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18th June 2009
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Master Mechanic
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Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 280 Sportster/Buell Model: 82 xls 1000 Sportster/Buell Year: 1982
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Engine noise??
i get a ticking noise when im riding but only when on the throttle, ive put it down to either valves or tapped adjustment. It goes in time with the throttle, but doesnt sound like a tick when stationary, or when I pass a certain RPM. Kind of in Mid range.
sporties just make a bit of noise and ive come to accept it as character!!!
but Id like to see if I could Isolate it and fix it.
dan
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http://picasaweb.google.com/dan.maltby/BackFromRebuild#5388709149769213666
82 xls Roadster/Andrews PB+ Cams/S&S Super E / drag pipes/ 2"baffles/exhaust wrap
None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free!
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18th June 2009
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Senior Master Custom Bike Builder
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Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Heart of Dixie
Posts: 5,955 Sportster/Buell Model: XLX-61 Sportster/Buell Year: 1983 Other Motorcycle Model: Honda CL350 Other Motorcycle Year: 1969
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It's probably that Valvoline oil you bought.... 
Seriously though, could it be a slight pinging, like when you get on the throttle or are lugging the engine? Ironheads will do it a little when hot, especially if the timing's a little advanced, you're using low octane gas, and/or it's running a little lean.
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I never wanted a Harley, but I always wanted a Sportster.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it (especially if you don't know what you're doing). Most Sportster problems are owner-induced.
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18th June 2009
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Chief Know It All
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Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 407 Sportster/Buell Model: XLS Sportster/Buell Year: 1979
Reputation: 164
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try high octane fuel.
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18th June 2009
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Land Speed Record
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Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Mid-Michigan
Posts: 790 Sportster/Buell Model: Ironhead 1000 Sportster/Buell Year: 1973
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+1 to that, run some higher octane racing fuel through it. 110 or equivelant. Then, steady off yourself with around a 95-97 octane mix. Thats what works for me anyways... That might help with any pinging like 83XLX mentioned. If you cannot get racing gas locally, just buy some booster and do the math on how much to use, I use about two cap fulls for the stock tank, and I also have to mix the lead substitute in there. There is a lot of "do I need lead?" threads and yes, you do if the bike orginally called for it. It really helps seal the valves to the valve seats for good performance and compression. If you don't wan't to run leaded, and the bike called for it (unsure on the 82) then you'll need a newer head and valves that are made for unleaded...
I've read that top ends can be noisy, over time it might need a re-adjust but try the gas first.
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Chris B. -'73 Ironhead
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19th June 2009
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Senior Chief Master Mechanic 1st Class
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Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: North East US
Posts: 1,266 Sportster/Buell Model: xlx Sportster/Buell Year: 1985 Sportster/Buell Model #2: XLCH Sportster/Buell Year #2: 1979 Other Motorcycle Model: Sprint ss Other Motorcycle Year: 1967
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I thought I had the same noise once.....bad fuel cap.....and later loose bolt on tank.
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19th June 2009
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Flat Track Champion
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Join Date: May 2009
Location: N/E Missouri
Posts: 678 Sportster/Buell Model: XL1200C Sportster/Buell Year: 2009
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Same here, loose tank bolt, the washer was tinkling like a lil bell. About drove me nuts.
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I didn't buy a Sportster because I wanted a Harley, I bought a Sportster because it's OLD S'COOL
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19th June 2009
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Master Mechanic
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Join Date: May 2009
Location: IN A HOUSE
Posts: 254 Sportster/Buell Model: 1984 Sportster Sportster/Buell Year: 1984 Other Motorcycle Model: 2002 Kawasaki ZX12R Other Motorcycle Year: 02
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I have a 84 and I run the 93 octane AND I use Lucas Motorcycle oil 20w50 with 1/2 qrt. of Lucas oil additive...My motor runs alot quieter than before the oil change up....JMO...
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IF YOUR NOT LIVING ON THE EDGE, YOU`RE TAKING UP TOO MUCH SPACE....
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23rd June 2009
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Master Mechanic
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Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 280 Sportster/Buell Model: 82 xls 1000 Sportster/Buell Year: 1982
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engine noise
Im trying to figure out what it is. I dont see a loose bolt, it looks like its coming from engine area. It does it at lower idle speeds, the sound of a key hitting at the bottom of a cooking pot. Or a knuckle at the bottom of a pasta sauce pan. The bike is an 82 and was always noisy, IM just hoping that nothing is wrong, I hope to make till winter and a time for a rebuild. IU put in lucas plus the higher octane, engine has tons of power, however the noise still there.
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23rd June 2009
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Chief Know It All
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Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 407 Sportster/Buell Model: XLS Sportster/Buell Year: 1979
Reputation: 164
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Hard to say without hearing it, but the description sounds like a rod starting to knock.
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23rd June 2009
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Senior Chief Know It All
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 864 Sportster/Buell Model: XLCH Sportster/Buell Year: 1970 Other Motorcycle Model: Triumphs Other Motorcycle Year: 1964
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Get an opinion from a local shop or another "knowledgeable" rider... if I can't hear it with a full helmet on .. I don't worry about it !!
The only ticking I can think of is the valve train .. is in the top end? Then I suspect it is in the rockers.. have they ever been rebuilt? About how many miles are on them? Check your push rods and timing again.
Jim
I am curious about the Lucas 20w/50 oil... I have never heard of it or seen it. |
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