Unknown Engine Noise : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

Bigkahuna327 · 10-18-2009, 05:21 PM

I've got an 02 EFI Fatboy that the engine that's giving me some trouble. The engine is pretty much stock besides a screamin' eagle stage I kit, with a V&H pipes and it's developed a funny sound in the top end of the engine.

The noise varies with engine speed, but does not do it all the time. I've noticed if you start up and take off, it does it the worst, but after the engine gets some heat into it, it begins to taper off in intensity. It sounds like a lifter, rocker, or valve stem hitting the rocker box. A buddy of mine just had a chain retensioner replaced on his 02 softail that was making a similar noise, but the dealer said that mine was fine. From other engine sounds I've heard from other places, it sounds almost like an oil skirt slapping in the inside of the cylinder wall.

My bike has around 38K miles on it and has been kept up fairly well. I still have the warranty on the bike, but the HD dealer does not want to dive into it without knowing what's wrong.

Anyone got any suggestions?

Thanks!!!

budonahog · 10-18-2009, 05:51 PM

I would say if the dealer doesn't want to do anything about it, but still hears the noise, I would push the issue a little further. Especially if it is under warranty. At the very least, I would get something in writing saying they will fix it in case it gets worse or causes something else to go bad.

Bigkahuna327 · 10-18-2009, 06:44 PM

I don't think it's bad gas. I only run high test and have been know to run some 100 octane regularly too so I don't think it would be carbon buildup.

The noise has just came on one day and wasn't something that got louder and louder. It seems to be the worst if I just right on bike and head down the road pretty hard, but it can so back up later in the ride as well.

I'm looking into taking it to another dealer to see what they think. I have access to 3 different ones in my area and usually I can get one of them to help me out.

1949shoebox · 10-18-2009, 07:21 PM

as your bike sits for a period of time the lifters bleed out, it's not wise to just start the bike and take off, theres little to no oil up there... the bike has to warm up first and pump up or you'll cause damage. have your tentioners checked may be worn pushrods could be out of adjustment due to failing components, won't know til its opened up. a little noise up there is normal don't worry yourslelf but at 38000 open up your cam chest and have a look

gtnot · 10-18-2009, 08:34 PM

38000 on the original lifters? You might start there.

rbabos · 10-18-2009, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigkahuna327

I've got an 02 EFI Fatboy that the engine that's giving me some trouble. The engine is pretty much stock besides a screamin' eagle stage I kit, with a V&H pipes and it's developed a funny sound in the top end of the engine.

The noise varies with engine speed, but does not do it all the time. I've noticed if you start up and take off, it does it the worst, but after the engine gets some heat into it, it begins to taper off in intensity. It sounds like a lifter, rocker, or valve stem hitting the rocker box. A buddy of mine just had a chain retensioner replaced on his 02 softail that was making a similar noise, but the dealer said that mine was fine. From other engine sounds I've heard from other places, it sounds almost like an oil skirt slapping in the inside of the cylinder wall.

My bike has around 38K miles on it and has been kept up fairly well. I still have the warranty on the bike, but the HD dealer does not want to dive into it without knowing what's wrong.

Anyone got any suggestions?

Thanks!!!

Tell the dealer the lifters are pooched since they need to know whats wrong before doing work. Tell me they really didn't say that? If the sound gradually developed over time, most likely lifter since some go for a crap at 25k and up.
Ron

hbmc · 10-18-2009, 09:33 PM

i guess lifter too

Pop's Cycle · 10-19-2009, 03:59 PM

It's a 2002 and you got a warranty. Ride it til it breaks down then you'll know what it is. My guess is there's nothing wrong with your bike.

I got an '04 with 60,000 on it and it makes similar noises.

Lastly, I used to keep aquariums. I had a tiger oscar named Pedro. I got him when he was an inch long and I killed him when he was 6 inches long because I kept reading books about fish diseases and I convinced myself he had one - he didn't.

blewcrab · 10-19-2009, 06:05 PM

my 03 heritage had 21.000 miles on it when the chain tensioners wore out ......makes a ticking noise.....I had the upgrade kit installed,tensioners are now hydralically operated...not spring tension

AlienX · 10-19-2009, 11:25 PM

first things first, gauge your oil pressure, hydraulic lifters colapse when oil pressure goes low,

hbmc · 10-20-2009, 02:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brownjams

everyone told me my problem was lifters, wasn't lifters at all.

What did you do to check them? I mean how come you do not think it is or know it is not?
Curious
I wonder if it is the sound of your valves opening and closing and you can hear them with your air cleaner echo thru the intake? Did you recently change your air intake with a different type?
Let us know what you find.