Clackity clack valve noise between shifts?
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,216
Likes: 224
From: Glendale AZ
Clackity clack valve noise between shifts?
Ok so somethings been developing lately that I need opinions on. When I stop for a little while after a run, the bike starts up and sounds normal, but while Im accelerating and depress the clutch to shift, the valves make a clackity clack noise like their running dry. It will do it for awhile and then stop and sound normal. Sometimes it lasts longer, sometimes its short. If it sits for like an hour then there's no clackity. No change if it sits for 10, 15 or 30 minutes. Only when its sat for a little while will the dry valve noise be pronounced during clutch depression.....what is going on, am I not getting lubrication at times and Ive got a problem?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
Sorry TUCCI. Can't help ya with this one. The noises these things make are hard enough to diagnose and identify when they're right in front of you, let alone over the internet.
But I will say, I don't think it's a lubrication issue. You said the noise is most prominent when you pull in the clutch to shift? I just can't see any relationship between the two.
Maybe you just need to shift faster LOL.
But I will say, I don't think it's a lubrication issue. You said the noise is most prominent when you pull in the clutch to shift? I just can't see any relationship between the two.
Maybe you just need to shift faster LOL.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,982
Likes: 5,219
From: Michigan
If you can't get the engine to replicate that "noise" without pulling the clutch it doesn't seem to me that it would be a lifter or tappet issue.
With the heat you guys run in out that way I could believe that it may be a lubrication issue but you'll need to do some more checking to isolate the noise.
I've had techs tell me that some folks run straight 60w dino oil in the hotter climates.
Dino oil is supposed to lubricate just as well as the synthetics but some folks say the high temps breaks it down faster than synthetic.
Even here in Michigan, I can tell a difference in the sound of my engine when I switch from 20w-50w synthetic to a straight 50w dino in the summer months.
Hope you find your problem.
With the heat you guys run in out that way I could believe that it may be a lubrication issue but you'll need to do some more checking to isolate the noise.
I've had techs tell me that some folks run straight 60w dino oil in the hotter climates.
Dino oil is supposed to lubricate just as well as the synthetics but some folks say the high temps breaks it down faster than synthetic.
Even here in Michigan, I can tell a difference in the sound of my engine when I switch from 20w-50w synthetic to a straight 50w dino in the summer months.
Hope you find your problem.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 69
From: Near Myrtle Beach, SC
Once the temps are 80 and above, I switch to Amsoil straight 60W oil. Not saying this will solve your issue, assuming you have an issue.
Are you sure it's valve noise you are hearing? These tractor motors make lots of noises and shake around a lot. It may be something loose that is totally non-engine related. It will be very interested to find out what though.
Are you sure it's valve noise you are hearing? These tractor motors make lots of noises and shake around a lot. It may be something loose that is totally non-engine related. It will be very interested to find out what though.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,274
Likes: 130
From: Now Western TN
Anytime I hear something like "When I pull the clutch in......." my immediate reaction is Primary. But you didn't mention if this noise happens when sitting still if you pull in the clutch. If not then it sounds like when the load is taken off the primary chain you are getting this noise. I still think something in the primary.
But like a couple have said, hard to figure out over the internet without actually hearing it.
But like a couple have said, hard to figure out over the internet without actually hearing it.
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Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 547
Likes: 0
From: Illinois Corn Desert
Pushrods need adjustment. If you don't have adjustables, put them in. Change lifters while you are at it for peace of mind. It isn't the lifters though. Pushrods are worn and need replaced for sure.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 500
Likes: 2
From: Springfield Ohio
If I'm hearing you right, the noise stops when the engine is up to full operating temp, but is noisy when it cools off. That would lean me towards suspecting there is a little too much play in one of the mechanical links - like push rod(s) - that a little thermal expansion solves. Even though your 2011 should have relatively few miles on it, there's no reason to assume it hasn't worn just enough to put it over the hump.
I've seen similar issues in cars and trucks, particularly when switching to synthetic oils. Not sure why, since the rated viscosity stayed the same, but switching back to standard oil sometime solved the issue.
I'd recommend using a screwdriver or mechanic's stethoscope to try and pinpoint the problem area. Since it sounds like the problem occurs when the engine is free-wheeling, that shouldn't be to difficult to do in the garage. Start with the engine cold so you know what it sounds like, then warm it up and compare the noises.
Let us know what you find. Its unreal the kinds of noises simple crap can make.
I've seen similar issues in cars and trucks, particularly when switching to synthetic oils. Not sure why, since the rated viscosity stayed the same, but switching back to standard oil sometime solved the issue.
I'd recommend using a screwdriver or mechanic's stethoscope to try and pinpoint the problem area. Since it sounds like the problem occurs when the engine is free-wheeling, that shouldn't be to difficult to do in the garage. Start with the engine cold so you know what it sounds like, then warm it up and compare the noises.
Let us know what you find. Its unreal the kinds of noises simple crap can make.