I usually dont post on here but hang around quite a bit just to learn whats going on with problems, tech stuff and new items to addon to our scoots. I have learned that this is the place to go when you have a question or concern about your bike. Will try to keep this short. I have a clattering sound at start up. Bike is an 09 Ultra with 14,000 miles and just came off an 800 mile trip, parked it and started it up again this morning. Big sound from the engine like NO OIL which I had already checked and was fine. Took it 3 miles to stop after pulling off slowly. Stopped an hour for dinner and done the same thing. Im thinking something with the valves...any suggestions or experiences before I take it to the dealer would be appreciated.

 

Sounds like bad lifters to me.

 

Could this be another compensator problem???

 

That was my first thought also.

 

I tell you this site is going to have me on some shrink's couch trying to explain why I suffer anxiety about compensators, and how it could not possibly have anything to do with interpersonal relationships!

Just 'cause you're paranoid does not mean that your compensator is not going to fail...

 

awright, I havent read deep enough to know about the compensator. Dont leave me hangin here. Explain please

 

From what I understand, the compensator problem happens after the bike gets warmed up good and also causes kick back when you are starting the bike. You can find lots of comments about this in the touring section if you use the search feature.

 

"clattering sound" is too all inclusive, can you be more specific? Is it on the right side, left side, top of motor, primary? Is it loud ticking? Lifters don't usually go at that mileage but, it's possible. Some hear the ticking thinking it's lifters, could be fuel injector ticking. A screw driver against the pushrods covers and held to your ear would reveal bad lifters.

 

Dave

Its in the top and does sound like a lifter. It begins at startup and will clatter or "tick" for at least a minute or more and then quite down just a little. If you rev it to take off, it starts again. Im wonderin if it has something to do with the valves and no oil is getting up into the engine like its supposed to. After it warms its fine except it seems to have lost some power too. And thanks to all of you who have commented and offered suggestions. This is good forum and you folks make it that way.

 

I had a couple of collapsed lifters on my '06 Road Glide when it was still an 88".

The engine did have a slight tick at idle.The "Clatter" did not appear until accelerating around 2100-2600 RPM.
Now once at highway speed(3000-3200 RPM)it was not that noticeable.
The "Clatter" would reappear on hard deceleration from highway speed.