103" lifter (?) noise
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Porter TX
Well had same problem with my 2012 rk at 200 miles started tapping and after dealer said normal and factory said same and just ride it line...problem got worse..back to dealer same line again..but after taking to private shop and them saying to take to different dealer that since warranty work is at different rate if service department backed up they don't want to deal with it till slow..well they were right after several trips to different dealers found one that gladly repaired it..two bad lifters
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 518
Likes: 27
From: PA
2012 limited. Same thing around 2600-2800 rpm. it goes away with lower or higher rpm. It's kind of like a clackity noise like it hit its internal harmonics. I'm going for an inspection this week so I'll see what they say.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 527
Likes: 42
From: Sequim, WA
10,500 on my 2012 Ultra Limited (bought it in November). Don't know if I'm hearing fewer noises, or if the bike is breaking in better. These are noisey bikes. I've come to accept it. Love this bike!
Novice
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: central ma.
I have a 2011 SG 103. Put the first 1500 miles on it in stock condition. I didn't notice an excessive noise. After 1500 miles had SE255 cams, fatshotz slip ons and SE air cleaner installed. Started hearing the annoying noise immediately after picking it up. Road another 2500 miles with the noise and had it looked at by numerous dealers. They all told me 'its normal.' I also dealt with the knock during cold starts that lasted a second maybe two then went away. I was told that was normal as well. Around 4000 miles it picked up a steady "knocking" so I took it in again and told them I didn't want it back until it was fixed. Turns out two of the lifters were bad. Ended up scoring my cams and push rods. Got all that replaced (under warranty) and now have over 10,000 on it. And guess what... I still have a tic, clatter, whatever. It drives me crazy. Same RPM's as everyone else. But... damn does it run good and strong.
Stage I
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: PA
2011 Noisy Valve Train FLHTC, 4800 miles
To All,
It is not normal to have this much valve train nosie and any one who tells you it is, is wrong. I see comments such as "it's a Harley", "the dealer said it is normal", these are people who just don't understand the dymanics of an engine. " Go buy a Goldwing"????? WTF, how does that help anyone?
I have the same problem and my dealer admitted that Harley knows that they have a problem but as of right now they do not have a solution.
It is not normal to have this much valve train nosie and any one who tells you it is, is wrong. I see comments such as "it's a Harley", "the dealer said it is normal", these are people who just don't understand the dymanics of an engine. " Go buy a Goldwing"????? WTF, how does that help anyone?
I have the same problem and my dealer admitted that Harley knows that they have a problem but as of right now they do not have a solution.
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
For the Record:
In "Mechanic-Speak", stating "That is normal", or "they all do that" translates directly to "I have absolutely no idea how to repair that problem". When / if you hear the guy working on your bike say that... it's time to leave - quickly - with your bike!
Engines are mechanical assemblies of machined parts. ANYTHING can be repaired, adjusted, re-machined, modified, re-designed, etc. They are not "magical" objects or mysterious works of art.
Lifter noise is a result of too loose clearances, poor oiling, poor lifter design, etc. An endless series of letters and emails to Harley HQ may be the only resolve, or if anyone can find and recommend a "real" mechanic.
Also for the record: I do all my service and repair myself, as I got sick of the "That's normal" cop-out responses from various dealers. Harleys are basically very decent bikes, but need for owners to learn to repair and maintain themselves, rather than place in the uncapable hands of ham-fisted, incorrectly opinionated "Mechanics" who do much more harm than good.
Sorry for the negative venting, but now I feel better!
Some good suggestions here though - I like the oil pressure / oil spring, replacement hydraulic lifter direction - makes the most sense...IMO!
Bob
In "Mechanic-Speak", stating "That is normal", or "they all do that" translates directly to "I have absolutely no idea how to repair that problem". When / if you hear the guy working on your bike say that... it's time to leave - quickly - with your bike!
Engines are mechanical assemblies of machined parts. ANYTHING can be repaired, adjusted, re-machined, modified, re-designed, etc. They are not "magical" objects or mysterious works of art.
Lifter noise is a result of too loose clearances, poor oiling, poor lifter design, etc. An endless series of letters and emails to Harley HQ may be the only resolve, or if anyone can find and recommend a "real" mechanic.
Also for the record: I do all my service and repair myself, as I got sick of the "That's normal" cop-out responses from various dealers. Harleys are basically very decent bikes, but need for owners to learn to repair and maintain themselves, rather than place in the uncapable hands of ham-fisted, incorrectly opinionated "Mechanics" who do much more harm than good.
Sorry for the negative venting, but now I feel better!
Some good suggestions here though - I like the oil pressure / oil spring, replacement hydraulic lifter direction - makes the most sense...IMO!
Bob
Last edited by The Prophet; Oct 6, 2012 at 09:53 AM.
Novice
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Did you happen to notice the noise more after you did the exhaust upgrade? I have a 2012 SG with 2300 miles. Just did a complete exhaust upgrade with Fuel Moto header, 4" Jackposts and a PV + ac. When I took it out for it first ride I was not a happy camper. I know it has nothing to do with the Fuel Moto add ons and they have been top notch about helping me try to figure out where the noise is coming from but the noise is there. Even at 60mph 5th gear . The HD shop just told me it was the nature of the beast. Bring it back if it gets louder. Don't get me wrong the bike runs good. It pulls like a horse and I am very happy with my upgrades . Just not with the noise.
Thanks
dive60
Thanks
dive60