My harley has a strange ticking noise just started today its at the top of the engine under the valve covers

Valve gear generally does not produce load sensitive noises - because the load on these components do not vary in normal use.

A load dependent noise is usually produced by a component that is subjected to varying loads - piston, piston rings, connecting rod bearings, etc.

I suggest you treat yourself to a mechanics stethoscope or sonascope in order to more closely listen to your engine and attempt to pinpoint the source of the ticking noise.

ticking noise from an engine is more than likely the rockers under the valve cover. after a long period of time, the lifters and the push rods wear and cause fatigue in the metal and also the lifters can also start sticking from ling usage and dry oil getting stuck inside them

Your engine code (DTC P0442 Evaporative Emission (EVAP) System Small Leak Detected ) should not have anything to do with a ticking sound. The evaporative system keeps you from having a gas smell under the hood and in the car.

As far as ticking goes ... it could be many things. You are correct, it could be lifters. If you take a long screwdriver and with the engine running place the handle end against your ear and touch the blade end to the top of the valve cover the screwdriver will act as a stethescope. If the ticking gets a lot louder somewhere on the valve cover then yes, you have a lifter making noise. If the motor ran really low on oil, and then one or more lifters started ticking you can try running about a half quart of transmission fluid in the oil for about 15 minutes at ididle while gently changing the rpms between idle and about 2500 to see if it loosens up the lifter(s). Change the oil after you do this.

To test the PCV valve, with the engine running pull the PCV valve out of the valve cover (leave it attached to the vaccuum hose) and place the tip of your finger against the now exposed tip of the PCV valve. It should make a snapping noise and **** your finger against the opening in the valve. If it does not, then make sure the vaccuum hose does not have a leak in it. If the hose is good, shut the car off, remove the valve from the vaccuum hose, and use some carburetor spray and clean it out. I clean mine each time I change the spark plugs. If the valve is stuck or clogged this could be causing the oil pooiing problem in the air intake tube you describe from excessive crankcase pressure.

If you still have not found the ticking noise, it could also be in the lower end of the motor. This is the only "bad" place for it to be out of what I have described. If it is a lifter and the noise is not really loud, it is not dangerous to drive.

Your bike came with an oil dipstick. It should be on the oil filler cap on the back end of the transmssion. You can get a new dipstick from a dealer, aftermarket shop, or here at this link.

http://www.bikebandit.com/1999-harley-davidson-flhr/o/m1019#sch146813

As for the ticking noise, if it's just a slight tick that sounds like it's coming from the top end, this is normal. Your engine is an older design engine using pushrods to operate the valves instead of the more modern overhead camshaft design like other bikes. This is what makes a Harley a Harley. Harley-Davidson motorcycles are designed and built for the motorcycle purist that still likes the looks and lines of a classic motorcycle. They like a motorcycle that doesn't have a radiator on it. As such, the valve train is not as quiet as the more modern design. As long as the noise is not so loud as to be distracting, there's probably nothing wrong with your bike. If the noise is distracting or attracts the attention of other riders nearby, you may need to take it to a mechanic. Without hearing the noise, anything that I say would be even worse than a mere guess.

Good Luck
Steve

May be under the valve cover. Lifter may be going flat or tappets loose or bad pushrod. don-ohio (:^)

might be the valves have been damaged running without oil
- or the crankshaft / camshaft / main bearings
most probably you have to let the engine be rebuilt by a mechanic
(expect cost of more than US$ 2.000)
or get another (used) engine at a scrapyard

The only thing under the rocker boxes is the rockers and the upper part of the heads with the valve springs. Getting to this area is not that difficult.

Remove the fuel tank and seat. Then, remove the six bolts that holt the top and middle rocker box covers on. Now, you're at the rocker plate with the rocker arms in it. You can also see the tops of the valve springs. Look and see if there is anything that might be causing your noise.

Now, keep in mind that a Harley engine is of an old design. It is a pushrod type engine with rocker arms that open and close the valves. They are going to make a little noise. Now, if you're having to get close to the rocker box to hear the noise, it's probably nothing to worry about. But, if you can hear the noise stand away from the bike a few feet, you may have a problem. But most things that might break or come loose under the rocker box will usually effect the way the engine runs.

Also, you could have an exhaust leak. It makes a "tick, tick, tick" type noise. Tighten the nuts on the two studs snugly but don't break them off.

Good Luck
Steve

Is it a ticking or knocking noise? or does it sound like something is leaking could be a bad manifold gasket which would be better than a ticking or knocking.

Check under the hood and inspect the valve cover gasket. If it's bad it would explain why you don't see any leaks on the ground because it's probably burning off on the manifold. This ticking you're hearing is a lack of lubrication to the rocker arms. Apart from the valve cover gasket, you should get under the car and inspect the oil pan and oil filter for seepage. Best of luck on your problem.
Greg

it very well can be that depending on the severity of the ticking noise, if it sounds like its coming from the top of the engine, place your hand on it only when you first start it up and if you can feel it knocking slightly and if the noise dies away once warmed up id say its your lifter, if its a heavier knocking rather than a ticking and comes from below or bottom end of engine it may be big end bearing, not good. try putting some engine treatment through the engine oil and make sure you run it in as directions state then change the oil and filter and see if that helps :)