Ticking??

[mtrosclair]

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

[Greg Cothern]

Has the bike sat for any period of time recently?  And does it only make the noise when at or close to idle?

[Slydynbye]

Check your plugs, a loose one might tick a little. Also the Exhaust gasket.

[mtrosclair]

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.

[dgc67]

Sounds like valve noise to me.

[Magnum Magna]

If it is idle to 3500, I wonder if it is the normal metal rattling noise the 3 rd gen Magna has.

[Cannon]

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...

[mtrosclair]

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. 

[Cannon]

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. 

[mtrosclair]

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.

[dgc67]

IMO the hardest part is getting the valve cover off.

[mtrosclair]

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?

[Chad in Michigan]

ride it and forget about it it's fine. 

[dgc67]

I agree.  you should have peace of mind now.

[mtrosclair]

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.