Engine Dances Around at Idle, a lot!
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
Engine Dances Around at Idle, a lot!
07 FLHT, removed original front engine mount tonight and inspected. No cracks or tears, I was expecting it to be really hard rubber but when I pushed with my finger there was some "give".
Reinstalled it and really tightened the center bolt thinking it will compress/stiffen up the cushioning. Don't know if that actually works since there is a steel bushing through the middle of the rubber.
Bike is jacked up, parked for the winter. We'll see if there's any change this spring. If not I'll just change it, easy enough job.
It's been upgraded to a 103 with SE204 cams. Still has the original "soft rubber" mount, not the updated 16207-79D
Reinstalled it and really tightened the center bolt thinking it will compress/stiffen up the cushioning. Don't know if that actually works since there is a steel bushing through the middle of the rubber.
Bike is jacked up, parked for the winter. We'll see if there's any change this spring. If not I'll just change it, easy enough job.
It's been upgraded to a 103 with SE204 cams. Still has the original "soft rubber" mount, not the updated 16207-79D
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If I remember right when I replaced mine, the manual says the torque value is only 20 or 30 foot pounds, and there is a top and bottom to the mount, you may have over tightened and that may be the vibrations your feeling.
rk classic.
rk classic.
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From: Canada Flats
Yup , the front motor mount has a specific torque value , too tight and you'll feel it . Also , check your stabilizer link , if you can twist it back / forth with your fingers , might need a new one , it should be rather stiff and hard to move .
When was the last time the swing arm was serviced , rubber mounts might be going . I replaced mine on my 10 , with new bearings / bushings , noticed a big difference , mind you , one of the bearings was completely seized .
When was the last time the swing arm was serviced , rubber mounts might be going . I replaced mine on my 10 , with new bearings / bushings , noticed a big difference , mind you , one of the bearings was completely seized .
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Bass Player...As mentioned, bike has been parked and serviced for the winter. I'll check it out in the spring, if it's not any better I'll loosen the bolts and run it before retightening.
RK_Classic... been like this for years. Read a few posts where tightening the mount helped, bolt wasn't tight enough so engine jumped around. Figure I'd give it a try.
MyFavRK...stabilizer link has no movement
So at the moment, if snugging it up doesn't help, I'll try a new "harder" mount. This one seems awfully soft to me and I can't help thinking that's why the engine jumps around so much. Smooths out once I get going though.
RK_Classic... been like this for years. Read a few posts where tightening the mount helped, bolt wasn't tight enough so engine jumped around. Figure I'd give it a try.
MyFavRK...stabilizer link has no movement
So at the moment, if snugging it up doesn't help, I'll try a new "harder" mount. This one seems awfully soft to me and I can't help thinking that's why the engine jumps around so much. Smooths out once I get going though.
Last edited by roussfam; Feb 11, 2021 at 07:51 AM.
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Too soft and the engine jumps at idle, too hard and you transmit vibrations to the rider at cruise...
You may be seeing the affect of the SE204 cams at idle.... I had the SE203s in a 95" bike, and I believe they are quite similar to the SE204... That bike had a good lope at at idle for a twin cam... but it was a softail, so I didn't notice any increase engine shake..
If the idle engine shake isn't causing an issue (ie: like the exhaust hitting the frame/mount), as long as it smooths out above idle I'd leave it as is for awhile. If no complications develope from the shake... I'd run it as is...
Good luck and be sure to post up any fix/results when you revisit it in the spring..
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
Originally Posted by hattitude
Therein is the balancing act....
Too soft and the engine jumps at idle, too hard and you transmit vibrations to the rider at cruise...
You may be seeing the affect of the SE204 cams at idle.... I had the SE203s in a 95" bike, and I believe they are quite similar to the SE204... That bike had a good lope at at idle for a twin cam... but it was a softail, so I didn't notice any increase engine shake..
If the idle engine shake isn't causing an issue (ie: like the exhaust hitting the frame/mount), as long as it smooths out above idle I'd leave it as is for awhile. If no complications develope from the shake... I'd run it as is...
Good luck and be sure to post up any fix/results when you revisit it in the spring..
Too soft and the engine jumps at idle, too hard and you transmit vibrations to the rider at cruise...
You may be seeing the affect of the SE204 cams at idle.... I had the SE203s in a 95" bike, and I believe they are quite similar to the SE204... That bike had a good lope at at idle for a twin cam... but it was a softail, so I didn't notice any increase engine shake..
If the idle engine shake isn't causing an issue (ie: like the exhaust hitting the frame/mount), as long as it smooths out above idle I'd leave it as is for awhile. If no complications develope from the shake... I'd run it as is...
Good luck and be sure to post up any fix/results when you revisit it in the spring..
Last edited by roussfam; Feb 11, 2021 at 11:43 AM.
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