Can't Find Chirping Cricket -Like Noise 09 RKC

[Jack Klarich]

I am by no means as knowledgeable as the HD mech. you spoke to, but I have to agree with Jack. It has been my experience that something loose in the piston usually sounds like a thud or slap. I don't think I have ever heard a loose or broken valve guide, but the motion would seem like a high pitched squeal could happen. I'm still thinking that the head gasket leak is possible. Please let us know how this turns out. Best of luck.

Another good point Don, a compression / leak down test before dis assembly would not hurt

 

[danthern]

I am by no means as knowledgeable as the HD mech. you spoke to, but I have to agree with Jack. It has been my experience that something loose in the piston usually sounds like a thud or slap. I don't think I have ever heard a loose or broken valve guide, but the motion would seem like a high pitched squeal could happen. I'm still thinking that the head gasket leak is possible. Please let us know how this turns out. Best of luck.

I appreciate it....I'm going to drop the exhaust in the morning. The dealer mechanic said that evidence of oil when looking into the cylinder at the exhaust site would suggest a bad valve guide...Guess I'll start there. Definitely will keep y'all posted, thanks for the great feedback!

 

[danthern]

I appreciate it....I'm going to drop the exhaust in the morning. The dealer mechanic said that evidence of oil when looking into the cylinder at the exhaust site would suggest a bad valve guide...Guess I'll start there. Definitely will keep y'all posted, thanks for the great feedback!

Pics of the valve guides....could this be my problem?

 

[danthern]

Would it be OK to run the motor briefly without the exhaust?

 

[Jack Klarich]

Would it be OK to run the motor briefly without the exhaust?

Not for very long, the oil could be a bad oil seal also

 

[danthern]

Not for very long, the oil could be a bad oil seal also

I'd like to run it for maybe a minute if I could without causing damage

 

[brianf]

Running for a minute won't be long enough for anything to over heat and hurt the engine... Wear ear protection, though and eye protection in case a little piece of carbon comes off at high velocity.

 

[danthern]

Running for a minute won't be long enough for anything to over heat and hurt the engine... Wear ear protection, though and eye protection in case a little piece of carbon comes off at high velocity.

That's good advice, thanks...anyone got an opinion on that valve guide?

 

[Jack Klarich]

That's good advice, thanks...anyone got an opinion on that valve guide?

In pic 1 the valve appears open, if you run it watch the guide to see if it moves

 

[glider]

You mentioned that you checked the stabilizer, have you tried some lube like a silicone or a dab of grease to eliminate them as a source. If you ride in bad weather or wash the bike a lot, they could be dry and in need of some lube.

Give them a twist by hand and see if the feel loose or dry and gritty.