My 99 Dyna seems to have developed a kind of ticking/rattling noise at around 2000 rpm. It comes on about 1900 then seems to dissapear around 2200rpm. It has got me stumped, and a little worried. Has anyone got a similar problem? Before anyone suggests detonation, it sounds similar to pinging, but i run 95 octane, and it makes the noise whether under load or not, even out of gear in the driveway, so it cant be detonation. I have read some things that suggest cam tensioner or compensation sprocket, but i dont know. The sound does remind me of the noise my old CBR600 made before having the cam tensioner replaced, but that is a completely different engine, so i cant be sure. I did read somewhere that some early twin cams had cam problems, so thats my first guess. Any experience?

 

Reckon I'd be checking the cam chain and tensioners pretty smartly.

 

and while there, cam lobes and lifters.

Talking to the parts rep @ the HD dealer regarding the ticking noise that he's been trying to fix. After trying all sorts of fixes & seeing as the bike had quite a few kms on it, he decided to have the valve guides checked. Guides were all worn so he replaced them & noise was gone. - Rob

Now you've got me worried! If it is the cam tensioner, what do you think I'd be looking at to fix it? I've read gear drive cams are a bulletproof fix but I'm not sure the minister would appreciate me spending massive $ on a bike she rarely gets to enjoy. What are my options(other than waiting til it blows up!)?

Cost me about $500 to do the job my self. That included a few special tools, tensioners, outer and inner bearings and gaskets and some very important O-rings for the oil pump. You can do without most of the tools if you are mechancaly minded. The most important thing is a set of time saver adjustable pushrods so the top end doesnt have to come off.
The manual in the learning section was worth its weight i gold. As was utube (just use it as a guide as the jp cycles shows later engines with upgraded cam plate).

First thing to check is the worm drive clamps on ur exhaust heat shields arent broken or loose and all the flanges clamps are tight.
Next.....pull your cam cover and look at the tensioners. You can see both! With a good torch and maybe a little mirror. You may find they are ok.

 by the way, Harley Geelong quoted $680 the change the tensioners bearings etc, and $1300 to upgrade to later type hydraulic tensioners. I think the best price for a complete gear drive was $750 ish parts only.

 

Took the bike to Rick at ricks bikes to get him to look at it. Turns out whatever the noise is, it's not internal. He quietened down the exhaust with a thick blanket (couldn't believe how much it quietened it down!) and the engine sounds fine. He said a cam chain problem or a compensation sprocket would be noticeable at all revs, so the noise is most likely a resonance or some minor thing rattling at that rev range. Unfortunately Harley's only stop rattling when they're switched off, so I might just take my time looking for it. But at least I know the motor isn't gonna shit itself anytime soon (touch wood). I feel much better. I wouldn't take my bike to anyone else. The major service is coming up soon so it'll get another look over then

Just an idea....check the rivets that secure the headlight bowl to the mounting bracket.
Mine had slogged out a bit inside the bowl and we're causing a ticking rattle.
Mines an 08 Dyna. Dunno if the headlight mounts the same, but might be worth a look.
Cheers Pete

Keep the rev's over 2,500, much easier on your bottom end.

 

how many klms on the speedo

The bikes just gone over 31000. I ride it probably 50+ k's a week (can't commute on it unfortunately), and I don't load it up too much below 2500, but the noise is there on decel as well as steady throttle. Cheers for the headlight tip, ill take a look. Rick said it might even be exhaust baffles. They are screaming eagle slip one that have been on I think since new (I'm the second owner) so maybe. I'm not as stressed as I was at least

A handy little tool to have id a stethoscope lacking that a big screwdriver.

Rick would have had a good listen to the engine and with his finely tuned Harley ear soon determined that the origin of the noise was not internal.

It can be a real pain in the arse looking for rattles and I guess for a 99 model anything rubber bushes and other vibration dapening material could be getting a little hard and allowing intermitent rattles.

Anyhow Ricks assurance that it isn't internal is a blessing