Arrhythmic clicking in top end/left side

[rhedengr]

Howdy,

I've slowly developed an arrhythmic clicking in the top end/left side of my '96 FLHT. Performance isn't suffering but it gets both better, then worse, throughout a trip.

Engine mileage is 38,000 and some change. The engine had some work done around 18 which upgraded the compression and went with Manley Street Master springs and valves. They've only been on about 20,000 miles.

Any thoughts? Hopefully none that sound like "don't ride another mile until you get this fixed."

Just had bike back from shop for an electrical issue and asked the guy if the engine sounded OK. He said it sounded like a 38,000 mile EVO. So, I may just be paranoid.

I can't hear the sound when I am at an idle at a stop light, only when it's idling on the kick stand.

Thanks,
Robert

[speedfreak]

hi robert.

here is an idea.
have you check the rocker arms end play
and the rocker arms bushings. shaft fit in the bushings
and shaft fit in the lower rocker arms cover.
if the pushrods rubbing the pushrods tubes.
i have a similar problem with my bike its clicking
when i tilt it to the right when its cold.



just my two cent.

[Nightking]

Run the valves on the engine, and see if that helps The other thing is to check other very simple things also.

[Dan89FLSTC]

Originally Posted by Nightking

Run the valves on the engine, and see if that helps The other thing is to check other very simple things also.

What?


If you have adjustable pushrods, it could be the pushrod contacting the outer tube.

With heavier than stock valve springs you may now have a lifter getting a little lazy, or a worn lifter roller trying to give you a warning...

You could try adjusting if you have adjustable pushrods, but with 38,000 miles (20,000 on heavy springs) you could be at the end of the life of the lifters.

Do you know if the original inner cam bearing (INA) was replaced with a Torrington bearing? If the INA bearing is still in there, it must be changed without delay...

[rcsoftail]

Originally Posted by Dan89FLSTC

What?
Do you know if the original inner cam bearing (INA) was replaced with a Torrington bearing? If the INA bearing is still in there, it must be changed without delay...

Absolutely! I am a victive of the INA bearing enineering enhancment. I caught mine early, and it only trashed the cam and not the entire engine.

Put your hand on the pushrod tubes while the engine is running. If the pushrod is hitting on, you may be able to feel it.

[Dave63]

Top end .......which cylinder? I have a similar noise. I believe it's excessive cam/pinion gear lash.....

Mine's right in the middle of the cylinders, not cylinder specific, with B-lifters set at 4 turns, (SE p/r) and nothing found specific with a stethescope.

[Dan89FLSTC]

Dave makes a good point about excess gear lash, it will sound just like a loose lifter. Can be caused by wear on the gears, mismatched gears or a worn cam bushing in the cam cover.