Are My Ears Playing Tricks? Ticking Engine Noise

[nocturncal]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5XcKnFlUHHE

Went to do more work on my bike today, and noticed this ticking nose. Is this normal or should I investigate more?

This sound actually had been there for a while but I never really thought anything of it till recently. The sound is there on startup, and the video is the sound of the bike after running for 20 min

Edit: I can only link the video, tried to embed the video directly on u pay using the YouTube button but I keep on getting an error

[DannoXYZ]

Originally Posted by nocturncal

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5XcKnFlUHHE

Edit: I can only link the video, tried to embed the video directly on u pay using the YouTube button but I keep on getting an error

Copy only the video's ID from YouTube's URL = 5XcKnFlUHHE

Then click on YouTube icon in menu bar.

paste video's ID between tags

Link to original page on YouTube.

[DannoXYZ]

Sounds like valvetrain sounds, rockers on valves or cam-chain.

What torque did you use on adjuster locknuts?

[nocturncal]

Originally Posted by DannoXYZ

Sounds like valvetrain sounds, rockers on valves or cam-chain.

What torque did you use on adjuster locknuts?

Adjuster locknuts? Mmm I could be wrong but isn't that for the pre gen ninjas? I've got an 09 ninja.

[DannoXYZ]

Oh sorry, got that mixed up. If valve-clearances are correct, should be quiet.

Maybe check cam-chain tension.
Or something loose under clutch or alternator covers?

[59096]

Originally Posted by nocturncal

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5XcKnFlUHHE

Went to do more work on my bike today, and noticed this ticking nose. Is this normal or should I investigate more?

This sound actually had been there for a while but I never really thought anything of it till recently. The sound is there on startup, and the video is the sound of the bike after running for 20 min

Edit: I can only link the video, tried to embed the video directly on u pay using the YouTube button but I keep on getting an error

Sounds like the cam chain thrashing around. If it started suddenly it’s probably the tensioner gone to lunch.

[nocturncal]

Originally Posted by 59096

Sounds like the cam chain thrashing around. If it started suddenly it’s probably the tensioner gone to lunch.

I'm leaning towards a cam chain tensioner issue. Putting one side of a screwdriver to the engine and the other side to my ear, I can hear the rattling the loudest where the cam chain is.

I adjusted the valves yesterday and 2 valves needed adjusting. I've still got the sound. So onto the CCT.

I saw a DIY for cleaning the CCT, and was considering trying that first vs buying a new OEM CCT vs buying a manual CCT.

When disassembling and cleaning a CCT, what should I clean it with? Like a generic degreaser?

And is there any benefit to getting a manual CCT other than it being cheaper?

[DannoXYZ]

OEM tensioner works fine when it’s not broken. I would check existing one for smooth one-way operation. Otherwise replace with OEM. Use some synthetic grease to lube it before installing.

Manual tensioners are a pain. First you have to learn what is correct tension. Usually requires finding bike with OEM tensioner and getting a feel for how proper chain-tension feels. Then you have to maintain that tension over time, manually checking and tightening every month.

I suspect you didn’t cock and release tensioner properly when adjusting valve-clearances. Read up on procedure in workshop manual. Do it several times before final procedure. Also be sure to lube it with synthetic grease before final installation.

[nocturncal]

Originally Posted by DannoXYZ

OEM tensioner works fine when it’s not broken. I would check existing one for smooth one-way operation. Otherwise replace with OEM. Use some synthetic grease to lube it before installing.

Manual tensioners are a pain. First you have to learn what is correct tension. Usually requires finding bike with OEM tensioner and getting a feel for how proper chain-tension feels. Then you have to maintain that tension over time, manually checking and tightening every month.

I suspect you didn’t cock and release tensioner properly when adjusting valve-clearances. Read up on procedure in workshop manual. Do it several times before final procedure. Also be sure to lube it with synthetic grease before final installation.

Is it worth it to try to disassemble the original CCT and
"Clean" it, if that's a thing? I read another DIY thread about disassembling and rebuilding the original CCT. Otherwise I'll swing on over to SF Moto and buy another one

Luckily they have an OEM one in stock, but they aren't getting another CCT gasket until wednesday.

[DannoXYZ]

The plunger in CCT should be smooth and able to slide through easily. Test that motion and also that it resists motion backwards. That's how it's able adjust and tighten as chain wears. If it allows backwards movement, it's not going to adjust tension properly..

[nocturncal]

Originally Posted by DannoXYZ

The plunger in CCT should be smooth and able to slide through easily. Test that motion and also that it resists motion backwards. That's how it's able adjust and tighten as chain wears. If it allows backwards movement, it's not going to adjust tension properly..

Link to original page on YouTube.

Recorded a video of my tensioner. Found a loose part of the CCT, the head on the retractor. Could this be the culprit of my ticking nose?

The tensioner resists with a lot of force when I try to wind it up. Taking the key out to unwind it, I don't feel anything binding and fighting the tensioner when it extends

[nocturncal]

Pictures of the valve adjustment, don't know if this will help me with my problem.

[nocturncal]

I ended up replacing the cam chain tensioner. greased the tensioner up, kept the key in,to keep the tensioner retracted, torqued bolts to spec and took key out. And low and behold!

The clicking sound is still there... It's weird because the sound is intermittent. Like it'll be there for maybe 10 minutes of riding, then go away, then come back again.

Is it possible that my clutch springs have something to do with it? I've never opened up the clutch area before. Ive done 8,000ish miles this year ,with 99% of that city riding. The sound is coming from the tight side, but i have a hard time hearing whether the ticking nose is coming from the cam chain area vs the clutch cover. I'm not having clutch slipping issues

[DannoXYZ]

Is this photo with or without tensioner in place?

[nocturncal]

Originally Posted by DannoXYZ

Is this photo with or without tensioner in place?

If memory serves me correctly I had the tensioner in place, although I'm not 100% sure.

I was following the Ninja 250 valve Clearance maintanence video on YouTube.

I'm guessing here, but my can chain looks loose at the top between the two camshaft sprokets yeah?

[nocturncal]

Also side question, when rotating the crank to the 1T and 2T positions, is it normal to have a hard time holding the engine at the 1T and 2T positions? When I was checking clearances, say for example rotating to the 1T position, I would have to hold my ratchet in place to keep the crank from moving itself past the 1T. The crank wanted to quickly push itself past the 1T an 2T positions, moreso at 1T

[DannoXYZ]

That's compressed air in cylinder pushing piston down. Easier if you remove both plugs first.