Top End Noise
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 861
Likes: 136
From: Wisconsin
Top End Noise
After 20,000 miles on my 2012 limited, it has pick up a slight ticking noise in the top end. Two Harley tech's have told me this is normal. After reading several threads here, there sounds like there might a slight chance that if I replace my lifters I might be able to reduce the noise. The noise really isn't to bad, it's more of a nuisance than anything, and really don't want to spend the money on lifters if it's not going to take care of my problem. Has anyone replaced their lifters because of the same problem that I have, and was happy that they did ? Also, has anyone put up with this noise for any amount of real time, and found out it's just that, a little noise.
Thanks In Advance Jonnierock
Thanks In Advance Jonnierock
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,807
Likes: 1,488
From: SW Washington State
Engine noise can not be diagnosed over the internet. Two different mechanics said the noise is normal, but your asking folks on the internet, that have not even heard the noise for a another opinion. If I were not a mechanic or without mechanical abilities, I would listen to what a qualified mechanic told me after he heard and fully understood my concern.
Last edited by sixguns; Dec 19, 2013 at 05:16 PM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,741
Likes: 45
From: Indian Land, SC
You running an open air filter? If so, it's possible your hearing the injectors.
It may be lifters since the 12's are using the Mexican made C lifters. If it was me, I would keep an ear to it and if the noise gets worse, then possibly change the lifters. But know that you will have to either pull the rocker covers off to remove the pushrods or snip the stock runs out and replace with adjustable pushrods which is your best bet.
It may be lifters since the 12's are using the Mexican made C lifters. If it was me, I would keep an ear to it and if the noise gets worse, then possibly change the lifters. But know that you will have to either pull the rocker covers off to remove the pushrods or snip the stock runs out and replace with adjustable pushrods which is your best bet.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,335
Likes: 5
From: CT
Chances are good that it is normal. These motors tick and clack up a storm. Just the nature of the beast. Again I impossible to say for sure since we can't hear it.
If you are really concerned, pull the rocker covers cams and check everything out. While you are in there you may as well replace the cams with something better. Replace the lifters with better. Hmmmm. Maybe a 107 upgrade. See where this can go..:-). Seriously, unless you are ready for a "makeover", just ride it. It will let you know when there is a real problem. Then deal with it.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
If you are really concerned, pull the rocker covers cams and check everything out. While you are in there you may as well replace the cams with something better. Replace the lifters with better. Hmmmm. Maybe a 107 upgrade. See where this can go..:-). Seriously, unless you are ready for a "makeover", just ride it. It will let you know when there is a real problem. Then deal with it.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,034
Likes: 128
If you were sitting under the hood of your automobile, you would be hearing all kinds of clicks, clacks, peeps and various noises as well. The point here is that it is a mechanical device which is reciprocating inside it steel guts. There are also explosions going on in its cylinders which can make all kinds of weird noises. Engines normally make noise. No two make the same noise at the same time. Temperature inside the engine, oil viscosity and wear and tear all dictate their own individual noises. Some folks are just more sensitive to noises like this. Apparently you are one of them. You did not ask for my advise, but if you had I would suggest that you ride more and worry less.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,216
Likes: 224
From: Glendale AZ
I replaced mine over the summer and I wont say it was a complete waste of time, but it kinda was. What I found odd was after going to a richer map on my PCV my motor quieted down significantly....someone explain that?
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,290
Likes: 20
From: Salem, Or
I have a 2010 96ci FLHTCU and had been hearing a ticking sound since my bike had 5k miles. Took it into 2 different dealers 4 different times and they all said it was "NORMAL". Finally I got so sick and tired of the noise I decided to take it to this Indy shop by my house that honors the extended warranty and after listening to it for 30 seconds he informed me that their was definitely something wrong. To make a long story short the lifter bores were out of spec and the cases needed to be replaced. While it was down I had him install the 103 kit with the comp set at 10.25/1 along with Woods 555 cams and fueling lifters and the bike has never been so quiet. I was to the point where I didn't even enjoy riding it anymore but since its been fixed the enjoyment of riding has returned. They told me that there is no way the lifter bore will wear like that and it came from the factory that way. Just because the dealer says its normal that doesn't mean it is normal.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 211
Likes: 4
From: NC
Everyone here has a great point, my favorite is that noise cannot be diagnosed over the internet.
After I went with Woods 222 cams and adjustable pushrods I had a very slight tick right at 2350 RPM, not above, not below. It comes from the front exhaust valve area under the rocker box. It started about 300 miles after the cams were put in, or maybe that's when I noticed it, likely the latter.
Long story short, I posted a few times on here about various things I had tried.
I replaced stock lifters with Wood Knight Prowler lifters. I adjusted the pushrods ever few days to about every imaginable and recommended load on the lifters you can imagine. Everything from slightly over to under to right in the middle.
I even did some work on the pushrod tubes after I noticed what looked like the front pushrod had rubbed on the inside a little bit.
5,000 miles later I still have a slight tick at 2350 RPM but it makes great power and runs incredibly well.
Go rent and ride a Sporty and then come back and tell us if you think your motor is noisey! If you find noise above and beyond what a sporty might produce, I would call that slightly odd, but from my own exerpience, others experiences may vary...
After I went with Woods 222 cams and adjustable pushrods I had a very slight tick right at 2350 RPM, not above, not below. It comes from the front exhaust valve area under the rocker box. It started about 300 miles after the cams were put in, or maybe that's when I noticed it, likely the latter.
Long story short, I posted a few times on here about various things I had tried.
I replaced stock lifters with Wood Knight Prowler lifters. I adjusted the pushrods ever few days to about every imaginable and recommended load on the lifters you can imagine. Everything from slightly over to under to right in the middle.
I even did some work on the pushrod tubes after I noticed what looked like the front pushrod had rubbed on the inside a little bit.
5,000 miles later I still have a slight tick at 2350 RPM but it makes great power and runs incredibly well.
Go rent and ride a Sporty and then come back and tell us if you think your motor is noisey! If you find noise above and beyond what a sporty might produce, I would call that slightly odd, but from my own exerpience, others experiences may vary...