How much noise is too much?

[Kirk Dillen]

My v30 runs great, but it seem like I hear more engine noise than I used to.  I have stock pipes so they are vrey quiet hence you do hear a lot of what goes on under you.  I wear a full face helmet but I was riding this afternoon (great sunny day) pulled into the garage and took my helmet off before I shut her down.  It just seemed like it I hear a lot more clicking than I used to.  Any ideas??

[antman]

When was the last time the valves were adjusted?  It seems that much of the V4 noise comes from the valve train.  Some of that noise is reduced with proper valve clearance.

[Kirk Dillen]

I'm not sure.....I have only had the bike for a few months and I have not had it done.  I can't say for before that.  I just changed the fluids all the way around.  

How involved is adjusting the valves?  Is it something that the average Joe can do?  I guess my real question was is some noise normal?

Thanks for the help!!

[antman]

Some valve train noise is normal.  How many miles does the bike have on it?  If you post the area you live there may be someone around that has heard the first gen bikes run and could confirm or ease your mind about the noise.

An average mechanically inclined person can do the valve adjustment without any real problems.

[Kirk Dillen]

Thanks Antman.....The bike is an 85 with 18800 miles on it.  It had been neglected when I got it so my guess is it does need the valves adjusted.  I've had the carbs off twice just never dug into the motor.  Seems like I read there is a special tool needed to do the adjusting.

By the way I live in Denton if anyone is close.

Thanks again for the help!!

[MagnaMan]

I don't know if the first gens are the same as 3rd gens. So I'm answering soley based off a 3rd gen knowledge.

They use a  shim and bucket valve design which "usually" does not need adjustment until about 40,000 miles. The service manual says to do it every 16,000 miles.

The valve adjustment process is kind of lengthy on 3rd gens but checking valves is not, and you may want to do that.

To check the valvels you remove the valve covers and turn the crank to various positions while using a feeler gauge to check the clearance. If all valves are within tolerance then no adjustment is needed.

You definitely need the manual for this. I suggest searching this forum, because I recall Kerry posting a link for valve adjustment on 1st gens.

[Greg Cothern]

Jesse the 1st gen valves are different..

[MagnaMan]

OK. Disregard everything I said. LOL

[kdf9511]

Check out my website.  I have the Dave Dodge recomend procedures for the Valve adjust there.

http://www.geocities.com/kdf9511

[silveradocowboy]

Kirk,

I'm in Frisco and have the specialty tools you need for the valve adjustment. I've done a few adjustments and I'd be glad to give you a hand with it... I'll at least point and supervise!

[Greg Cothern]

Jeff is quite a capable wrench turner and will certainly teach a lot about your Magna engine!!!!!

[Kirk Dillen]

Thanks guys......Jeff I'll get with you when it starts to warm up some.  I'll be on the road for a few weeks making music.  I don't know how long it takes but I'll bring the BBQ or burgers or whatever.

[silveradocowboy]

No problem, I'd like to have some warmer weather myself to do the wrenching in. Just let me know when you are ready. Plan on it taking 6 hours or so, it should be less than that but you never know what you may run into. The only other bike I have done besides ours is Brad P.'s, maybe he will chime in here on how well his bike runs now and offer some tips.

[antman]

If you let me know when you plan to do it I can drop by and lend a hand.  I am in McKinney and I have done the adjustment on my V65 a couple times.

Good luck

Anthony
83 V65 Magna