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techtalk:ref:tools161 [2019/03/25 16:57] – [Rubber Hose] hippysmacktechtalk:ref:tools161 [2024/01/24 22:42] (current) hippysmack
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 ====== REF: Tools - 161 ====== ====== REF: Tools - 161 ======
 ====== Stethoscope (and other listening devices) ====== ====== 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. \\ +See also 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. \\ 
-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)) \\ +  * [[techtalk:ref:genmsr05#hunting_down_sportster_noises|Hunting Down Sportster Noises]]
-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 ===== ===== Stethoscope =====
 +A stethoscope can be used to find mechanical noises and air leaks. \\
 +It is a more sensitive device than a stick or screwdriver. \\
 +For that reason, some remove the probe on the end and simply use the hose end for probing. \\
 +Then it's less strain on the ears. \\
  
-|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|}}|
  
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 ===== Screwdriver ===== ===== Screwdriver =====
 +You can use a screwdriver as a listening device. \\
 +Grab a big (biggest you have) screwdriver from your toolbox. ((tich of the XLFORUM  https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/frame-mount-evo-sportster-talk-1986-2003-models/169843-whine-chirping-sound-like-a-bird-in-my-intake-or-carb/page2?highlight=stethoscope#post3626785)) \\
 +Put the metal end on the area you wish to listen to and your ear on the top of the handle. \\
 +Noise is transferred through the screwdriver to your ear. \\
 +
 +===== Wooden Dowel / Stick =====
 +A wood stick transfers noises well. \\
 +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|}}|
  
 \\ \\