The valves sound like "click,click,click,etc." It has become louder over the last two days. The sound stays the same beat, neither faster or slower with the engine RPM's. However, the faster the RPM's the louder the sound. It appears the sound is coming from the front cylinder, not the rear. The exhaust donut on the front pipe was replaced today. It had no affect on the sound.

On a short ride today the "click,click, click" stop for about 2 minutes, in the middle of a 20 minute ride.

This is happening on a 2003 softail standard with the 88B motor with 12,800miles.

What could be causing this to happen and what are the possible solutions?

Thanks!!

 

If the bike is running out the way it should, I would start looking for loose bolts, wires, helmet straps, buckles, on straps, etc. You would be surprised at what can make you crazy...

 

Its not valves................... from your posted symptoms

I would guess that it's what a body guy would call a "body itch". Something is loose you just gotta find it.

Start with the heat sheilds....................Do post up the cause when you find it.

 

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If the "clicking" doesn't change tempo with engine rpm it can't be related to anything internally. JMHO.

 

I agree.

 

Does it make the noise only when moving or when stationary also?

 

Thanks for all the replies! We took of the rocker cover and discovered three of the four rocker bolts were loose. Also, one of breather cover bolts was loose. The rocker support bracket was cracked and it appears that the bottom of the rocker box is also cracked. We are still working on the bike.

 

Very low mileage for an '03. Too bad it didn't get ridden much when it was under warranty. That sounds like a factory quality issue unless you did work to the heads and somebody forgot to torque everything down ......