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Old Oct 18, 2010 | 06:21 AM
  #11  
Raza51's Avatar
Raza51
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From: Wildwood, Mo
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I have a 2010 SESG I bought a Maintence agreement from dealer they reccomend oil changed at 2500....using synthetic...110 motor has made noise from day 1 and now have 18,000 miles and all is well. Dealer knows about my concern so ... I Ride and Ride and Ride ...
 
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Old Oct 18, 2010 | 09:15 AM
  #12  
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mariner227
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From: Western PA
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Originally Posted by 2007rkjb
Have a 2007 RKC with 15,000 mi.
Oil and filter changed every 2,500 with HD synthetic.
All of a sudden the bike is making top end noise
like a bad lifter or something like that.
Has anyone else had this happen ??
Any ideas ??
Bike still runs OK. Oil level is full.

Thanks,

Jake
Does the noise lesson or go away after the motor warms up? Is it coming from the rear cylinder? If it does and is, you may have varnish build up on one of the valve stems causing the valve to stick. I've been reading that it is a problem on some newer twin cams and is oil related.
 
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Old Oct 18, 2010 | 09:34 AM
  #13  
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Originally Posted by mariner227
does the noise lesson or go away after the motor warms up? Is it coming from the rear cylinder? If it does and is, you may have varnish build up on one of the valve stems causing the valve to stick. I've been reading that it is a problem on some newer twin cams and is oil related.
if varnish is the problem - how is it corrected?
 
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Old Oct 18, 2010 | 10:16 AM
  #14  
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broziff
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Ive been hearing lifter noise and think its from the gas Iam buying. If I buy from a busy station that sells alot of super unleaded I dont hear it if I buy from whomever out on a trip I get more noise. I belive its due to the ethonal if the stations gas has been sitting a long time Iam told the alcohol content is higher cause the ethonol turns to alcohol. It has ruined my 2 stroke blowers carb.
 
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Old Oct 18, 2010 | 12:01 PM
  #15  
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mnskip
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From: coon rapids,mn
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Originally Posted by boneziff
Ive been hearing lifter noise and think its from the gas Iam buying. If I buy from a busy station that sells alot of super unleaded I dont hear it if I buy from whomever out on a trip I get more noise. I belive its due to the ethonal if the stations gas has been sitting a long time Iam told the alcohol content is higher cause the ethonol turns to alcohol. It has ruined my 2 stroke blowers carb.
Try some 92 octane and seafoam. A cheap fix if this is the problem.
 
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Old Oct 18, 2010 | 12:14 PM
  #16  
relli's Avatar
relli
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From: central florida
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Originally Posted by rkoivisto
I don't think the synthetic is thiner than dino oil. It's still 20-50. I've got just as good oil pressure with full synthetic as I did with dino.
there ya go. a voice of reason. a size 9 is a size 9. 100 degrees is 100 degrees. and 20/50 is 20/50.
 
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Old Oct 18, 2010 | 12:29 PM
  #17  
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wheel752
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From: Newport, Wa
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I think HD mechanics do more then change oil..to fix problems....
Maybe a bent pushrod...bad lifter.....rocker arm play
TC are a little noisy...butt..if the noise has changed....take it apart and look
 
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Old Oct 18, 2010 | 01:37 PM
  #18  
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mariner227
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From: Western PA
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Originally Posted by Baffler1
if varnish is the problem - how is it corrected?

The head must be taken off. After the valve springs are removed you should be able to move the valve up and down in the guide with little resistance, using your fingers. If not, clean the valve stem.

I've heard that adding a few ounces of Marvel Mystery Oil to your motor oil may help dissolve the varnish.
 
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Old Oct 19, 2010 | 12:01 AM
  #19  
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Also, make sure that your exhaust is tight.. Exhaust leaks makes the bike sound like you have lifter issues as well...
 
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Old Oct 19, 2010 | 12:53 AM
  #20  
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From: Berwick, Pa.
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Syn 3 is not a good detergent oil. At 15,000 on my 07 RKC changed out from syn 3 to mobile 1. Dumped oil after 1,000 mi. and the carbon that had accumulated drained out. Haven't looked back since and my valves are noticeably quieter.
 
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