Intermittent engine noise

[nightflight1]

While riding home from Big Bend an engine noise developed. The sound was like a whine from the right side of my 05 Nomad. When I turn ignition off and restart it the whine is not there. Later it come on again when riding. I suspected a fuel pump at first but opening the gas tank does not make the sound louder. Now I am thinking it sounds more like a clutch bearing squealing. Has anyone else had a similar problem, and if so, what what was the cause?? Anyone have any ideas?

[Cajunrider]

Wayne, I've had the same noise and found one of the exhaust header heat shield clamps had loosened up. It made a hell of an rpm rattle on the right side. Didn't hear it at idle, just at certain rpm's when going through the gears and when reaching a mid range rpm in 5th gear. Tightened it up and never heard it again.

[nightflight1]

I did have a heat shield that was loose due to the pop rivet being loose, I re-riveted it and cured that problem several months ago. This whine is different and really has a squeal to it. When I shut the engine off and restart there is nothing there. I have plenty of oil so I know it is lubed. I am at a loss as to cause but hope someone else may have had this happen too. Thanx for the info.

[crapper]

could it be your fan kicking in ....?

[nightflight1]

No, the fan always comes on as I go into the garage because of this hot Texas weather. Sounds completely different than the fan. That noise just seems like a bearing to me but I was hoping someone could give me a clue as to what it is. I hate to think of getting the engine torn down to replace a bearing. and not even knowing which one or if it even is a bearing. Thanx for your input anyway.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

How many miles do you have on the bike, Wayne? I can't think of anything it might be. Maybe Mac, CJ or BD will see your post and have an answer for you. Be sure and let us know when you figure out what is making the noise.

[nightflight1]

The bike has 26K miles on it and I use synthetic oil. I was happy to get back home from our 1600 mile trip to Big Bend without breaking down on the side of the road. I rode 140 miles yesterday and it still is acting up. I just turn it off and restart it and noise ceases for a while.

[macmac]

Once the sound starts can you park in neutral with the engine running and still hear it?

[nightflight1]

Yes, stopping, park in neutral and the sound continues. I shift to 1st. and sound is still there, go back to neutral and still there. Only goes away after switching off and restarting. HELP!!

[macmac]

Good, then when this sound occures park the bike and with a steel rod like a 12" + extension, place it around and pin point the source of the sound as best you can to ID about where it comes from. Put yer ear on the other end of the rod...

[nightflight1]

Say Mac, good idea. Would a longer steel rod work better. LOL? I completely forgot the old "get a long handled screwdriver and listen" gimmick. LOL I tried to feel the vibration, since it's not a HD, but could not pin point it. Thanx

[nightflight1]

I bought a stethoscope at Harbor Freight but I think a rubber hose will work as good or better. I added some Sea Foam today, went and had my front tire changed, and never had a noise from the engine. Can't be that easy a fix. LOL Will be riding extended miles tomorrow so that should make it get noisy again.