Cold Start Lifter Noise
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 6,682
Likes: 12
Bob has probably forgotten more than I'll ever know about cams and I am not trying to take anything away from him, but, his ramps are pretty dang aggressive. That may be part of the issue but I'm not convinced that it is all of it because lots of guys run his stuff on this forum and this is not something you read about a lot here. Those steep ramps throw those valves open and slam them shut which is probably in part why they build good numbers but for a street bike, I personally don't see a need to beat the valve train like that on a street bike. Obviously racing is another story. Please let me know how this turns out. On the measuring part, that's how I would measure it and three full turns on the tapered pushrods should be plenty deep enough. I almost always set them at 2-1/2. I have not used any of the Wood directional lifters, what is different about them? What kind of check valve do they have? Why do they bleed down slower?
Last edited by 1931jamesw; Jan 3, 2012 at 07:41 AM.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 508
Likes: 14
From: Tallahassee
I just completed a FM 107 build on my 08 RoadGlide, have about 700 miles in it so far. I am running the TW777s along with the Wood lifters adjusted for 2 flats past 4 full turns. I have no more noise than stock, so I don't think its the agressive ramps of the cams.
I am not familiar with your lifters, I would contact the manufacturer and see what they suggest. Every manufacturer seems to have a different "sweet spot" for where they want the preload to be..
Good luck, I hate top end noise,
Doug
I am not familiar with your lifters, I would contact the manufacturer and see what they suggest. Every manufacturer seems to have a different "sweet spot" for where they want the preload to be..
Good luck, I hate top end noise,
Doug
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
From: Meridian, Idaho
I have just over hundred miles on the same FM 107 build. I am using 20/50 Dino oil. I have noticed the same sounds coming from the valve train. But it's mid to upper thirties here In Idaho. The noise goes away as the oil heats up. Cold temps make for thick oil......
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 886
Likes: 4
From: Virginia
How long does your's take to quiet down in the 30s?
And who's lifters are you running?
It may be cold temps, thick oil and slow pump up rate on the lifters. I do know my Harley B lifters never made this much noise starting up on even colder days. After some testing and measuring this week I should know. I've heard from both sides of woods cams, I'm not here to put down anyone's products, just trying to give what information I have and trying find a solution to my issue.
And who's lifters are you running?
It may be cold temps, thick oil and slow pump up rate on the lifters. I do know my Harley B lifters never made this much noise starting up on even colder days. After some testing and measuring this week I should know. I've heard from both sides of woods cams, I'm not here to put down anyone's products, just trying to give what information I have and trying find a solution to my issue.
Last edited by Hog Yild; Jan 3, 2012 at 09:16 AM.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
From: Meridian, Idaho
They quiet down after a few minutes. I let the bike warm up before I take off. Especially at these lower temps. I have woods directional lifters. I'm not sure of the model number. It might be better if I went with 10/40 oil.....
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 886
Likes: 4
From: Virginia
I started with 10/40 and put my first 100 on that oil, switched to 20/50 at the advice of the local Indy. I haven't heard much difference with either oil. If the time was any shorter, I didn't notice it. I'm around 2 minutes till noise subsides in the 40s. I think I will try one more pushrod adjust to 3-1/4 to 3-1/2 turns (at 2-1/2, 24tpi now) and run itfor a few cold starts to see if I get better results.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
From: Meridian, Idaho
We r having really dry weather here in the northwest. Usually this time of year the scoots are on the battery tenders. But with my new build I just can't put the bike away. Lol. Good luck with your testing.
Felix
Felix
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 963
Likes: 1
From: Bellefonte PA
I hope there is not a problem with those lifters. They are the same ones I will be using when I do my cam swap. My indy recommended them and said he has always had good results with them. He assured me they would serve me well for my purposes and the price can't be beat. I'll be keeping an eye on this.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
