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techtalk:ref:genmsr06 [2019/03/27 18:01] – created hippysmacktechtalk:ref:genmsr06 [2024/01/17 21:24] (current) – hippysmack
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 ====== REF: General-MSR 06 ====== ====== REF: General-MSR 06 ======
 ====== Using a Stethoscope or Other to Hunt Down Engine Noises ====== ====== Using a Stethoscope or Other to Hunt Down Engine Noises ======
 +See also [[techtalk:ref:genmsr05#hunting_down_sportster_noises|Hunting Down Sportster Noises]] in the Sportsterpedia for examples of what some noises sound like and their origin. \\ 
  
-When you're riding, it's even harder to pinpoint where the noise is generating from. ((Ivan RoachCoach of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=977525&page=2)) \\+Normally, you'd use all of your senses on an engine. ((Ferrous Head of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/107497-using-a-stethoscope-to-listen-to-the-engine/page3?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 https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/98047-ironhead-noise?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 https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/107497-using-a-stethoscope-to-listen-to-the-engine/page4?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 https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/107497-using-a-stethoscope-to-listen-to-the-engine/page2?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 https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/107497-using-a-stethoscope-to-listen-to-the-engine?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. \\ 
 + 
 +When you're riding, it's even harder to pinpoint where the noise is generating from. ((Ivan RoachCoach of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/107497-using-a-stethoscope-to-listen-to-the-engine/page2?t=977525&page=2)) \\
  
 You can use a stethoscope, screwdriver or a length of hose or an older method with a wooden stick. \\ You can use a stethoscope, screwdriver or a length of hose or an older method with a wooden stick. \\
 A stethoscope can be purchased inexpensively at Princess Auto,  Harbor Freight or others. \\ A stethoscope can be purchased inexpensively at Princess Auto,  Harbor Freight or others. \\
-If you haven't listened to your healthy engine before with either screwdriver or stethoscope etc., ((thefrenchowl of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=977525)) \\+If you haven't listened to your healthy engine before with either screwdriver or stethoscope etc., ((thefrenchowl of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/107497-using-a-stethoscope-to-listen-to-the-engine?t=977525)) \\
 You've got no reference or comparison as to what you should be listening to when your engine isn't so healthy. \\ You've got no reference or comparison as to what you should be listening to when your engine isn't so healthy. \\
 With a bit of experience, it's easier with these to pin point if you're listening to a full speed or a half-speed noise. \\ With a bit of experience, it's easier with these to pin point if you're listening to a full speed or a half-speed noise. \\
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 But the 1st time you're using them on a very healthy engine, it just sounds like it's gonna blow any minute. \\ But the 1st time you're using them on a very healthy engine, it just sounds like it's gonna blow any minute. \\
  
-However, use caution when using a stethoscope. \\ +====== Stethoscope ====== 
-It has a diaphragm in the middle of the tube (attached to the probe rod) that amplifies the sounds that you are hearing. ((asasial of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=977525&page=3)) \\+Use caution when using a stethoscope. \\ 
 +It has a diaphragm in the middle of the tube (attached to the probe rod) that amplifies the sounds that you are hearing. ((asasial of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/98047-ironhead-noise?t=832376)) \\
 This amplified sound can hurt your ears when simply scraping the probe across engine parts (or even your finger). \\ This amplified sound can hurt your ears when simply scraping the probe across engine parts (or even your finger). \\
-|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.||+|Mechanic stethoscope. ((photos by asasial of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/107497-using-a-stethoscope-to-listen-to-the-engine/page3?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|}}| |{{:techtalk:ref:tools:stethoscope_1_by_asasial.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{:techtalk:ref:tools:stethoscope_2_by_asasial.jpg?direct&300|}}|
  
-A wooden dowel also works well. ((patrickd of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=977525&page=3)) \\+A wooden dowel also works well (transfers noises well). ((patrickd of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/107497-using-a-stethoscope-to-listen-to-the-engine/page2?t=977525&page=3)) \\
 Hold one end to the engine and stick the other end against your ear. \\ Hold one end to the engine and stick the other end against your ear. \\
 The dowel not only lets you hear the sounds but it will also let you feel them. \\ The dowel not only lets you hear the sounds but it will also let you feel them. \\
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 A stethoscope may sound louder in this instance. \\ A stethoscope may sound louder in this instance. \\
 But a wooden dowel may feel a harder tap easier. \\ But a wooden dowel may feel a harder tap easier. \\
 +
 +You can hear soft and loud noises as well as feel light ticking to hard knocking sounds. \\
 +A wooden handle screwdriver, hammer or a length of 2x4 will also work. \\
 +Place one end on the area you're listening to and the other to your ear. \\
 +Sound is transferred through the wood. \\
 +
 +|  A wooden dowel for a listening tool. ((photos by Hippysmack))  ||
 +|{{:techtalk:ref:tools:listening_stick_1_by_hippysmack.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{:techtalk:ref:tools:listening_stick_2_by_hippysmack.jpg?direct&300|}}|
 +
  
 **With the engine at idle listen at**: **With the engine at idle listen at**:

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