Hi all.

I've just put my 07FLHRC in for service at Frasers. It's developed an engine rattle when starting from cold. Disappears after a minute or so. It's quite loud, like piston slap in a two-stroke, but it goes away and the bike sounds and performs fine. I'm wondering if it's an oil-related problem.

Details: 13,000km, stock everything incl exhausts, mineral oil, treated pretty gently.

Any thoughts?

 

Sorry RT, "bleeding down". Please explain....

Thanks RT.
When I dropped it off at Frasers I said, "is this likely to be a hydraulic lifter problem?".

"No, not likely" was the reply. I'll see what they come up with....

It was hard to tell, but I think it was on the front cylinder in the rocker box area. Didn't sound like the cam area, and it was louder on the RHS, so I don't think it was the primary. I'm a bit vague because I only get a short time, <1 min, to trace it before the noise disappears. I think you're on the money though.

OK,

Frasers said they couldn't find anything wrong, and it is probably a primary chain. I don't believe them...

Anyway, they said I can't hurt it by continuing to ride, which, if it is a lifter seal leaking, is probably correct advice. We'll see....

Point taken, RT. Good advice. Congrats on your kilo-postings, btw.