chatter/whine

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Aug 9, 2009 | 05:09 PM

Road King 99

Thread Starter

Stage II

Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 2

Likes: 0

chatter/whine

I have a 99 Road King 88cu.
It has developed a "chatter/whine" when it's under a load.
Seems to be most noticeable in 1st to 3rd gears.
If I "goose" it the noise is louder.
If I pull the clutch lever in, no noise. If I am coasting or cruising, no noise.
Reving while in neutral, no noise.

I have had belt noise before and this sounds different. Not that it could not be a belt issue but I odn't think so. I did just install a new belt and pulley last year and have had the belt adjusted since then.

I would appreciate any advice that would help me isolate.
Thanks in advance.

Aug 9, 2009 | 05:16 PM

rbabos

Banned

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 3,706

Likes: 7

From: Woodstock, Ont , Can

Sounds like in the primary somewhere. Could be chain adjustment or compensator issue.
Ron

Aug 9, 2009 | 06:10 PM

sqdealgeorge

Road Warrior

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 1,854

Likes: 20

From: Eagle River WI

Cam chain adjuster ?

Aug 9, 2009 | 07:24 PM

dawg

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 28,580

Likes: 3,957

From: Vermont

I concur that it sounds like it's in the primary. When have you last checked/adjust the chain tension or do you have an auto tensioner installed?

Aug 9, 2009 | 09:00 PM

Road King 99

Thread Starter

Stage II

Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 2

Likes: 0

Thanks for the quick response guys.
I just registered on this site today and it looks like it was a good decision.

I adjusted the clutch pack and checked the primary chain yesterday.
It looked like about 3/8ths of play. That's a little tight per specs but it's hard to get a good measurement through the inspection hole and I'm not to the point of wanting to pull the primary cover yet.

The adjuster is not automatic. It's the manual shoe type. It also does not look worn but the bike does have 130K plus miles.