First time running solids. Swapped out the hydraulics with an S&S conversion kit. My question is how do I recognize solid noise vs a loose rod slapping? Assuming solid noise would come from the lifter block and a loose rod knocks in the rockers?

Any tips or tricks would help. Thanks.

 

I ran solids many years on 81 FXS. I would set the lash clearance tight for cold using my thumb and index finger as the gauge. If setting loose lash I found the pushrod noise was excessive after warmup. WIth tight lash the pushrod noise was only marginally less but sounded better to me. Just dont set tooo tight and burn a valve where it is leaking before it fully warms up. You want just enough lash to seal the valve when cold. Also note that when you tighten your adjustable pushrod you will create more lash. So get a feel for just enough friction when spinning pushrod between your fingers that will result in just enough lash when the adjuster is locked.

Solid lifter noise will be at the top end, rod noise will be at the bottom end. Rod noise is deeper tone while pushrod lash is higher pitch. Rod bang is in time with crank, pushrod noise is at 1/2 speed.

 

Slack tappet on solids is distinctive, a high-pitched tap, whereas background noise for solids is more of a mechanical thrashing with no distinct tap emerging from out of the general scrap metal in a blender sounds that solids make when the motor is warm.

 

worn rocker bushes and excessive rocker side play is often misstaken for push rod noises,..
if push rods are tight and in spec and still noisy check out your rockers

 

Harley’s make mechanical noises . Gear drive cams , give the distinctive whine . Solids will have clearance sounds , rod knock , tough one .I have had some lots of hard miles no rod knock . They are roller rod bearings , really tough to trash