considering possible reasons for lifter clatter

[Lumpy Rider]

Despite trying all of the solutions by Voyagers given for minimizing the lifter clatter that seems characteristic of many XIIs, my engine still experiences what I feel at times is excessive clatter. In as much, I have a hard time believing the root cause is gunk in the lifters. I was wondering if anyone has tried to "science out" this problem and, specifically, whether the clatter could be linked to a more abstract problem such as with oil pressure or whether engines run lean or rich or problems associated with low usage. I test rode a poorly maintained XII with 88,000 miles in my area recently and was surprised to hear the engine run as quiet as a sewing machine over a range of rpm's. Any takers on this line of thinking?

[Lumpy Rider]

I have noted on my Kawi that sometimes the lifters bleed down and must re-prime when it is parked and other times not. Also, at times they bleed off at idle speed and other times they do not, and for brief moments at higher rpm's when the engine is not under load (i.e. sudden deceleration). After running ATF, MMM, Seafoam, Rotella 15w-40, using anti foam Valvoline oil and paying meticulous attention to oil changes over a range of 6000 miles would clear any gunk from the check valve of hydraulic lifters, but it has not for my XII. Any thoughts? The clatter is intermittent and makes me nuts as you can tell here Have faced this issue back in the day on a number of auto engines like the 327, 330, 283, 289 and 360 and was able to solve the problem, but not on my Kawi.

[ekap1200]

I have noted on my Kawi that sometimes the lifters bleed down and must re-prime when it is parked and other times not. Also, at times they bleed off at idle speed and other times they do not, and for brief moments at higher rpm's when the engine is not under load (i.e. sudden deceleration). After running ATF, MMM, Seafoam, Rotella 15w-40, using anti foam Valvoline oil and paying meticulous attention to oil changes over a range of 6000 miles would clear any gunk from the check valve of hydraulic lifters, but it has not for my XII. Any thoughts? The clatter is intermittent and makes me nuts as you can tell here Have faced this issue back in the day on a number of auto engines like the 327, 330, 283, 289 and 360 and was able to solve the problem, but not on my Kawi.

time to call Carl Leo, and do whatever he says, even if it is swapping out an engine.

[Lucasind]

viewtopic.php?t=3896" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

This link is a old thread started by "Farmer Al" about the same problem . ,don't know if you have ever read this thread.

[Lumpy Rider]

I had not read this thread. Thanks. The tooling and oil galley theories sound plausible. I want to get to the bottom of this issue though my financial means are somewhat limited. I love the sound of the engine when it runs properly..reminiscent of the KZ bikes I've owned. Do you know if the Voyager's rocker arms have a pre-load adjustment?

[Lucasind]

pages 4-13 thru 4-17 of the XII service manual goes into great detail about this subject. Too much to type here.

[voyager55]

I bought my 2003 in 2005. Since new the bike has always seemed noisy to me. Then other times I ride, it seemed quieter. Who knows why etc. I don't even think or worry about it any more. Nature of the beast I guess. Hasn't exploded yet!

I use 15w 40 Rotella Carl recommends, change it every 3000 miles, and I'm happy.

[Lumpy Rider]

Same here...at times it runs quieter as if there are fewer lifter/excessive lash events happening. Owners of older models - have you heard if they report the same noise?