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03 Heritage Tapping noise

Discussion in 'Motorcycle Tech Talk' started by topdog 50, Jul 22, 2009.

  1. topdog 50

    topdog 50 New Member

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    I have a 95 cube heritage I just replaced the tensioners with the new Sreamin Eagle version. While doing this I decided to have the cam replace with a 203 and with new adjustable push rods. Since getting it back from the shop I have been experienceing a tapping noise that seems to be getting worse. I returned it to the shop and they replaced the lifters again. No difference. The noise that sounds the same as a loose rocker on a car is more prevelent at cruise and also gets louder at the beginning of deceleration. Cruise noises accur at any speed. Actually I don't know at 50mph+ as road and exhaust noise overcomes it. It definitely gets worse when it gets hotter. One suggestion from the tech was that an oil injection check valve ??? is stuck open and bleeding down. Any help or recomeendations would be greatly appreciated.:(
    topdog 50, Jul 22, 2009
    #1
  3. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Whomever did the work should be working the bike over..
    Sounds are hard to detect over the innernet...

    Things that can make tapping sounds are

    1) Improperly adjusted pushrod
    2) Pushrod tapping the cover or head on the sides
    3) bad lifter or lifter bleeding down
    4) rocker arm tapping the top of the rocker box
    5) Valve spring (if you put on new bigger springs) tapping rocker box top or side.

    You can get a mechanics stethoscope cheap at any auto parts store, put it in the side bag, go ride and get it nice and hot, making the noise, pull over and use it to touch all over the engine and see if you can isolate the noise.
    hotroadking, Jul 22, 2009
    #2
  4. topdog 50

    topdog 50 New Member

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    Thanks for the info. Have you heard of this oil spray thingy???
    topdog 50, Jul 22, 2009
    #3
  5. Red Rider

    Red Rider Well-Known Member

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    Last mystery tapping problem I had was a loose compensator nut. Sounded like the lower end was getting ready to give it up, but once tightened back down everything is smooth as can be.
    Red Rider, Jul 23, 2009
    #4
  6. ReeseSS

    ReeseSS New Member

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    I think they are reaching on that one. It may run a little hotter if the pistons aren't getting that squirt of oil underneath, but it wouldn't make any noise!
    ReeseSS, Jul 23, 2009
    #5
  7. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    I don't think it's the piston cooler, if they were left out you'd be filling the crank and sumping the engine which would result in an engine without much power at all.

    Stethoscope it, listen for the ticking.

    My bet is pushrods hitting tubes
    hotroadking, Jul 23, 2009
    #6
  8. ReeseSS

    ReeseSS New Member

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    I'm with HRK, depending on the name brand... the Cranes are a small diameter and clear the stock tubes without issue, but others are a thicker diameter and can contact the stock tubes!
    ReeseSS, Jul 23, 2009
    #7
  9. topdog 50

    topdog 50 New Member

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    Thanks to all that repliewd. It's back with the tech and he's taking another look.

    Cheers
    topdog 50, Jul 24, 2009
    #8
  10. jmcdowell

    jmcdowell New Member

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    Hi. Just join the forum and saw your post. Did you ever get the problem solved? My 03 Heritage is doing the exact same thing. I just put in the new tensioners, 203 cam and 95" big bore kit. A Harley tech did the tensioners & cam. I did the big bore myself. The tapping noise did not start until I put on the big bore kit. I have adjusted the push rods four times and it quiets down for awhile and then gets louder again after I ride it for awhile. A friend of mine had his big bore done by a Harley tech and they used roller lifters. He does not have the taping noise.
    Please let me know how you came out with yours.
    jmcdowell, Aug 10, 2009
    #9
  11. ReeseSS

    ReeseSS New Member

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    He PM'd me a while back and said it was the adjustable push rods making contact with the tubes.
    ReeseSS, Aug 10, 2009
    #10
  12. jmcdowell

    jmcdowell New Member

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    Thanks. I'll look at that tonight. I would think that you could change the sound by flexing the tub. Hope yours comes back from the shop sounding right.
    jmcdowell, Aug 10, 2009
    #11

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