noisy TC88
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 43
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From:
noisy TC88
I have an 05 bagger. My first Harley. it has about 900 miles on it. the engine seems very noisy. Iam not talking about the exhaust. But the valve train. I wanted to get someones opinion before I take my EG in for the 1000 mile check. So when I tell the dealer the problem I can be armed with another opinion.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,950
Likes: 4
RE: noisy TC88
Noisy, yes your Hog is noisy. The dealer's standard answer to any complaint is, "Oh yeah, it is supposed to do that. It's completely normal don't worry about it." Tell the dealer you specifically want the tensioners on the valve chain and the lifters to be checked and documented. These are two known problem areas with TC88s.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 504
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From:
RE: noisy TC88
I've never ridden any Harley that I could not hear the valve train ticking (nature of the beast). With you having a windshield the noise is only amplified. In my opinion your probably OK. But for peace of mind you may want to let your dealer listen to it or if you have a good friend who rides harleys have a listen. Congrats on the new bagger!
Supporter
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,366
Likes: 11
From: Ozark, AL
RE: noisy TC88
You will always hear the valve train on a Harley. What you have to get used to is the normal noise that it makes. I suspect that some are lowder than others. Like Tripper said let the dealer listen to it and investigate the problem. Ask them specifically about the cam chain tensioners. I just had to replace them on mine but it had 51K miles on it. I doubt at 900 miles they are a problem but you will at least have it documented if it should be come a problem. This sounds stupid but, you got enough oil in the beast? The right weight? 
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,640
Likes: 9
From: Staten island NY
RE: noisy TC88
I also have a 05 Ultra. I noticed with Amsoil I hear it more. thinner oil causes more noise . Had my heads replaced at HD at 5k miles due to oil Consumption and noise is same before and after. dealer told me it was normal
I ride abut 500 miles a week and it does bother me at times but I deal with it
congrads on a fine choice
Bushy
I ride abut 500 miles a week and it does bother me at times but I deal with it
congrads on a fine choice
Bushy
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,000
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From: NH
RE: noisy TC88
I too still have the "normal " noise ,it bothered me so bad I had the stage 2 w/cams installed,new oil pump,new cam chain tensioners & chain guide (showed no wear at 9008 miles) just to have them get into the motor to check things out
My issue was i was just about to come off the warrantee,and the only way for me to get things checked was to have them rip into the motor,and check out the noise while doing the upgrade.the oil pump ,transmission seals and a full rebuild of the primary were all covered under warrantee because problems were found.I've come to except the noise,ya still irritates me.....but it must be normal as they say,everything has been replaced that might have been a noise problem,and at least i have piece of mind everything is new and ok now. it was suggested to put louder pipes on and a stereo both of which would drown out the noise,LOL
I still hear it !
My issue was i was just about to come off the warrantee,and the only way for me to get things checked was to have them rip into the motor,and check out the noise while doing the upgrade.the oil pump ,transmission seals and a full rebuild of the primary were all covered under warrantee because problems were found.I've come to except the noise,ya still irritates me.....but it must be normal as they say,everything has been replaced that might have been a noise problem,and at least i have piece of mind everything is new and ok now. it was suggested to put louder pipes on and a stereo both of which would drown out the noise,LOL
I still hear it !
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 298
Likes: 0
RE: noisy TC88
This is my first harley (05 FLHRI). The TC88 has a certain sound that you will get used to. After 11,000 miles and 2 major road trips I feel comfortable with the engine noise from my TC88. Never burns oil and never runs hot. Run synthetic.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 4,519
Likes: 5
From: Slidell, LA
RE: noisy TC88
The noise used to drive me nuts. After I had motor work done (big bore, high comp, HTCC) the noise level dropped by 70%. I am not a wrench but the mech who did the work says a lot of that noise is pushrod related. The adjustable pushrods help with that noise. Anybody else seen a change with motor upgrades?
. It did reduce the noise some. Or maybe it increased my exhaust noise.