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techtalk:ref:genmsr06 [2019/03/27 18:10] – [Using a Stethoscope or Other to Hunt Down Engine Noises] 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 ======
-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)) \\+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. \\  
 + 
 +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). \\ Look at it, (oil leaks ?, obvious bad signs). \\
 Listen to it, (both with and without a stick). \\ Listen to it, (both with and without a stick). \\
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 But like anyone diagnosing things, experience gives you the ability. It just takes time. 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)) \\+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. \\ 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. \\ What you need to do is to determine if it is the normal sound or if something is wrong. \\
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 Sound, and it's interpretation, is a totally subjective thing. \\ Sound, and it's interpretation, is a totally subjective thing. \\
 What 'sounds' bad to one doesn't to another. \\ 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)) \\ +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. \\  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. \\  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. \\ 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)) \\+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. \\ 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. \\ But it's readily apparent when using a stethoscope. Same for rocker arms. \\
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 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. \\ 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. \\ 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)) \\+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. \\ That's a hard pill to swallow if the noise you hear is not detrimental by nature. \\
  
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 This method is also good for detecting air leaks. \\ 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 http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=977525&page=2)) \\+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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 ====== Stethoscope ====== ====== Stethoscope ======
 Use caution when using a stethoscope. \\ 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 http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=977525&page=3)) \\+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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