Valve train noise......??

Hey guys,

When I bought my bike a few months back (1982 XJ100) it has a little bit of valve train noise (for lack of better words). Any idea what causes this, how it can be quieted, or what the fix is for something like this? It's not really that loud, just a slight tapping noise like a type writer on speed.

Any thoughts? I guess I can live with it as long as it's not causing any internal problems. But if I could make it go away, i'd be happier!

Thanks in advance!

Dave

 

Hey Dave:

A valve adjustment and or check would be a good place to start, not a tough job.

Also the 1100 has a manual cam chain adjuster which may need to be readjusted.

The XJCD or haynes manual would be a great help here. If you don't have either, they are a must and a good investment.

Here's a link for the valve adjustment, still looking for the cam chain procedure

http://xjbikes.com/Web_Links/l_op=visit/lid=16.html

This link shows a home made valve tool.
http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=4 ... c+tie.html

 

Thanks Richard. Unfortunately, I have never worked on a bike engine before. I wouldn't even know where to begin. Plus, I don't have any of the special tools I'd need to work on one.

I have automotive tools and can comfortably rebuild an engine, but bike engines are small and spooky!

How much would/should a valve adjustment cost at a local Yamaha dealer?

Thanks again!

 

I'm not sure of dealer cost but if you work on car engines there's really not much to it and you can probably handle it.
Just check out the links above and they will walk you right thru it. also the other link shows a simple inexspensive homemade tool.

And you also have the group here to help with anything you might need help with.
I say go for it!!
Good luck.

 

I got my bike back in Oct. and had never worked on a bike before either.
I'm a heavy construction mechanic and used to working on much larger stuff.
But I find working on my bike alot more fun, and the parts are much lighter. )

The down side is they cost just about as much. :-(

 

I know what you mean. It's crazy how much little parts cost.... I am a firm believer in "do-it-yourself" for a couple reasons.

1. That which does not kill you makes you stronger...
2. When it breaks again, you'll know how to fix it.
3. Knowledge is power.
4. Greater appreciation and respect for the equipment when you fix it yourself.

Here's my main hobby....

http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j282/ ... h=imgAnch1

I like working on stuff. Once I get the XJ CD, Hayne's Manual, and Factory Service Manual, I'll take a look at it and give it a try myself. I hope I can come here for help if I get in over my head.....

 

The factory service manual is part of the XJCD so you don't have to buy that one.

 

If you've a selection of metric hand tools available to you XJ1100, you have all you need. Special tools are not something this bike needs a lot of (and most of them can be made at home by the average guy, like me). Given your desire to fix the bike and get the needed documentation before hand, you are already wiser than joe average. The crossover from automotive mechanics and motorcycle mechanics is a very short hop, I doubt you will encounter anything here that you haven't seen before. Lay that concern to rest. Get your book and dig in, we'll be here to provide assistance when needed. Good luck to you!!!

 

I have now worked on cars and bikes, and I like bikes MUCH better! A lot more room to work, since there is no panels hiding engine parts. Also, you don't have to lay on the ground to work on them. Woohoo!

 

I have the same issue on my xj750. But i have tracked it down to the pet cock making noise. It sounds like a tac, tac hollow sound and gets louder as the fuel level gets lower. Maybe this is you problem and not the valve train. Just put your hand on the pet cock when running and see if is ticking. And maybe I am totally wrong. Dont know, just a thought.

 

Re: Valve train noises?

It's not the petcock, but thanks for the tip!

It's definitely the in the engine. It's just a very light ticking noise. I'm sure it's the vavles making that noise. I'm going to try to tackle it soon.

Any other advice before digging in would be most appreciated.

Thanks!

Dave

 

Air cooled XJ motors clack like crazy ... they are supposed to be set to like 3-5 thou for intake and 5-7 for exhaust ... set them there and listen to the "Blender full of marbles" ... music.
BTW a GS500 (essentially similar valve train - shim over buckets and forward spinning motor like the XJ ...) is supposed to be set at 1-3 thou for intake and exhaust, and they make a racket - 2 valve, 2 cyl air cooled bike ... You stop hearing it, and I can hear each single valve at idle ... and it has gone to 0 ... time to adjust. Though mine all went loose on it.
Cool.
Srinath.