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techtalk:ref:tools108 [2018/03/03 22:19] hippysmack created |
techtalk:ref:tools108 [2019/03/24 20:37] hippysmack [Stethoscope (and other listening devices)] |
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| - | ====== REF: Shop Notes, Tips, and Tools - Sub-03H ====== | + | ====== REF: Tools - 108 ====== |
| + | ====== Stethoscope (and other listening devices) ====== | ||
| + | See also [[techtalk:ref:svcproc14#using_a_stethoscope_or_other_to_hunt_down_engine_noises|Using a Stethoscope or Other to Hunt Down Engine Noises]] in the REF section of the Sportsterpedia. \\ | ||
| + | Normally, you'd use all of your senses on an engine. ((Ferrous Head of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=977525&page=3)) \\ | ||
| + | Look at it, (oil leaks ?, obvious bad signs). \\ | ||
| + | Listen to it, (both with and without a stick). \\ | ||
| + | Feel it, (try a broken crank one time!). \\ | ||
| + | Smell it, (bad gas or oil?). \\ | ||
| + | But like anyone diagnosing things, experience gives you the ability. It just takes time. | ||
| + | The "sounds" in a Sportster engine can be quite disturbing, very much like the engine is going to blow up. ((IronMick of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=832376)) \\ | ||
| + | Literally like a tin can of marbles. \\ | ||
| + | What you need to do is to determine if it is the normal sound or if something is wrong. \\ | ||
| + | It is very difficult, almost impossible, to isolate the source of a noise while riding. \\ | ||
| + | There are pros and cons (as in other subjects) to using this listening method. \\ | ||
| + | Sound, and it's interpretation, is a totally subjective thing. \\ | ||
| + | What 'sounds' bad to one doesn't to another. \\ | ||
| + | You'll here noises from all over the engine. ((Ferrous Head of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=977525&page=4)) \\ | ||
| + | The trick is being able to decipher which ones come from where and if they sound correct or not. \\ | ||
| + | Unfortunately, experience is the best teacher here and you do need a known good engine as a reference point. \\ | ||
| + | |||
| + | However, this method can be used to hear differences in moving parts in the engine. \\ | ||
| + | Using a stethoscope is an excellent way of comparing similar areas, such as lifters, pushrods, etc. ((ericfreeman of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=977525&page=2)) \\ | ||
| + | A slightly tight valve train won't make the same sound as a properly adjusted valve. \\ | ||
| + | But it's readily apparent when using a stethoscope. Same for rocker arms. \\ | ||
| + | A quick probe around with a stethoscope now and then alleviates some worry about what might be missed otherwise. \\ | ||
| + | The 'scope' is just another tool to find the general area of the noise. \\ | ||
| + | And there is nothing wrong with using all the tools at your disposal to diagnose and troubleshoot. \\ | ||
| + | It still can be difficult to nail down the exact cause of the noise without visual inspection of the parts. \\ | ||
| + | When you first try it, you're likely trying to pinpoint the source of a particular sound to isolate the area you'd need to disassemble. \\ | ||
| + | But, in some instances, it can be like chasing ghosts by trying to do this with a stethoscope. \\ | ||
| + | The unfortunate reality is that you'll have to break the motor down into 'sections by section' to track down what's ailing it. ((Ivan RoachCoach of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=977525)) \\ | ||
| + | That's a hard pill to swallow if the noise you hear is not detrimental by nature. \\ | ||
| + | |||
| + | Or, bite the bullet and take it to an experienced wrench with enough experience to at least narrow things down a bit. \\ | ||
| + | But that may also be a subjective opinion. \\ | ||
| + | |||
| + | This method is also good for detecting air leaks. \\ | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===== Stethoscope ===== | ||
| + | |||
| + | |Mechanic stethoscope. ((photos by asasial of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=977525&page=3)) \\ The black partition at the end of the tape measure is where the diaphragm is. Note the size of the diaphragm.|| | ||
| + | |{{:techtalk:ref:tools:stethoscope_1_by_asasial.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{:techtalk:ref:tools:stethoscope_2_by_asasial.jpg?direct&300|}}| | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===== Rubber Hose ===== | ||
| + | This can be a spare piece of oil line or even a cut off piece of garden hose. \\ | ||
| + | Hold one end up to your ear and the other end against the testing site. \\ | ||
| \\ | \\ | ||
