General noise question - Harley Forum

weig0047 · #1 07-17-2009, 01:49 AM

Ok so here's the deal:

I've always had a noticeable lifter tic in my top end from 2300 to 3000 revs (I tried replacing the lifters about 5,000 mi ago with no effect). Since the bike has 82,000 on her and everyone I talked to seemed to think it was an acceptable amount of noise I've lived with it and not worried too much. The thing is I now installed a set of S&S .510's with out opening the topend and I have noticeable tic at idle up to 3000 rpm. The tone of the sound also changed it is a better sounding noise, less vague and more solid(?). I think that I am ok with this noise as it is probably just due to a change in ware pattern, and obviously a higher lift. I guess my general question is how much noise is too much in the twin cam topends?

Thoughts?

shovelmike · #2 07-17-2009, 09:56 AM

It's very hard to be sure without hearing the noise but I would be inclined to say that there is nothing to worry about. As you know the Twin-Cams are noisy in the top end by nature and the higher lift cams intensify that. You could open the rocker boxes, you may find a spot or two where the rockers are making contact with the box, if so a little work with a die grinder will fix it. Are you pleased with the 510s performance? I was tempted to go with them myself but opted for Andrews 21s because the Ultra is heavy and most of my miles are two up. Ride safe and God bless, Sincerely: Shovelmike.

weig0047 · #3 07-19-2009, 11:03 PM

Shovel,

That's about what I expected to hear about the noise...

As far as the cams go:

They were something that I stumbled across a deal on and figured what the heck, not much comparison shopping going on. I had heard that they were not ideal for a heavy bike, but as I ride mostly solo and minus the tour pack I wasn't too worried. I had also heard that they come on late, which is true they are unnoticeable until about 3000 rpm. I ride mostly at or above 3000 rpm (and got the high speed driving award today to prove it) so that was also not a huge concern. Right now I only have about 400 miles on the cams, and I have had a couple of other things to sort out so I have not made a thorough decision on whether or not I think they are the best thing since sliced bread. I can tell that there is a difference at higher speeds. I no longer need to down shift to make a 75 to 85 mph jump when passing, above that is even better (not sure I ever really "needed to," but I do love to feel her pull hard). 70 mph seems to pull about like stock (all of these are in high gear). There is also a noticeable pickup in acceleration. I'll give you some more of my opinion after it forms, planning on goin' out for some good old fashion hot-rodding manyana...

old no. seven · #4 08-04-2009, 10:00 PM

My BB95" w/203's seems to have a little more noise at the same rpm's. Couple of things I have noticed tho, if I let the engine idle and warm up for a minute when cold the noise is subdued and when the engine is hot I have a little bit of throttle for better oil pressure to the lifters on start. Sometimes the engine sounds better.

Bigincher · #5 08-05-2009, 12:37 AM

I really don't know sh!t about Toweeeenkeyes, but did you happen to install different pushrods? Sometimes adjustable pushrods can rub against the tubes......

BCJ · #6 08-05-2009, 02:45 PM

Went to bigger cams in my 03 Deuce and it increased the tapping also. Most I talk to said that is normal because of the larger cams.

weig0047 · #7 08-11-2009, 12:15 AM

BigIncher hit it on the head, it was push rod problems, not adjusted correctly (F@$&in A). Set em right and now she is much quieter across the board than ever before, even after 5000 mi.

Shovel,

I love them cams. Like I said before no change from stock before 3100 rpm, but after that hang on. I've heard others say there was no seat of the pants with the 510s, WRONG. They are a nice step up and they add a good bit of power in the high end. Passing is great and the power is right where you need it for the super slab or winedy roads where you run in 4th anyway...
One other thing I have noticed is that they are noticeably lumpier in the low end, minor but noticeable.
Like I said all of this is riding solo, but for my needs and my money I am pretty pleased.