Engine Noise

[RamDude]

I have a rocker box noise that I have been trying to get rid of and now it has taken a wierd twist. I had my SE pushrods adjusted to the recommended 2.5 turns and had a lifter noise when hot only in the front cylinder from 2000 to 2700 rpm. I readjusted another 1/4 turn and all was good for a while but then the noise was back. It would even do it at an idle but heres the kicker..... Lean it on the kick stand and all noise stops. Any ideas??? I'm gonna tear into it and would like some opinions before I do. Thanks

[BaggerDave]

Maybe the pushrod is hitting the tube?

David

[spgtti]

likely the front exhaust .try rotating the tube. it worked for me, but not until after i tightened the extra 1/4 turn like you did.[about .120 preload ]

[ToddM]

Originally Posted by RamDude

I have a rocker box noise that I have been trying to get rid of and now it has taken a wierd twist. I had my SE pushrods adjusted to the recommended 2.5 turns and had a lifter noise when hot only in the front cylinder from 2000 to 2700 rpm. I readjusted another 1/4 turn and all was good for a while but then the noise was back. It would even do it at an idle but heres the kicker..... Lean it on the kick stand and all noise stops. Any ideas??? I'm gonna tear into it and would like some opinions before I do. Thanks

The front exhaust almost always make some noise. Mine ticks like crazy, but it's not hurting anything. Just adjust as per the instructions and leave it alone. If it's too loud, get louder pipes or earplugs. It's a Harley, not a Honda.

If it really bothers you that much, try some Lucas oil stabilizer, or their oil. I just started running Lucas synthetic oil in mine this week and the engine is a lot quieter, although not completely quiet. That's just not possible with an Evo.

[HDMD88]

Originally Posted by BaggerDave

Maybe the pushrod is hitting the tube?

David

9 out of 10 times its what Dave says it is. The factory doesn't take the time to set up rocker arm to push rod geomerty. If you take it apart take it down as far as the bottom rocker box to the head. Install a new gasket, insert your 6 bolts but before you torque the bolts move the rocker box around and notice how much slop is there. We need to adjust this box to align the rocker and push rod to its center point. Pyll the rocker box all the way out toward the cam cover and at the same time center the slop fwd and aft on the box, now torque it down. Do the same on the rocker plate but for the fwd and aft movement equalize the rocker arm pad on the valve stem, this has to be done at top dead center compression stroke. This will give you the best geometry for the stock valves and rockers, plus the push rod won't hit the boxes any more. The S/E adj. push rod is .100 thicker than stock and it does create a problem at times.

[BaggerDave]

Doc,

I'm glad you posting again. Hope you feel well soon. I'm sure that everyone will keep you busy answering questions so you will not soon be bored.

David