So my '99 has developed a ticking sound at idle. Barely audible at first, but over the last week or so it's gotten louder. Sounds like a bb bouncing inside a small container.
The bike just rolled over 16k, so it's technically due to its first check, but it would seems a little early; then again, it's a 13 y/o bike. I've also noticed the exhaust getting raspier and it seems to come from around the headers area. Is there anything specific to look for to diagnose?
Ticking sound... valves?
Started by Mazaev, Jun 25 2012 10:51 AM
7 replies to this topic
#1
Mazaev
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Posted 25 June 2012 - 10:51 AM
#2
Jmmymc750
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Posted 25 June 2012 - 12:01 PM
That sound - well it sounds like an exhaust leak from here...do you have a stock header? You might have lost a nut. A leaking exhaust at the flange sounds like the BB sound you describe.
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#3
timmythecop
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Posted 25 June 2012 - 01:29 PM
Could also be the pair valve. Mine makes little "rink" sounds at idle.
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#4
Mazaev
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Posted 27 June 2012 - 12:44 PM
I have TB headers/pipe. Haven't had a chance to dig in, but it's getting more noticeable. I ordered the PAIR blockoff plates figuring I was gonna do that anyway, and am going to play with the exhaust this week.
I've also noticed that the exhaust got louder and rasper, and there is a drop in perfomance. Like when giving some throttle at 6+k rpm it goes, but seems to struggle a bit and sounds like it's doing more than it is.Then again, I might be keeping the RPMSs lower than normal due to the noise. I do remember noticing a power drop one day recently before this even started though.
What's a good way of diagnosing if it's an exhaust issue? Just remove the whole thing and put back at first?
Is there an example out there of what the valve clearance noises are like so I could rule that out or other symptoms?
Oh, and I noticed that the exhaust is leaking through the rivets on both sides. Could this be an issue?
I've also noticed that the exhaust got louder and rasper, and there is a drop in perfomance. Like when giving some throttle at 6+k rpm it goes, but seems to struggle a bit and sounds like it's doing more than it is.Then again, I might be keeping the RPMSs lower than normal due to the noise. I do remember noticing a power drop one day recently before this even started though.
What's a good way of diagnosing if it's an exhaust issue? Just remove the whole thing and put back at first?
Is there an example out there of what the valve clearance noises are like so I could rule that out or other symptoms?
Oh, and I noticed that the exhaust is leaking through the rivets on both sides. Could this be an issue?
Edited by Mazaev, 27 June 2012 - 01:13 PM.
#5
vfrcapn
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Posted 27 June 2012 - 06:39 PM
Could be a stretch but I've had ticking noise occasionally that clears up (mostly) with a can of Seafoam. Think it's a bad/clogged/malfunctioning fuel injector. Could explain your power loss issue too. I'd guess that before the exhaust leak.
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#6
kc5555
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Posted 27 June 2012 - 11:26 PM
I remember reading the occasional tick sound at idle had something to do with gear driven cam assembly.....
#7
Squamishvfr
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Posted 28 June 2012 - 12:39 AM
Just bear in mind as valves wear the clearance gets smaller not larger so it wouldn't create a tick. Other suggestions all seem valid. Sea foam is cheap and easy start there.
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#8
Mazaev
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Posted 20 July 2012 - 11:27 PM
Soo.. guess an update is in order.
I took the above advice and dumped some Seafoam in the tank and a couple days later felt a slight bit of an increase in power.Everything else remained the same. I ended up blocking off the PAIR valves which significantly smoothed out decel and removed all kinds of gurgling and popping. I continued hearing some engine noise that kept bugging me. I also noticed that the exhaust was leaking out of the rivets and closed 'em up with some silicone which lowered the exhaust noise somewhat, particularly the lows. Tightened the header bolts up as well.
Picked up the bike today from a local mechanic who did the valves (one intake and one exhaust in the same cylinder were out of spec tight at 17k mi.) and did a starter valve sync. After some time on the road, the bike definitely sounds much better and has a notable increase in power. Funny to see that it wasn't all in my head. Most notably, low end from-the-light power returned and there is no more hesitation. The bike just wants to go.
I took the above advice and dumped some Seafoam in the tank and a couple days later felt a slight bit of an increase in power.Everything else remained the same. I ended up blocking off the PAIR valves which significantly smoothed out decel and removed all kinds of gurgling and popping. I continued hearing some engine noise that kept bugging me. I also noticed that the exhaust was leaking out of the rivets and closed 'em up with some silicone which lowered the exhaust noise somewhat, particularly the lows. Tightened the header bolts up as well.
Picked up the bike today from a local mechanic who did the valves (one intake and one exhaust in the same cylinder were out of spec tight at 17k mi.) and did a starter valve sync. After some time on the road, the bike definitely sounds much better and has a notable increase in power. Funny to see that it wasn't all in my head. Most notably, low end from-the-light power returned and there is no more hesitation. The bike just wants to go.
Edited by Mazaev, 22 July 2012 - 06:03 AM.
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