What is "flywheel runout"?
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Seasoned HDF Member
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From: PNW
What is "flywheel runout"?
edited to remove negative speculation about the deal and leaving just the facts.
Dropped my 11 Ultra off at the dealer for the 20k service and a "clacking" noise coming from the bike that wasn't there before. Worse at cold and better when warm. I wasn't convinced it was a bad thing but wanted it checked out before the warranty expired. I couldn't tell for sure, but it did seem to be coming from down low. Dealer confirmed noise and said it's from the bottom end - probably "flywheel runout". What the hell is that?
Fyi - the same dealer did a 107 kit. Before having them do the work they told me that only the components being installed would not be under warranty, but the motor, in general, would be. Service adviser says vin has been "blocked out" in other words, someone reported to the Moco that the bike has been modified and no longer under warranty. Not happy.
They want to tear it down and check it. I told them not unless it's under warranty. On hold while they discuss options internally.
Any input is appreciated.
Dropped my 11 Ultra off at the dealer for the 20k service and a "clacking" noise coming from the bike that wasn't there before. Worse at cold and better when warm. I wasn't convinced it was a bad thing but wanted it checked out before the warranty expired. I couldn't tell for sure, but it did seem to be coming from down low. Dealer confirmed noise and said it's from the bottom end - probably "flywheel runout". What the hell is that?
Fyi - the same dealer did a 107 kit. Before having them do the work they told me that only the components being installed would not be under warranty, but the motor, in general, would be. Service adviser says vin has been "blocked out" in other words, someone reported to the Moco that the bike has been modified and no longer under warranty. Not happy.
They want to tear it down and check it. I told them not unless it's under warranty. On hold while they discuss options internally.
Any input is appreciated.
Last edited by nevada72; Nov 8, 2012 at 10:11 AM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
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From: WPB, FL
Flywheel runout is measured by the total distance the crankshaft will move front to back when installed in the engine. The crankshaft journals are machined to accept the appropriate bearings that hold the crank in the engine assembly. A pre-determined amount of clearance will allow for the crankshaft to turn easily. An excessive amount of clearance will allow the crankshaft to move to much.
In my experience "clacking" is usually associated with pistons and their connecting rods (also attached to the crankshaft). In either case you are talking about excessive MAJOR engine wear. This is one of those "oh crap" moments. You need to find a reputable shop to do a proper diagnosis, the major problem being that it might require the engine being dismantled.
Get someone else to give you a second opinion! It might be as simple a solution as changing the oil or as complicated as -
WHICH COMES TO MIND -
You might want to do an oil change and have a professional company crack open and inspect the filter to see what's floating around in the motor!
In my experience "clacking" is usually associated with pistons and their connecting rods (also attached to the crankshaft). In either case you are talking about excessive MAJOR engine wear. This is one of those "oh crap" moments. You need to find a reputable shop to do a proper diagnosis, the major problem being that it might require the engine being dismantled.
Get someone else to give you a second opinion! It might be as simple a solution as changing the oil or as complicated as -
WHICH COMES TO MIND -
You might want to do an oil change and have a professional company crack open and inspect the filter to see what's floating around in the motor!
Last edited by jeffreydsilver; Nov 7, 2012 at 04:07 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Honah Lee
Guess what they are saying is what they did broke and they know big brother is not going to reimburse them. So they are letting you solo. This is a Harley flywheel. When the wheels do not set square and in-line with the pins they wobble and the shaft ends were the alternator rotor and compensator run out and on the other side were the sprocket for the cam chain. If it has been converted to gears even less forgiving. My motor makes a lot of noise but I have no run-out, makes me wonder how they diagnosed it?
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Sep 14, 2018 at 11:15 AM.
yep, what he said. find someone reputable. if the 107 has stressed the bottom end out of spec, it would be a good time to pull the motor out and send the case to a company to have the crank welded, trued, h-beams put in, and lefty bearing.
but, most HD mechanics are OJT trained and not very knowledgable. usually only the senior mech has a clue, and even then its worth checking with someone else.
find an indy shop that either races or is known for motor building and ask them
but, most HD mechanics are OJT trained and not very knowledgable. usually only the senior mech has a clue, and even then its worth checking with someone else.
find an indy shop that either races or is known for motor building and ask them
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Seasoned HDF Member
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From: PNW
Thanks guys for the info. As far as diagnoses, they are just speculating. They seem VERY eager to tear the engine down to find the culprit. Naturally I want it covered.
(edited to remove my negative unwarranted tone)
(edited to remove my negative unwarranted tone)
Last edited by nevada72; Nov 8, 2012 at 10:13 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,258
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From: Jackson, Ohio
The crank is held together by the rod pin which holds the two halves of the flywheel. Runout is when the two halves are not perfectly in line through the center of the crank ends. You check it with a dial indicator on the right side of the engine with the cams removed.
It's a well-known issue with the 4 3/8" cranks that are stock in the 96", 103" & 110" engines. Basically, they scissor on the crank pin.
They normally are not loose, just out of alignment. Really severe runout can take out the oil pump, rod and crank bearings.
It's a well-known issue with the 4 3/8" cranks that are stock in the 96", 103" & 110" engines. Basically, they scissor on the crank pin.
They normally are not loose, just out of alignment. Really severe runout can take out the oil pump, rod and crank bearings.
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
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From: PNW
thanks scj!
Update - stiff connecting rods. They pulled the jugs and they said that the pistons just stand straight up - which is bad I'm told.
The good news is the service adviser feels strongly that it's a factory issue and despite the modifications (which he said would not have caused the issue) they will push to get it covered. He further said that regardless of what the Moco says, they will take care of me. Pretty much what I was hoping to hear.
Stay tuned. And thanks for the help!
Update - stiff connecting rods. They pulled the jugs and they said that the pistons just stand straight up - which is bad I'm told.
The good news is the service adviser feels strongly that it's a factory issue and despite the modifications (which he said would not have caused the issue) they will push to get it covered. He further said that regardless of what the Moco says, they will take care of me. Pretty much what I was hoping to hear.
Stay tuned. And thanks for the help!
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Unofficial HDF Chaplain
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From: san diego
sounds like they will be putting in new flywheel. my advise is take the new wheels and have them balanced/welded/ trued before they put it together, will take a couple weeks but do it now, the new wheels are just as bad as the old ones pay for the balancing/welding/ truing around 450-500 bucks best money spent. you're getting the labor to get to them free
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Unofficial HDF Chaplain
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: san diego
You're in Milwaukee, thats where dark horse is, (at least Wisconsin) might get them faster, and might be able to drive them there instead of shipping, unless the 4 feet of snow will stop you!!