Clicking Noise @ 2000 RPM - Harley Forum

Big_Cheese · #1 07-12-2009, 03:43 PM

I've noticed a distinct clicking sound coming from the top end of the engine area when I have the engine running at 1950 - 2050 RPM range. It pretty much goes away whenever it drops below 1950 or over 2050 RPM I seems the loudest when I'm just maintaining speed. Adding throttle makes it disappear instantly. I know I can't expect a definitive diagnosis just from my description on the internet, but have any of you had the same experience with your EVO? I'm thinking it's either the rocker or the lifter causing it but I'm just not sure. The engine has supposedly never been modified. Mine's a 96model 80cid. Mileage is just over 9000 now.
Thanks,
Big_Cheese

shovelmike · #2 07-12-2009, 04:41 PM

Wow, that is a low mileage bike. I doubt there is enough wear in the valve train to be a factor, more likely one of the lifters is gummed up a little and sticking. I've never been too enthusiastic about oil additives but maybe someone will jump in with one that has worked for them.

Big_Cheese · #3 07-12-2009, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shovelmike

Wow, that is a low mileage bike. I doubt there is enough wear in the valve train to be a factor, more likely one of the lifters is gummed up a little and sticking. I've never been too enthusiastic about oil additives but maybe someone will jump in with one that has worked for them.

I hope that the noise I'm hearing isn't why the bike wasn't ridden much before I bought it!

I guess I should add that the previous owner told me that he'd ran Harley 20w-50 dino exclusively. I just did an oil change last week continuing on with the same brand. The oil I removed was very black. I don't know how dark oil in these engines usually gets in 2500 miles of riding. The sound comes from very high up in the engine, like it may be originating from the rockerbox. It doesn't sound like spark-knock. The engine runs very strong and smooth otherwise.

grndpndr · #4 07-12-2009, 10:32 PM

This may not be your problem but my bike was doing the very same thing. Altho my kick stand is an aftermarket and I am also running a 3" open primary, as simple as this sounds, my kickstand was clicking against the bottom of my primary belt guard at a certain rpm. It didn't immediatly register with me what it was.

unclepsycho · #5 07-12-2009, 10:54 PM

grndpndr
Thats a very good point.
Big
Try putting your hand on different parts of the bike while at that rpm and you can hear the noise. It could be the key rattling, might be a loose motor mount bolt or bracket at the top of the engine the coil etc.... I had a windshield that made a wierd rattle at a certain rpm, but of course it was a lot different than a top end sound.

frisco-rigid · #6 07-13-2009, 12:56 AM

If you do not have a Mechanics Stethescope consider buying one..

In the meantime use a long screwdriver.. Hold the handle against your ear while you touch diff parts with the blade..

I bet your guess and Mike are correct----lifter/rocker noise..
I myself would not worry since it's only in a certain range, heck, you oughta hear my 120"s lifters..
But checking everything is Never a Bad idea..

We had a motor with very black oil once, it was caused by Blow-by..
Brand new oil would turn black in a few days, real bummer..
We ran it like that for about 3 more years, nothing bad happened, I changed oil about every 3500..
New rings, honing, and a top-end job finally cured it ..

Now, about that RPM range---- I seriously advise you to Never run steady below 2500 Rpm's..
The range you speak of is Lugging Rpm's and is best used only to pass thru, under acceleration,, on the way to higher R's..

But,,,,Your call

Big_Cheese · #7 07-13-2009, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frisco-rigid

If you do not have a Mechanics Stethescope consider buying one..

In the meantime use a long screwdriver.. Hold the handle against your ear while you touch diff parts with the blade..

I bet your guess and Mike are correct----lifter/rocker noise..
I myself would not worry since it's only in a certain range, heck, you oughta hear my 120"s lifters..
But checking everything is Never a Bad idea..

We had a motor with very black oil once, it was caused by Blow-by..
Brand new oil would turn black in a few days, real bummer..
We ran it like that for about 3 more years, nothing bad happened, I changed oil about every 3500..
New rings, honing, and a top-end job finally cured it ..

Now, about that RPM range---- I seriously advise you to Never run steady below 2500 Rpm's..
The range you speak of is Lugging Rpm's and is best used only to pass thru, under acceleration,, on the way to higher R's..

But,,,,Your call

I'm gonna keep a close eye on the oil to see how long it takes to get dark this time. I'd be awful disappointed if there's blow-by in the engine already. As for lugging the engine, It's hard to see 2000 rpms is lugging the engine, when the redline starts around 5000. I'm not disputing your advice, just kinda' surprised that 2000 is too slow. What does running the engine too slow do to the engine?
Unc, I tried touching stuff on the bike to see if I could quiet the sound, but no go. I didn't think about the upper engine stabilizer area though. I did notice that it didn't start making the noise today until after the bike warmed up......

unclepsycho · #8 07-13-2009, 08:00 PM

When the engine warms up, the cylinders can stretch and are a little bit longer than when cold. I wonder if the top bolt between the cylinders attached to the frame is loose. If there is a bolt in that location?

If not, Frisco's screwdriver trick will really pin point it for you. I hold the handle of the screw driver up against the bone next to my ear above the jaw hinge bone (but real close to the ear, even so close that it plugs the ear from outside noises) .... no-whut-a-mean?

Hammerhead Pat · #9 07-13-2009, 08:11 PM

Frisco is right about the rpm's. I will downshift when I get down to 2200rpm and upshift at 2800-2900. Try it and see how it performs.

unclepsycho · #10 07-13-2009, 08:20 PM

After re-reading Frisco's post, Could it be pre-ignition knock?