What am I looking for when doing this?

 

Locating the spot with noise

 

Ah! Thx!

 

Yes, if it's mechanical you might be able to pinpoint I nth noise by rolling the the engine over without it running. Exhaust and harmonics can make it difficult.

 

As most issues in these engines, stem from the cam chest area, it takes only a couple minutes to pop the cam cover loose, and take a look as djl has pointed out.
Scott

 

Completely off topic...but still about you

Have you thought about changing that front to a 60-spoke also? IMO it would be a nice touch.

Carry on

 

A few questions and some advice. When you say "bad noises" could you be a bit more specific? is the motor mis firing? Back firing? firing out the carb? Etc. is it a knock, or grinding sound, or a rattle? if you drove it home, I don't think you will do much more damage doing a quick check with it running.

If the bike still runs, you could start it and feel with your hands before it gets hot. You might be able to tell where the noise is coming from, because if there is noise, there is usually vibrations as well. touch each jug, and feel the case all over. Or get a screw driver and hold the handle to your ear and touch the tip to different points of the motor while it is running, or better yet get a stethoscope made for doing this check.

 

Yeah, that's a good suggestion. There's a few other things I'd like to do as well. When I was putting the bike together I was able to find used parts here and there, buy new parts from HD, make parts myself, or get some parts donated. This is one of those things that I just decided to use what I had instead of spending more money. The floor boards is another thing...I'd rather have forward controls but the floor boards came with some parts that I bought so I threw them on with intentions of upgrading later.

 

Well..when I was riding I heard what sounded like something break. For some reason I thought it sounded like a chain breaking. The last time I cranked it over I got the impression that something was broke/rattling around in the engine. I didn't let it run too long for fear of doing more damage.

I did not drive it home. I had a friend pick me up with a trailer.

It's not a back fire or misfire. I'm pretty sure something gave way in the engine.

When it happened I had just engaged the clutch and heard a bang like something had broke and I felt a decrease in power. Nothing locked up. When it happened I got off the throttle and got over on the side of the road as fast as I could and shut it off.

Before all this happened I kept hearing a sound that reminded me of a ratchet. I had a mechanic at a speed shop ride it around and he didn't hear anything out of the ordinary. I always thought the sound was coming from the primary but now I'm not so sure. I can't help but wonder if that sound was a symptom of the problem.

I'm going to investigate the motor like you all say.

However, I have a question...since I already took the primary apart and drained the oil...I guess I'll need to get all that put back together to diagnose the engine? I sure hate to put new gaskets, new oil and filter back on if I'll have to just undo it all again.

I'm wondering if I can pull the plugs and rotate the engine via the comp shaft that is now exposed....since I have the clutch, chain, and comp removed?

D

 

Just took off the cam cover...I don't see any damage/breakage. See attached picture.