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Tappet clatter 1340 Evo

  • kennyj49
    kennyj49
    13 years ago

    Hi,

    I have recently purchased a 1984 FXST it has done very little mileage, it had a very quiet  tight engine. However after a couple of short rides it has developed a clattering noise which sounds as though it is coming from the rocker boxes. It has plenty of oil which has just been changed. After refering to a Clymers Manual it suggested the importance of cleaning the tappet oil strainer. On removing the strainer plug there was no strainer fitted. I have since cleaned out the strainer hole and installed a new strainer and retaining spring. Thinking this may cure the problem. It has made no difference, I am wondering if there may be a blockage to the hydraulic cam followers and if so can anyone shed any light on the oil gallary which may be at fault? Also can anyone suggest were I may be able to aquire online a original Harley Manual for a 1984 FXST 1340?

    Cheers Ken

  • cranky1350
    cranky1350
    13 years ago

    More likely to be some crap got into the lifters themselves,the oil hole is very small.

    You can dissasemble the lifters and clean them out,Personally I would buy a new set.

    Early Evo's did have a lifter issue.Harley replaced mine at 20,000 kms in my FXRC in 1985.

    If yours has very low Kms they could be the originals, Buy a new set pretty straight forward job.

    Cheers Brett......

  • Burnzi
    Burnzi
    13 years ago

    I bought a Evo disc on ebay has wiring diagrams, trouble shooting and shitloads of info. I think there is some of it in Reference section from The Don. Try this link http://www.hdforums.com.au/Default.aspx?tabid=71&forumid=12&postid=220789&view=topic

  • beagle
    beagle
    13 years ago
    Some evo's had an occasional problem with wear on the tappets and push rod tops. Some were noisy, others quiet. If it sounds like loose tappets (there actually shouldn't be any as they are hydraulic) I would have a look at that area first, including the lifters. If it all looks ok, just learn to live with it. My evo sounded like a jar of marbles until it really heated up. I had them changed when the cams went in and it only made a bit of difference to the noise. If it's running well, leave it alone and think of having a root instead. Probably cheaper...LOL
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