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Winter Project! 1988 Sportster Basket Case :/

Ok...thank you guys!
I think it's official I'm going into the cams .... Never done something like this before & makes me a lil nervous but I can't wait to do it :)
Will report back later
Oh, oh question ... All the gaskets are *new and the engine has been run for about 20 minutes total since install do I need a new set of gaskets?
I know in general the answer is yes* but I thought I'll ask since they are new and the engine hasn't been run much. (short on cash so I hope not)
Thanks again
 
If possible it is always good to replace the gaskets however if care is taken and you are lucky it may be possible to reuse the gaskets but i would always have new ones at hand prior to starting

Brian
 
RibEye said:
You might want to look into the cam chest, if it has one. If one of the cam bearings has failed, that could cause the cam to tap in its race each time it is trying to push up on a pushrod. Also, it could cause the cam to rotate excentrically, applying off-axis pressure on the lifters. That could be why one broke like it did.

Good luck,
Rich P
Click to expand...

@RibEye
I pulled the cam cover today....
Everything seems OK the only thing I noticed is that the inner cam bearing for the Front intake/pushrod in question seems to have to much wiggle room...it lets the cam move up/down/sides much more than the others...
This sounds a lot like what you suggested in your post.
The bearing itself looks ok but how do I figure out for sure?
Just in case I ordered one off eBay along with the gaskets.

Any other info will be appreciate it.

Thanks guys
 
I am not a Sporty man. Also, I can't tell from here if you have too much slop. I don't know if a bit of slop will do what you are detecting. A failed bearing might, but I don't know about a little too much slop. Maybe one of our Sporty specialists can help you with specifics.

Once you are done, you will know what is what in there with the cams.

I'm also curious if the questionable lifter is getting the oil needed to pump up. If I remember correctly, everything has to be oriented correctly for the lifter to get its needed oil supply.

I thought for sure you had found it when you found that cracked guide.

As previously stated, make sure you have the cams lined up properly. Your service manual will show you how all the marks line up.

Sometimes clicking and ticking is as simple as a push rod that is not straight, and hitting the inside of its push rod tube. Do a search on this site. I remember one of folks found one of his adjustable push rods not straight when the nuts were tightened up.

Be patient. She will treat you good, once you find out what is ailing her.

Good luck,
Rich P
 
Maustarman said:
@RibEye
I pulled the cam cover today....
Everything seems OK the only thing I noticed is that the inner cam bearing for the Front intake/pushrod in question seems to have to much wiggle room...it lets the cam move up/down/sides much more than the others...
This sounds a lot like what you suggested in your post.
The bearing itself looks ok but how do I figure out for sure?
Just in case I ordered one off eBay along with the gaskets.

Any other info will be appreciate it.

Thanks guys
Click to expand...

Sporster Camshaft Assembly Drawing Here is an exploded view of your cam chest, I would change the inner and outer bushings just because
 
OK everyone here is my update...
Changed the Tappet guides, replaced the inner bearings for the cams, adjusted the PRs, and the freaking. Noise still there...
What tha heck do I do next?
I know the timing is way off would that be it? (I ordered a timing light and plug to tackle that next)
I'm pretty frustrated and not getting lucky with that noise :(

Forgot to mention....the noise DEFINITIVELY increases with the RPMs... If that helps
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Noise travels, have you checked from the rocker box down with a stethoscope? Reason I ask is hoping you do not have a broken valve spring or valve guide
 
Jack Klarich said:
Noise travels, have you checked from the rocker box down with a stethoscope? Reason I ask is hoping you do not have a broken valve spring or valve guide
Click to expand...
Thanks Jack,
I'll be getting to double check that next..I guess I'm going to get the timing right too.
How would I figure out if its a valve spring or Valve guide?
It'll amaze me if that's the case cuz the bike has been ran for about 2 miles since rebuilt and put back together ..but again am new to HDs and don't know much :(
 
Update*
I did the timing today... I used the clear viewing plug and it was impossible to see anything so I decided to just take it off and deal with it (after all how bad it can be?) LOL... I geared up with some safety glasses and went to town :) well...this time I was able to see and did the timing following the manual...although my hair looks like it came out of the 70s ...very greasy :)
Good News is that my engine noise got better by at least a 50%..
This might have been the problem all around...although, there is still the mystery of the broken tappet Guide.
Will be testing the VOES tomorrow... The manual days that a faulty VOES contributes to a bad engine knock/tap.
 
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