:huh: For some time now I have heard a ticking sound from the engine area on my '02 VFR 800 with 19000 miles on it. After reading several topics, I went out this evening to see if it was the flapper valve (the easiest potential fix). I have confirmed that the flap at the front of the airbox is not the cause. The sound only occurs when the bike is warmed up, and I only hear (or at least notice) it when the clutch is pulled in at lower speeds (and low rpm), when stopped or when there is no load on the engine. It also seems to occasionally cease, albeit only briefly, if the bike is leaned a bit--as when executing a tight turn-around without the clutch engaged. It does not always click when in neutral, but still frequently. I could be mistaken but from my research thus far, possible causes include the PAIR valve and Cam Chain Tensioners... I know I'm holding my breath that it is not the latter. If anyone has had similar issues that were not repaired by the flapper disconnect, please impart any knowledge you may have acquired. Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated.
David
My guess would be the cam chain tensioner lifter from what you described, and most likely the front one. As far as I know, it may just be something you'll have to live with...as I know that replacing the lifter will only quiet the noise temporarily if even at all. It is thought that the front one gets starved for oil a bit.
There are other possibilities too, but your description sounds like the tensioner. They tend to make more noise when the engine is warmed up, and with no load on the engine. Low RPM's around town sometimes can make it act up too.
Spud claims using conventional 10W40 motor oil quieted his and that heavier oil caused the tensioning mechanism to rattle in its casing. I would like to find out if anyone else could repeat his finding. From what I read here the noise is harmless.
I use Castrol GTX 10W40 at 70K miles cam chain tensioner is one problem I have not experienced.
I agree that it does sound like the cam chain tensioner from what you have described. You can run the bike like this for quite a while with no problem. It is more of an annoyance than anything.
My cam chain (right side) makes the occasional rattle and I am sure it is the tensioner getting weak. I will replace the tensioner.......some day.
[image: View Post]Bad Boy, on Apr 28 2009, 01:32 PM, said:
Spud claims using conventional 10W40 motor oil quieted his and that heavier oil caused the tensioning mechanism to rattle in its casing. I would like to find out if anyone else could repeat his finding. From what I read here the noise is harmless.
I use Castrol GTX 10W40 at 70K miles cam chain tensioner is one problem I have not experienced.
Thanks for your help on my CCT noise problem. New filter and GTX 10W-40 shut it up immediately. Took the opportunity to change the coolant as well. I cannot explain how happy it makes me to have all that dealt with and dunzo. I guess I'll leave the Honda synthetic on the shelf from this point forward. Thanks!
Ticking? RUN BEFORE SHE BLOWS UP!!!!
[image: View Post]MotoDG, on Jun 17 2009, 12:04 PM, said:
I guess I'll leave the Honda synthetic on the shelf from this point forward. Thanks!
I'd be happy to take that off of your hands! :laugh: