How long do you guys let your bike warm up before riding?
I started mine this am, sounded fine, didnt really let it warm up - it was about 55 degrees this am. When I got about a half mile down the street I noticed a clicking noise coming from what seemed like the top of the jug. It would speed up and slow down with the throttle.
I turned around and went back home to check my fluids and the noise went away by the time I got back. I checked my fluids and all were good (just did an oil change a week ago). I rode it to work - about 35 miles - and listened intently for the clicking and never heard it again. Could it be that I didnt let it warm up enough to get the oil flowing through everything or should I be more conerned something else could be going wrong? By the way - the bike is a 2014 Ultra Limited with 29K. Just had the water pump and battery replaced about 500 mile agao - last summer.

Thanks.

 

It's possible that a lifter didn't pump right up. Sounds like it pumped up as the bike warmed up though. What viscosity oil did you use? Heavier oil takes more time to get warmed up. It's a well known issue that hd lifters are garbage. You might have just gotten an early warning that it's time to shop for a new set of quality aftermarket lifters.

 

thanks for the reply
i have been using redline 20w50 full synthetic for the past few years. Replacing lifters sounds like a big job. Nothing I would have the time or cash for anytime soon. Any idea what that kind of repair costs?

 

Look at "ROCKOUT Rocker Products". He is a sponsor on here. His product stops the rocker shaft from moving and eliminated my ticking noises. Works great. Easy install project if you are mechanically inclined, about an hour. Only $15 for the kit!

Good luck.
Ron

 

If it keeps doing it, don't assume that it's a lifter. I was getting ready to pull the lifters on my '14 last year due to a similar sound at start-up and it ended up being a loose exhaust nut on the front jug.

 

The above is always the first step to solving any rattling/tapping noise on a Harley... exhaust bolts, exhaust heat shield bolts, and clearances between exhaust/heat shields and other parts.. are at the top of the list of things to check... they often sound like they are coming from the engine. Also take a good listen at the primary. Noises from the primary are often associated with engine noises..

If you have the OEM lifters, this could be a high possibility, albeit AFTER you check for any loose fasteners and the primary... both much easier than changing out lifters.

If it happens to be the lifters, it is absolutely doable for a home mechanic... just time consuming, requires some attention to details, and you should not attempt it without first getting the HD Service Manual for your year/model bike.. There are many helpful videos that will show/direct you in this, but IMHO, the service manual is still prudent, if not a necessity...

I have changed 6 or 7 sets of lifters over the last three years on my bikes and others' bikes for various reasons... ie: with cam changes and/or spring tensioner upgrades.... I still reference the service manual each and every time...

Good luck and report back how you fixed it...

 

Thank you all for the replies. In searching for possible causes/resolutions for this issue. THe Rocker sleeves have come up many times. Watched the video and it doesnt look too difficult. I think removing the gas tank would be the most difficult - lol. One guy who added the sleeves was able to do all but one with the rocker assembly still on the bike, but one bolt wouldnt clear the frame - I wish he'd shown how he got the assembly out.

I havent watched a whole video on replacing the lifters yet but I plan to. I am not really any kind of mechanic. I get a little nervous when tearing into the motor. As far as bikes, I think the biggest thing Ive done is a 3 hole oil change and adding the detatch tour pak kit to my ultra.

I hope I dont need to go either route and it ends up being a loose exhaust bolt but the was it was clicking seemed to be in tune with the engine revs so it really sounds like a lifter or rocker issue.

 

My bike just started making this noise, and as I just changed the headers 2 weeks ago, I will absolutely check for loose bolts first, but I honestly think it's internal.

 

fwiw, had a knock (loud tick) that would start about 7-10 seconds after firing it up and it would stop after another 10-15 seconds. No other symptoms. Bought the bike used w/ no history and figured lifter so did a stage II while I was in there. Nope not it, repalced the compensator with a man-o-war and bingo! Also neutral is as easy to find as a Japanese bike.

 

Except mine does not go away, metal to metal screeching bang every 2-3 seconds.

15 CVO RGU 60K, has all S&S Internals.