annoying sewing machine sound!!!
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 762
Likes: 1
I agree! Get pipes loud enough that you can't hear the engine. You'll be happy, but everyone else will be pissed!
Stage II
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Kentucky
Sewing Machine Sound
I have an 08 ultra classic with 96000 miles and V&H slip-on. I recently replaced the outer and inner chain tensioner and inner cam bearings also adjustable pushrods. Before there were no unusual noises. but after I put it back together the sewing machine scream was really noticeable. .
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 5,315
Likes: 4,272
From: Granville New York
If the noise wasnt there before the recent work then you need to recheck your work. Start at cam timimg ,pushrods in the right location, oil pump aligment done properly, oil pump oring new and in place, lifter preload? Lots of stuff to check. You might get more help if make a new thread...youre piggy backing a 10 year old thread.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,137
Likes: 51,477
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
I have an 08 ultra classic with 96000 miles and V&H slip-on. I recently replaced the outer and inner chain tensioner and inner cam bearings also adjustable pushrods. Before there were no unusual noises. but after I put it back together the sewing machine scream was really noticeable. .
Welcome to the forums partner
Last edited by TwiZted Biker; Jul 4, 2020 at 10:55 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 407
Likes: 100
I believe the record is 14 years lol. But this is still a good one
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 420
Likes: 64
From: Southern Bear Flag
Ticking or the so-called sewing machine sound comes from the lifter rockers in the tops of the heads. The shafts that holds the rockers in place can get slightly worn and in turn sloppy thus allowing the bolts running through the rocker assemblies to vibrate against the shafts making the annoying ticking or sewing machine sound. Thats why it increases with the speed of the engine as theyre moving faster and faster as your accelerate.
YouTube has plenty of videos showing this as well as the fix. Its super cheap and several people/companies make them. The issue is you have to pull the rocker box covers to get the rocker assemblies out to put the rocker lockers in.
I just put them in my bike as part of a top end and cam overhaul and can attest to the effectiveness of the rocker lockers. My engine is quieter than its ever been and before it was a sewing machine wannabe.
HTH
-Matt
YouTube has plenty of videos showing this as well as the fix. Its super cheap and several people/companies make them. The issue is you have to pull the rocker box covers to get the rocker assemblies out to put the rocker lockers in.
I just put them in my bike as part of a top end and cam overhaul and can attest to the effectiveness of the rocker lockers. My engine is quieter than its ever been and before it was a sewing machine wannabe.
HTH
-Matt