Thumping sound and feeling between my legs

[pcarrell]

I can go a year with Amsoil (and I typically ride a lot.....usually 8k-10k a year), but where I live the larger temp changes in winter got me to thinking that I'd want to change it to prevent breakdown and condensation.  I know it's not an exact science, but I can tell when it's time to change when the little man with the hammer trying to get out starts switching to a sledge hammer.

[ChilliDrift]

Speaking of amsoil,...  how long can you go between oil changes? I see info of 25k miles..... Really?

[pcarrell]

Hey koolray, how many miles are on your bike?  Vulcans are typically noisy engines, so it may be nothing, but....

Try to listen with either a stethascope or a long metal rod like a 3/8th" drive extention and ID where this sound comes from.

Duplicate the noise and ID where.

If the intake tract is still stock, and your sense of hearing is off some, then the ISCs could be the sound. (idle solenoid controlls) inside the right air filter looking dog bowl. These don't usually click with riding speed though. Mostly these work at cold start and sometimes work at hot idle where you slowed to a stop rapidly.

Low miles on a older bike could mean there is a drive shaft problem. Many of the Vulcan's have a driveshaft problem, where the U Joint didn't get grease in all 4 U Joint ends. One way or another these joints became air bound at the factory, and only 2 ends were greased well. So give a listen to the drive shaft tube, near the engine where the U joint would be.

Listen to the rear of the engine case near there too, for the bevel gear, but I wouldn't think it would click.

Also, have a listen to the chain gallery at the cam chain tensioner... I suppose it might be possible for it to have stuck, and not follwed the guides as it should have. This is out on the deep end some, since i can hardly imainge this myself, but sometimes things stick. 2 Springs and I think no oil pressure work these tensioners... I have not personally had one opened up yet.  This would probably make more of a buzzing sound....picture a bicycle chain rubbing against metal.

Pin point where this noise comes from better, and others should be of some help too.

I've noticed my engine is noisier when it needs an oil change, and Amsoil seems to keep it happier for longer then most oils.

[45 Bravo]

Hi, Sorry to have been remiss in not answering your post, I just found it.

The little man with a hammer every one talks about is a light tapping noise from inside the engine, not Thor showing off for his girlfriend.

I have never heard of or felt the thump you mention.

In mine it is a light tapping from inside the engine, towards the front.

Sorry to be so vague.

Oh, Post some photos of the drifter..

45 Bravo

[koolray]

I have a?  for 45 bravo,that man with a hammer trying to get out was that a figure of speech or is it a REAL feeling of a man hitting the top of the engine trying to get out cause it feels just as you described. A thump thump thump. PS I'm already an outlaw in my hood someone called the po po on me for riding my Drifter up and down my street  you know getting the feeling and bonding with her maybe their just jealous lol. I gave her a good washing and wax job the frame is shiny black again so are the tires, that douche bag I saved her from said (fresh tune up and fluids) yea right plugs are black and sooted up, oil drain plug hasent been touched in a while. Next project will be new brakes and disks,then new mirrors and grips,highway pegs and a new gas tank cap right now a flathead screwdriver will get me and anyone else in oh yea a solo seat. To the gentleman who suggested the seat he has for sale it looks great with the gooseberry color but I would like a black seat no studs to go with the blacked out theme lol no offence to you or the beautiful seat Thanks for the offer.