Just wondering if a loose primary chain would be characterized by a ticking or a clicking sound at idle?

 

check it , then you will know

 

Depends on how loose it is. Way loose sounds like no oil.
If the lock nut gets loose, then the adjuster will vibrate looser & looser.
Like baylor said, check it. Good advise.

 

If you need to adjust it find the tight spot in the chain first. Don't just set it where you find it, as it is possible to set the adjuster so the chain is too tight.

 

Sound in engines is really hard to determine where it originates from. I have found that a mechanics stethoscope works great for finding the source of engine noise. They have one on sale dirt cheap at Harbor Freight Tools. It isn't the electronic one, just the old fashioned type. Works like a big long screwdriver stuck to your ear only a lot easier. Just probe around until you find the area where the noise is the loudest and that is where it is coming from.

http://www.harborfreight.com/mechani...ope-41966.html

 

How do you check the oil level on a 883 2005 ?? I know unscrew thouse 6 hex screws ?? and lookie in side ??wow that is Harley engenearing >>> why not a site glass or set screw level plug ??? This is my 1st harley to own scense my last a new 57 sportser Now at 81 pluss I see harley hasen`t advance much on this model >>>>>ok lets have feeback >>>

 

I know harley 883 nevers leaks and need checking >> just change every 10,000 miles and doint worry >>>>?? ha ha My old trymph juse change it self >>>

 

The OP has a 2005 Sporty. The correct primary/tranny oil change interval is 5,000 miles.

In 2006 Harley changed the tranny gears from straight cut to helical cut and increased the oil change interval to 10,000.

 

It was the primary chain. I'm used to the sewing machine sound but this was different, slightly louder and clunkier. Though not a no oil sound. Tightened it up last night took me a bit to figure out how tight I needed to go. I cycled the engine and checked from 4 different points and they all seems the same looseness. So I just adjusted from the last one the best I could.

Fired her up and the noise wasn't there anymore, I'll keep a lookout on it though.

 

How many miles are on the bike?Just wondering because I also have a Nightster.Mine only has 560 miles though and I have already adjusted the primary chain, just for the heck of it.