Motorcycle Repair: 1984 Shovelhead Engine noise, loud bangs, shovelhead

Question
Thanks,

That's kind of what I was thinking, except - why did the engine die in the first place and now is running? Is piston slap caused by a bad bearing or wrist pin? Most importantly - should I bother trying a tappet re-adjust before I tear down again? Have you ever seen valves hit piston?
Thanks again,
Bob
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Followup To

Question -
1984 Roadster 1000cc (shovelhead). 25,000 miles. Minor Engine noise (rattle/clanging), then sputtered, with loud bangs/clangs, then would not start. Compression good. Removed heads - found nothing wrong. Front cylinder may have had a loose tappet adjustment. No noise when cranking with heads removed. Rebuilt with new gaskets, plugs, wires. Rebuilt carb. Readjusted tappets per manual (with very little push rod play). Now engine starts and runs "great" except loud clanging engine noise. Turns into rattle when revving up. Seems to be more vibration than normal? (not sure). Could valves be hitting pistons if tappet adjustment wrong/ too tight? Any other suggestions?

Thanks very much for your time and help.

Answer -
You might not have gone far enough. The noise you are hearing might be a cam bearing going out,pistion slap, or a rod going out.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike

Answer
I have seen valves hit the pistons, but only from the pushrods being to tight or the lifters havent been bled properly. Piston slap is caused from wear on the piston. You can try readjusting the valves again and try that befor you tear it down
Good luck and happy riding