For all Twin Cams and Evo Big Twins & Sportsters
John @ Rockout
__________________________________________________ ____
For ROCKOUT information & purchasing please click HERE For all Twin Cams and Evo Big Twins & Sportsters
__________________
NO, they DON'T all do that!
ROCKOUT rocker shaft inserts... make the tapping STOP! From the guy that FOUND and CURED the problem NO ONE ELSE COULD, thank you for your support!
Ordering & info http://www.rockout.biz On ebay! ... CLICK HERE
Also on amazon.com...
Imitated, never equaled... ROCKOUTS!
Ordering & info http://www.rockout.biz On ebay! ... CLICK HERE
Also on amazon.com...
Imitated, never equaled... ROCKOUTS!
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 319
Likes: 139
From: Seattle
Had the same loud ticking as the OP. Replaced the lifters and installed S&S adj push rods but resulted in no joy. Same year bike no oil burning or smoking. Picked up a set of Rocker Lockers from John and while tearing down to install them I found the issue. It turned out to being a torn valve stem seal on the rear exhaust valve. The top of the torn seal would move up to the top of valve stem occasionally and cause the loud ticking. Replaced the stem seals and installed the Rocker Lockers and it's all quiet now.