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techtalk:ref:genmsr06 [2019/03/27 18:10] hippysmack [Using a Stethoscope or Other to Hunt Down Engine Noises] |
techtalk: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**: | ||
