Top end noise
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 997
Likes: 3
From: Charlotte, N.C.
I have some valve train noise when I start it up cold, and I am sure we all do, haven't tried Dino yet just as a test to see if it is the Amsoil. But I notice that when I use my other slipons with the open baffles my engine taps and ticks louder, with the stock pipes its quieter. But no matter what oil or slipons I use the bike is always quiet when the oil temp reaches 180 degrees F. I have a theory on the way the slipons may effect sound, the exhaust pulse wave that is created by the exhaust pressure travels back up the pipe and the only thing stopping this wave is the valve, and once this wave hits the back of the lifter as it is closing it is causing that "tick" sound. With stock mufflers the wave is broken up more due to the restrictive nature if the baffle design.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
I use a 20w50 synthetic (not MC-specific) and even with 255 cams have very little valve-train noise. BTW, top-end noise doesn't necessarily originate with lifters, as I've seen quite a few cases of excessive rocker-shaft clearances that can't be cured by using different types of oil.
Last edited by iclick; Oct 19, 2010 at 03:10 PM.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 12,779
Likes: 2,609
From: san antonio
The OP is getting confusing input from this thread. The engine has 15K miles which, by Harley standards, is not many miles. Oil/filter had been changed at 2500 mile intervals, same oil.
So the noise, whatever it is, is new but everything else is the same; I doubt it is the oil and I doubt it is varnish building up on the valve stem or a bent pushrod.
The service manual recommends that lifters be replaced at 25K-35K mile intervals, so the noise very well could be lifter going south.
The best thing the OP can do is to get a cheap automotive stethoscope and listen for the noise to try and locate the source. Valve train noise is very difficult to diagnose. When you are sitting in the saddle, you will swear the noise is coming from the front rocker box but when you get down to eye/ear level with the engine, you're not so sure; maybe the noise is coming from the cam chest?
The OP should try and locate the source of the noise, note whether or not the noise is there all the time or only under certain conditions, i.e., hot? cold? both? idle? at cruise? what rpm range? nail down the characteristics of the noise before making any changes. Try to intelligently diagnose the problem before trying to treat it; you can't address a problem if you don't know what is causing the problem.
So the noise, whatever it is, is new but everything else is the same; I doubt it is the oil and I doubt it is varnish building up on the valve stem or a bent pushrod.
The service manual recommends that lifters be replaced at 25K-35K mile intervals, so the noise very well could be lifter going south.
The best thing the OP can do is to get a cheap automotive stethoscope and listen for the noise to try and locate the source. Valve train noise is very difficult to diagnose. When you are sitting in the saddle, you will swear the noise is coming from the front rocker box but when you get down to eye/ear level with the engine, you're not so sure; maybe the noise is coming from the cam chest?
The OP should try and locate the source of the noise, note whether or not the noise is there all the time or only under certain conditions, i.e., hot? cold? both? idle? at cruise? what rpm range? nail down the characteristics of the noise before making any changes. Try to intelligently diagnose the problem before trying to treat it; you can't address a problem if you don't know what is causing the problem.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 667
Likes: 9
I've got 18,500 on my 2010 EGC. In the last 500 miles I've started to have intermittent valve train noise while riding. The noise is new and loud enough for other riders nearby to hear. Always used Redline & Harley filter. Noise is not related to air temp since it happens in various temps. Seems to happen when fully warmed up...maybe 25 mi. in 70 degree. Sometimes goes away when I roll on throttle (but not always) and very loud when I back off. Bike is under warranty and dealer will check it out but I'm concerned they won't take the time to ride it long enough to hear the problem. Would like some insight to point dealer in right direction. Gotta drop off at night because they want a day to look at it so I can't give it to them warmed up. Suggestions?
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville, Fl.
Be sure it's your valves, your primary can make that same sound going down the road. After a ride, get off your bike and leave it running and kneel down beside it, not saying that is it, just rule it out.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,216
Likes: 102
From: Central Illinois
I've got 18,500 on my 2010 EGC. In the last 500 miles I've started to have intermittent valve train noise while riding. The noise is new and loud enough for other riders nearby to hear. Always used Redline & Harley filter. Noise is not related to air temp since it happens in various temps. Seems to happen when fully warmed up...maybe 25 mi. in 70 degree. Sometimes goes away when I roll on throttle (but not always) and very loud when I back off. Bike is under warranty and dealer will check it out but I'm concerned they won't take the time to ride it long enough to hear the problem. Would like some insight to point dealer in right direction. Gotta drop off at night because they want a day to look at it so I can't give it to them warmed up. Suggestions?
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,169
Likes: 9
From: Southern Illinois
I had an exhaust lifter collapse at 13000 miles. Upgraded to gear drives and Fueling lifters, Fueling super pump, and Timken cam bearings and no more top end noise. Actually quieter with the Amsoil 20/50 now than when all stock.
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