Solutions for valvetrain noise!!!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,173
From: Oxford, Nc
I freshened up the valve train with lifters, rocker arms, rocker shafts and shimmed them while I was in there to .005". It does seem quieter than the units it replaced but one point seems standard to all. When the motor is cool and the air temp is under 80 degrees or so, the motor top end reminds me of the sound my mothers sewing machine made through several bedroom walls when I was a kid falling asleep in my bedroom. Busy sounding but not offensive at all.
When she's hot and the temps are pushing 90 degrees though it sounds like I forgot to tighten a rocker arm down and the top end's gonna' come apart. More of a clattering sound.
The common denominator there is the oil viscosity IMO. But I don't know if I hurt something (wear & tear,) vs quiet operation if I run a heavier 20W-60 oil, for example.
In the summertime down here I doubt if I have an issue. But come fall with lows out here in the woods hitting 50 degrees how much wear an I going to invite because I want that 'cold' motor quiet?
Has anyone successfully run a heavier oil just for the peace and quiet?
When she's hot and the temps are pushing 90 degrees though it sounds like I forgot to tighten a rocker arm down and the top end's gonna' come apart. More of a clattering sound.
The common denominator there is the oil viscosity IMO. But I don't know if I hurt something (wear & tear,) vs quiet operation if I run a heavier 20W-60 oil, for example.
In the summertime down here I doubt if I have an issue. But come fall with lows out here in the woods hitting 50 degrees how much wear an I going to invite because I want that 'cold' motor quiet?
Has anyone successfully run a heavier oil just for the peace and quiet?
Last edited by Stiggy; Jun 8, 2013 at 05:01 PM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,741
Likes: 45
From: Indian Land, SC
I freshened up the valve train with lifters, rocker arms, rocker shafts and shimmed them while I was in there to .005". It does seem quieter than the units it replaced but one point seems standard to all. When the motor is cool and the air temp is under 80 degrees or so, the motor top end reminds me of the sound my mothers sewing machine made through several bedroom walls when I was a kid falling asleep in my bedroom. Busy sounding but not offensive at all.
When she's hot and the temps are pushing 90 degrees though it sounds like I forgot to tighten a rocker arm down and the top end's gonna' come apart. More of a clattering sound.
The common denominator there is the oil viscosity IMO. But I don't know if I hurt something (wear & tear,) vs quiet operation if I run a heavier 20W-60 oil, for example.
In the summertime down here I doubt if I have an issue. But come fall with lows out here in the woods hitting 50 degrees how much wear an I going to invite because I want that 'cold' motor quiet?
Has anyone successfully run a heavier oil just for the peace and quiet?
When she's hot and the temps are pushing 90 degrees though it sounds like I forgot to tighten a rocker arm down and the top end's gonna' come apart. More of a clattering sound.
The common denominator there is the oil viscosity IMO. But I don't know if I hurt something (wear & tear,) vs quiet operation if I run a heavier 20W-60 oil, for example.
In the summertime down here I doubt if I have an issue. But come fall with lows out here in the woods hitting 50 degrees how much wear an I going to invite because I want that 'cold' motor quiet?
Has anyone successfully run a heavier oil just for the peace and quiet?
I will switch back to Mobil 1 20/50 in the fall though....
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,173
From: Oxford, Nc
I'm switching over to Redline 20/60 at the end of the month when I'll need an oil change. With new lifters and the pushrods adjusted, the only noise I have after it heats up is the sewing machine sound with the SE255 cam but I'm sure the oil will not cure that...or will it some??
I will switch back to Mobil 1 20/50 in the fall though....
I will switch back to Mobil 1 20/50 in the fall though....
Roadstar: I've got gear drive cams ( no chain,) and anything over idle and they run very quietly. But as said when it gets hot, I still have the racket.
Last edited by Stiggy; Jun 8, 2013 at 05:54 PM.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 997
Likes: 3
From: Charlotte, N.C.
I just checked the Owners Manual and Harley wants you running 20W-50 as long as it's at least 40 degrees and straight 50 only if it never gets cooler than 60 degrees. So I'm confident that a 20W-60 multigrade will be fine for summertime for both of us. And being a heavier oil maybe it will quiet things down too. I'll try it as I'll be due by the end of the month. ( Right before it really gets hot down here!)
Roadstar: I've got gear drive cams ( no chain,) and anything over idle and they run very quietly. But as said when it gets hot, I still have the racket.
Roadstar: I've got gear drive cams ( no chain,) and anything over idle and they run very quietly. But as said when it gets hot, I still have the racket.
I tried the Redline 20w-60 and my engine just dosent get hot enough to utilize this oil. Its too thick for my engine I lost fuel mileage a bit also seems as if the top end was louder with it. I went back to the 20w-50 and it was much quieter. I was just too thick to make it to the top of my motor would not recommend unless you are getting oil temps above 220 degrees F which I hardly ever see unless its like 100 degrees outside.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,173
From: Oxford, Nc
I tried the Redline 20w-60 and my engine just dosent get hot enough to utilize this oil. Its too thick for my engine I lost fuel mileage a bit also seems as if the top end was louder with it. I went back to the 20w-50 and it was much quieter. I was just too thick to make it to the top of my motor would not recommend unless you are getting oil temps above 220 degrees F which I hardly ever see unless its like 100 degrees outside.
My high mileage motor still uses virtually no oil between changes ( I want to keep it that way,) and it runs an hour each way to work each day so it gets to operating temp. But I don't know my oil temps. Looks like I need to borrow the wife's candy thermometer!
Thanks for the heads up fireaxxe...
Last edited by Stiggy; Jun 9, 2013 at 05:49 AM.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,741
Likes: 45
From: Indian Land, SC
I tried the Redline 20w-60 and my engine just dosent get hot enough to utilize this oil. Its too thick for my engine I lost fuel mileage a bit also seems as if the top end was louder with it. I went back to the 20w-50 and it was much quieter. I was just too thick to make it to the top of my motor would not recommend unless you are getting oil temps above 220 degrees F which I hardly ever see unless its like 100 degrees outside.
The difference between 20/50 & 20/60 cannot be that dramatic. We all know that the higher number never actually stays that high in high heat situations like in our bikes in 80+ degree temps on long runs, sitting in traffic in the summer, etc.
I have not checked my manual myself but others have said that the manual recommends 60W oil for temps above a certain degree. I'm going to check my 09 manual later today and see for myself.
I'm using the Baisley Oil Spring which boosts my oil pressure up so I don't think there should be an oil passage issue. I'll try the 20/60 in July & August and see what happens......
If I didn't read so much on this forum, I would not buy or try half of the chit that I have. IT'S THE FORUMS FAULT I TELL YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
