engine rattle

[Skid]

My bike developed a weird rattle/noise at idle. Sounds like a "slapping" noise coming from the front part of the engine - near handle bars. The bike otherwise runs fine.

Loose timing chain, maybe? I'll get it looked at this weekend, but if it's a simple fix that anyone here knows about, maybe I can save a buck or two.

[alex.s]

when was the last time you checked valve clearance?

[Skid]

Originally Posted by alex.s

when was the last time you checked valve clearance?

I've only had the bike for a couple of months. Tight valves will cause this? The bike has 14K on the odo, and don't know when the last valve job was. If it's valves, then I'll leave it up to the pros.

[toua70]

Originally Posted by Skid

I've only had the bike for a couple of months. Tight valves will cause this? The bike has 14K on the odo, and don't know when the last valve job was. If it's valves, then I'll leave it up to the pros.

mine is doing the exact same thing. Weird ticking sound during cold start with choke on and then while it idles, there's a slapping or flapping sound coming from the front. I asked Kevin bout it but he said I shouldn't have to worry about the valve inspection/adjustment until 12k or so. I am closing onto 8000 miles.

[Skid]

Originally Posted by toua70

mine is doing the exact same thing. Weird ticking sound during cold start with choke on and then while it idles, there's a slapping or flapping sound coming from the front. I asked Kevin bout it but he said I shouldn't have to worry about the valve inspection/adjustment until 12k or so. I am closing onto 8000 miles.

I was told to check valve clearance every 6000 miles or so.

Who's your mechanic? I did the brakes, oil change, and other simple stuff myself, but I don't know about valve adjustments so need to find a good mechanic.

[toua70]

Originally Posted by Skid

I was told to check valve clearance every 6000 miles or so.

Who's your mechanic? I did the brakes, oil change, and other simple stuff myself, but I don't know about valve adjustments so need to find a good mechanic.

I do everything myself. But valves I'm not so confident about. I'm gonna get help from another member here with valves but he said to wait. Was sure its 7500 miles

[Skid]

Originally Posted by toua70

I do everything myself. But valves I'm not so confident about. I'm gonna get help from another member here with valves but he said to wait. Was sure its 7500 miles

Who, Kev? Whatever happened to the tech day he was talking about?

[alex.s]

toua, we can do your valves any time. the newgen and pregen have different valve adjustment schdules. first schedule for new gen is 7500 but they rarely are out of spec by then. always good to check clearances though.

[Skid]

toua, I'll get it checked out and let you know what the source of this is. If it's a loose timing chain, it can destroy your engine eventually (so I read). I'm taking it in for servicing tomorrow.

[toua70]

Originally Posted by alex.s

toua, we can do your valves any time. the newgen and pregen have different valve adjustment schdules. first schedule for new gen is 7500 but they rarely are out of spec by then. always good to check clearances though.

Sweet!! haha i just have to buy the hot cams kevin was telling me about. He wants to wait til he gets his new engine then we'll work on it so I can wait

[toua70]

Originally Posted by Skid

toua, I'll get it checked out and let you know what the source of this is. If it's a loose timing chain, it can destroy your engine eventually (so I read). I'm taking it in for servicing tomorrow.

Cool!

[alex.s]

Originally Posted by toua70

Sweet!! haha i just have to buy the hot cams kevin was telling me about. He wants to wait til he gets his new engine then we'll work on it so I can wait

dont bother i have a full kit

[alex.s]

Originally Posted by Skid

toua, I'll get it checked out and let you know what the source of this is. If it's a loose timing chain, it can destroy your engine eventually (so I read). I'm taking it in for servicing tomorrow.

kawis are known for their tick at idle. it easily could be nothing but definitely get it checked by someone who knows what they are doing

[toua70]

Originally Posted by alex.s

dont bother i have a full kit

Sweet! Then I'll just wait on kevin and then meet you up or something

[Skid]

cam chain tensioner going bad.

[toua70]

How much was it?

[Skid]

Originally Posted by toua70

How much was it?

dunno yet. But the mechanic said it's not a lot of labor, and will charge $20 (30 minutes) plus the cost of the part. I think a new part is like $100. I'm checking around right now.

Valve set too wide will also make your bike rattle, but valves get tight over time not loose? :dunno

[lgk]

i think bike bandit had it for $65

[alex.s]

make sure your mechanic actually measures the cam chain to make sure its not stretched. ive heard lots of stories of people taking it to the mechanic and the mechanic just replaces the cct because thats what people love to do only to have the noise return a week later.

[Skid]

mechanic just called and said he fixed the rattle by tightening the tank bolts? LOL. I'll have to check it tomorrow when I pick it up. He initially speculated that it may be the CCT, but apparently not.

[n4mwd]

Originally Posted by Skid

mechanic just called and said he fixed the rattle by tightening the tank bolts? LOL. I'll have to check it tomorrow when I pick it up. He initially speculated that it may be the CCT, but apparently not.

I hope the mechanic knows what he is doing. Not saying he's wrong, but too much tightening of the upper tank bolts will puncture the tank and cause it to leak.

Before doing anything, pregens have a tick issue that is caused by the clutch basket. That's a 5 second test you can do yourself.

[Skid]

Picked the bike up at lunch today, and she's purring like a kitten again without costing much money. She's a cheap date!