upper valve train tapping
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 448
Likes: 20
From: In a van, down by the river
Experimented with all different kinds of oil over the years on my ride. Biggest improvement was when I added half a bottle of STP oil treatment to an oil change. Was noticeably quieter than normal until the oil started to break down. This was a couple years ago. Now I ignore the tapping noise and ride whenever I can... 
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,596
Likes: 9
From: Cherokee Co. Georgia
The Op stated he replaced the lifters with stock lifters. Its important to know what year the stock lifters you put in were made. The dealer where you bought them will be able to tell you this. The reason being in 2012 HD stock lifters are being made in Mexico, there has been alot of problems with the stock 2012 lifters. Its probably not whats going on with your bike but it is worth making a mental note of IMO.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 155
Likes: 4
From: Kissimmee
Paying a TON of attention to it riding to and from work and it comes at 2000 and happens thru 2400, fading as it reaches 2400, gone above that.
Something in the geometry, rockers side play, flex in the pushrod, lifter that can't handle the harmonics at certain engine speeds.
Time for a contact to S&S I guess...
Nobody out there has solved this?
Something in the geometry, rockers side play, flex in the pushrod, lifter that can't handle the harmonics at certain engine speeds.
Time for a contact to S&S I guess...
Nobody out there has solved this?
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 464
Likes: 0
From: Weymouth MA
Paying a TON of attention to it riding to and from work and it comes at 2000 and happens thru 2400, fading as it reaches 2400, gone above that.
Something in the geometry, rockers side play, flex in the pushrod, lifter that can't handle the harmonics at certain engine speeds.
Time for a contact to S&S I guess...
Nobody out there has solved this?
Something in the geometry, rockers side play, flex in the pushrod, lifter that can't handle the harmonics at certain engine speeds.
Time for a contact to S&S I guess...
Nobody out there has solved this?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 171
From: Simi Valley, CA
Im listening to everyone and im starting to think that the tight valve guide is making more sends to me because I changed the rockers, lifters&pushrods&steaming eagle rocker plates, the only thing I didn't do is shim the rockers because they were in tolerance...but the reason I think it could be the valve guide is im getting some poping on the deselleration !!! That just started. I never had that before!!!!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,216
Likes: 102
From: Central Illinois
I think going after the lifters in many of these cases is not going to make the engine quieter. I think the end play on the rocker arms is where you need to go to quiet it down. I really don't think any harm, other than annoyance, is going to come from the top end tapping. If a lifter is not pumping up or is collapsing its going to tick constantly at all rpm's and be very noticeable. The ticking at various rpm's is going to be general valve train noise. However if you went to a high lift cam and are getting a loud rapping then you probably are hitting the top of the rocker box with the rocker arms and will need to relieve the rocker cover somewhat.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 242
Likes: 17
From: MN
I did as well. It was funny and I also don't know why. My 2012 ticks like crazy. I thought it was a problem until I asked a buddy who also has a 2012 and he said I was going to ask you about it. So now I am ignoring it.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Palm Coast Florida
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I have not done anything else yet.l just clocked over 25000miles and its just as loud.it seems as though the bike is getting sluggish,my oldlady even said soothing to me, like the bike don't feel the same babe!!! Im gonna save money and redo the top end and keep my fingers crossed.lol.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,216
Likes: 224
From: Glendale AZ
Experimented with all different kinds of oil over the years on my ride. Biggest improvement was when I added half a bottle of STP oil treatment to an oil change. Was noticeably quieter than normal until the oil started to break down. This was a couple years ago. Now I ignore the tapping noise and ride whenever I can...
Last edited by TUCCI; Jul 22, 2012 at 09:24 PM.