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techtalk:ref:tools161 [2019/03/27 18:07]
hippysmack [Stethoscope (and other listening devices)]
techtalk:ref:tools161 [2019/03/27 18:08]
hippysmack [Stethoscope (and other listening devices)]
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   * [[techtalk:​ref:​genmsr06#​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. \\   * [[techtalk:​ref:​genmsr06#​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. \\
   * [[techtalk:​ref:​genmsr05#​hunting_down_sportster_noises|Hunting Down Sportster Noises]]   * [[techtalk:​ref:​genmsr05#​hunting_down_sportster_noises|Hunting Down Sportster Noises]]
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-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. 
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-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. \\ 
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-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. \\  
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-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. \\ 
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-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. \\ 
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-This method is also good for detecting air leaks. \\ 
  
 ===== Stethoscope ===== ===== Stethoscope =====