High pitch squeel

[644steve]

Hi, i have an issue im hoping you can help with.
I have a high pitched squeel from the engine which starts at 2500 and ceases at 3000rpm .
I have recently put a screen on which has amplified the noise to its present squeel.
Prior to the screen being fitted i could detect the nouse but only faintly.
The bike is a 1998 valkyrie.
It has been suggested that the timing belt tensioners could be the problem, but if so why dont they squeel continually ?
Any help very much appreciated.

[bluthundr31]

+1 on the timing belt tensioners, , , ,it is possible/likely that the squeal will get progressively worse as the bearings get more and more abuse/worn.

If I were you, , , I would consider taking the hint from the "squeal" that the tensioners are NOT HAPPY and check em out before they crap out completely and cause a catastrophic failure of that engine.

If the timing belts haven't been changed, , now is a good time to do it too. Belts/tensioners are cheap compared to the cost of a replacement engine.

[644steve]

Hi
The belts were replaced in April this year by previous owner and maybe he overtightened thensioners, im gonna check.
But im curious as to why the noise is only detectable between 2500and 3000rpm

[bluthundr31]

I would guess that the 2500-3000 rpm puts the exact amount of tension on the belts to make em "sing" like that, , ,lower or higher is enough to nullify the sound, , ,but NOT the problem.

[644steve]

Ok so ive done a visual check on the belts and the tensioners and without any load ( i.e just in nuetral ) and a cold engine there is no noise and the belts are within correct tension

[644steve]

Ok so ive done a visual check on the belts and the tensioners and without any load ( i.e just in nuetral ) and a cold engine there is no noise and the belts are within correct tension

[Andy Cote]

Re you saying the noise is there when going down the road but not there when in neutral?

Same RPM in all gears or same speed regardless of gear?

Stress on parts is different when under load (moving) than when in neutral. It is still possible it's the tensioners and since that was the last work done it becomes the most likely culprit. Tensioners can be removed and checked for bearing wear. It is possible to replace just the bearing or you can replace the entire unit. Loop a ty-wrap or even string around the belt to hold it in place and take the tensioner off. This will keep it on the right teeth. Be sure to check tension and alignment marks during reassembly.

But it could also be the speedometer drive cable. Either worn or dry they make a skin crawling squeal and only at a certain road speed. Not an issue if Valkyrie Interstate (electric drive).