Went out for a ride on the 4th and it was freaking hot out. Started to develop a loud chirping sound like a bird from inside the rear rocker box. We pulled it all apart and inspected the rocker arms and end play, bushings, shafts, valve clearance, and an overall visual of everything and found nothing. Slapped it all back together and as soon as the temp reached 175° here comes the chirping. Bike runs fine (except for the bird in the box) no skipping, smoke or loss of compression. Has anyone seen or heard of anything similar??? This is a new one to me.

 

When mine was chirping it was a blown head gasket.....could be exhaust gaskets too

 

kkiley

Thanks for the reply. We changed out all the gaskets hoping we could getout of this one cheaply. Still searching.

 

Anybody

 

Double check for exhaust leak, even if you used new gaskets.

 

Check tightness on all of the exhaust clamps, support bolts, heat shields, and the bolts that hold in your baffles (if you have them).

 

Pulled the tappet blocks and found the problem.
Looks like the rear cylinder exhaust lifter crapped out on me.
The SOB was pitted, roller was loose and had a groove worn into it.
Some minor metal chips in cam case, and it took out the finish on the cam lobes.

For all those chasing down a chirping in the rocker box, PLEASE check your rollers on your lifters.
I would have bet my paycheck and lost that the problem was in the rocker box.
Sound traveled up the pushrod and fooled the sh#t out of me.