In the know

[moesterman]

(1) I have an "06" K-9 with TP rocker boxes. The last time I rode it, last fall I detected what I can best describe as a valve train noise. (High pitch tinging). Upon researching the problem I learned about the issues with the TP rockers/boxes. From what I have learned I need to replace the TP's with SS as well as have the heads pulled and guide and valve tolerances checked and replaced as needed. Is the aforementioned a correct assessment?

(2) With that said, my bike is in east central Iowa where I will return to this spring. Once home I will need to have the necessary repairs made. I will not have the time or the where-with-al to wrench it myself. I am just south of Cedar Rapids Iowa, north of Iowa City just off of I-380 near I-80. In the past I have found it impossible to locate a concomitant in the know SS mechanic that is in my area. I know this is not a real difficult job but I am anal and do not trust just anyone. Does anyone here have any insight where I can locate a mechanic that I can trust and will not rape me?

 

[mjsk9]

Subject debated many times on this forum. Those adamant that you have to replace them ASAP or you will have Coronavirus like repercussions and those like myself that had 33,000 + miles with no issues.

 

[moesterman]

Subject debated many times on this forum. Those adamant that you have to replace them ASAP or you will have Coronavirus like repercussions and those like myself that had 33,000 + miles with no issues.

33k miles, that is almost exactly where I am and when the noise started. I was truly hoping there would be a definitive answer, wishful thinking huh. I am good with the box and rocker replacement if necessary but would love to avoid pulling the heads.
I winter in Vegas where we are thick with visitors from all over the world and Covic19 is a much bigger concern then my bike. The grocery stores are empty and the hospitals are full. I believe they are attempting to keep the reported numbers down so as not to scare the tourist away. the place is turning into a ghost town at a time it is normally thriving with sports enthusiast. At my age it is a little concerning if infected. I am certain the next announcement will be a cancellation of the NFL Draft scheduled here. They are holding off until the last minute and making alternate accommodations or postponement.
Thanks for your reply.
Stay safe and healthy.
Al

 

[mleach72]

(1) I have an "06" K-9 with TP rocker boxes. The last time I rode it, last fall I detected what I can best describe as a valve train noise. (High pitch tinging). Upon researching the problem I learned about the issues with the TP rockers/boxes. From what I have learned I need to replace the TP's with SS as well as have the heads pulled and guide and valve tolerances checked and replaced as needed. Is the aforementioned a correct assessment?

(2) With that said, my bike is in east central Iowa where I will return to this spring. Once home I will need to have the necessary repairs made. I will not have the time or the where-with-al to wrench it myself. I am just south of Cedar Rapids Iowa, north of Iowa City just off of I-380 near I-80. In the past I have found it impossible to locate a concomitant in the know SS mechanic that is in my area. I know this is not a real difficult job but I am anal and do not trust just anyone. Does anyone here have any insight where I can locate a mechanic that I can trust and will not rape me?

Although it probably is worn valve guides, it isn't a guarantee. A bad rocker bushing can cause top end ticking, and a bad lifter can sound like it's coming from the top end. If it is bad valve guides, I have heard talk that bronze valve guides fix the problem. This requires pulling the heads, but would be much cheaper than a complete swap. I may go this route if I ever have any trouble, because I love the look of my TP's.

 

[moesterman]

Thanks, we have been packing up and traveling back to Iowa. With all the craziness going on we decided to do the quarantine thing in Iowa since Vegas is shut down. In any case, thanks again for your reply and I appreciate the attached video. One concern in identifying the area of the noise, it only evident while riding. Does the "pitch" of the noise have any roll in identifying the problem? It is something that I am not familiar with, does not sound like a rocker clicking. It is a very high pitch tinny sound that presents as I am cruising and is intermittent. But certainty seems to be coming from the top end. My best comparison of the noise is the pinging from low octane gas. The biggest difference is it presents just cruising. It has been awhile since I rode it and once the weather breaks I hope to get it out and ride. Last year I was so limited due to dbl knee replacement.
Curiosity, is this Mark from Des Moines? You must know someone in the area.