When I first start my bike till its good and warm I can hear a ticking or clicking coming from the rear bank. it sounds like it could be valve train noise. It is a distinctly different sound from the cam knock issue. The sound started recently and increases in frequency based on engine speed. I am fairly certain it is valve noise and may require adjustment. Is valve adjustment on this bike easy? The manual is not clear on the process. While I am in there should I also perform the cam oiling TSB? Thoughts? The bike is a 94 with 20600 miles on it. Thanks
Has the bike sat for any period of time recently? And does it only make the noise when at or close to idle?
Check your plugs, a loose one might tick a little. Also the Exhaust gasket.
It has not sat stationary for long, she travels about 1000 miles per month. it is noticeable from idle up to about 3500 rpms after that either you can't hear it or it goes away. After it warms up it goes away. How would one check for the exhaust gasket? I will check the plugs tomorrow.
Sounds like valve noise to me.
If it is idle to 3500, I wonder if it is the normal metal rattling noise the 3 rd gen Magna has.
Quote from: Magnum Magna on September 11, 2009, 02:01:24 AM
If it is idle to 3500, I wonder if it is the normal metal rattling noise the 3 rd gen Magna has.
I think that could be it. Why not do a recording and post it here. That would make the diagnostics more accurate (not as in clinical terms... 8)
I checked the plugs and they were tight, there are no soot deposits on the engine near the exhaust. The sound proved to soft compared to the pipes to record. It does sound like the sound is coming from the rear cylinder head. more likely from the right side.
By using a long screwdriver and putting the tip if it on different points where you suspect the sound to origin from, and listen with your ear close to the other end of the screwdriver, you should be able to locate the source quite accurate.
That is the method I used since I could not find my stethoscope. So assuming its a valve thing what is the worst case scenario here? Can i still ride the bike? How hard are valves to adjust, I can adjust valves on an air cooled VW so maybe I can handle this.
IMO the hardest part is getting the valve cover off.
Well, I checked the valve clearance and they were all in spec, then I had my uncle check it just to make sure and he came to the same conclusion. So I performed the oiling TSB and closed it back up. It still makes the ticking, but the idle knock is gone. Thoughts?
ride it and forget about it :) it's fine. :P
I agree. you should have peace of mind now.
I also pushed and pulled on everything in there nothing is loose, all the bearing surfaces were clean and shiny no galling or scuffs. Sounds like no big deal then.
Not to contradict the others, but I had a similar issue (constant clicking sound like a tiny hammer) which was present at idle and increased proportionally in speed with engine RPM's. The mechanic initially thought it was the valve clearances, but eventually fixed the problem by replacing what he called the "cam holders" (I could never find this part listed on the OEM diagrams).
Now I dont know the first about engines (yet), but I would advise checking for abnormal amounts of metal fragments in your oil just to be sure. If there is metal in your oil, it's coming from somewhere.
Based on most action movies I have seen, I can diagnose your problem. Clearly there is a bomb tucked inside your engine. Fortunately, the bad guy was nice enough to take the time and money to install a large LED readout letting you know how long you have until it detonates. Also, he read the book "Bombs for dummies" and color coded the wires so you can easily identify them. Now all you have to do is cut the red wire and the ticking will go away. Or is it the blue wire . . .
Quotebut eventually fixed the problem by replacing what he called the "cam holders" (I could never find this part listed on the OEM diagrams).
Well the reason you do not see the cam holder is because it is matched to the head IRC and when you buy a new head you will get the cam holders with it there is also no bearing surface perse it is part of the head also..
Quote from: mtrosclair on October 08, 2009, 09:04:01 PM
Well, I checked the valve clearance and they were all in spec, then I had my uncle check it just to make sure and he came to the same conclusion. So I performed the oiling TSB and closed it back up. It still makes the ticking, but the idle knock is gone. Thoughts?
My first gen had a ticking/scraping sound too.
I did the valves as well, and it cleared up a bit but there was still some presence. I chalk it up to a 25 y/o bike...
It runs GREAT!
Sometimes, I hear "the noise" also! Sometimes it is at low speed (MPH) and sometimes at low RPM. Then I think "does it still preform" so I crank on the gas. If it goes like stink (?) then I know it's not mechanically deficient. All else is "MOOT"! Please excuse the pun!!
I check my valve clearance every year (I have a 2000 with 60,000 Km) for the past 3 years.
The most they are out from min-max spec is 2 thou, so eventually I'll get "the valves" done. It's a BIG job, not for the faint of heart, but from what I read, am told, and have heard, they only need to be done once (forever).
The 3rd gen Magna is a fantastic bike! I have a 95 also, with only 4511 miles on it (from Maryland 3 years ago). It needs the carbs cleaned, otherwise it looks just like off the show room floor. Since I'm 59, I think the Magna will be my favorite bike until I can no longer ride. I'm presently contestimng a speeding ticket, my 2nd one this year which could lead to suspension of driving privilages.
It's not a privilage but a right I think! Anyway, don't be neurotic about the little noises; go out and DRIVE the bike! If it lets go, then fix it. Until then: DRIVE!
Cheers!
Greg
Thanks, That is what I Needed to hear. It still runs like a scalded dog and looks great!!