Ticking/Clicking sound : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

04FXSTDI · 06-28-2007, 01:15 PM

A friend says he hears a ticking/clicking noise coming from the front cylinder of his twin cam.

Any thoughts on what the source might be?

Loose rocker?

R-RatedCustoms · 06-28-2007, 01:34 PM

Could be. It also could be the bleed down of the push rods or just the tolerances of the metals changing in how much they expand with heating up.

There are many things it could be. The next question is has your friend seen/noticed anything different in performance of the bike?

How old is the bike?

04FXSTDI · 06-28-2007, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by R-RatedCustoms

Could be. It also could be the bleed down of the push rods or just the tolerances of the metals changing in how much they expand with heating up.

There are many things it could be. The next question is has your friend seen/noticed anything different in performance of the bike?

How old is the bike?

Bike is an '03.
I do not think he's seen a performance change. I think it's just an annoyance thing and fear of bigger problems later.

MilesToGo · 06-28-2007, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 04FXSTDI

A friend says he hears a ticking/clicking noise coming from the front cylinder of his twin cam.

Any thoughts on what the source might be?

Loose rocker?

My 03 Softail has had a ticking sound since it was new. I've done a lot of performance mods and the ticking is still there. I've heard the same or similar noise in every other twin cam that i've been around. Do a seach here and you'll find a few hundred posts on ticking twin cams. My conclusion - it's normal.

R-RatedCustoms · 06-28-2007, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 04FXSTDI

Bike is an '03.
I do not think he's seen a performance change. I think it's just an annoyance thing and fear of bigger problems later.

To be honest, I have had the same valve train sound from my old 70's CB750's, 02 Road Star, and 99 Electra Glide. Tell them to think of the bike as an orchestra with all of the noises, learn each and every one of them, then if one goes out of "normal" and there is drop in performance then fear.

But until then (may never happen) enjoy how noisey we can be. Case in point, I ride with a fellow who has an 05 Electra and his got noisey after about 500 miles. He is a gear head so he took to the dealer for a warranty complaint. They checked it and there was nothing out of spec. He has learned to live with it.

Mine changes with the weather but is always there a little. I have 55k miles.

bigbluff · 06-28-2007, 10:01 PM

If he wants quiet...get a Gold Wing. Personally, I like the raw noise.

Hillside · 07-03-2007, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 04FXSTDI

A friend says he hears a ticking/clicking noise coming from the front cylinder of his twin cam.

Any thoughts on what the source might be?

Loose rocker?

More than likely, the cam chain has streached, and the tensioners are slapping it now.

hugie03flhr · 07-03-2007, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hillsidecycle.com

More than likely, the cam chain has streached, and the tensioners are slapping it now.

How soon can this happen? My 03 RK has it around 2000 RPM and I only have 4500 miles.I have to admit I run it hard 85-90mph cruising but I services it ever 1500 miles.

heavyduty · 07-08-2007, 08:11 AM

If the chain has stretched should it be replaced? Sounds alot like what I"m hearing in my bike.

Hillside · 07-09-2007, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heavyduty

If the chain has stretched should it be replaced? Sounds alot like what I"m hearing in my bike.

The stretched or slightly kinked, chain is a good guess, but if it has, I'd do it.

PAULIE61 · 07-09-2007, 09:58 AM

Thats why they are called "Sewing machines"