Gentle tapping sound from head.

[kiwiz]

guys,
having been running the J since the major works on the top end but one of its characteristics which I hoped to silence with these works was a gentle rapid ticking sound which seems to come from the top end.


Someone who is more knowledge than me on mechanical matters asked me if it "was at engine or cam speed?" I would have to say I am not really sure how to tell.

With a lot of advice from this site all the valve clearances were checked to be within spec, so I am a little mystified what the noise is or even if I should worry about it at all. The engine performs strongly, starts easily and all in all, I am very happy with the way it turned out despite not being able to get the barrells on myself.

Absent any way of posting an MP3 file on the site I appreciate there is no way of your being able to listen to the sound yourselves, but ideas of what it is or even a "don't worry" would be helpful

[Pigford]

Is it TAPPING or more TICKING?

[kiwiz]

Pigford,

thanks for the reply!

more of a ticking than a tapping????

[rickman CRR]

Tapping noise location:

Take one long shafted screw driver.

Place screwdriver tip on camshaft cover and attach ear to other end. Listen. Loose tappets evident by slight tapping or clacking sound.

Place screwdriver tip on crankcases and attache ear to other end.
Listen. Bottom end bearing problems noted by a dull rumbling noise.

If the engine has been rebuilt recently, I'd go back and check the torque settings on the cylinder head. Then recheck the valve clearances. Err on the slack rather than being tight as the clearances decrease due to wear on valve seats. Some top end noise is acceptable. Not to sure about the clearances but the Z1 model clearances are 2-4 thou, but 5 thou clearance is ok for example. Good set of feeler guages required.

Bottom line: If the bike is running ok and the noise does not sound like a mechanical failure, you shouldnt worry too much.

[Rich]

Is it there all the time or does it come and go?

[Pigford]

Yeah, best guess is it's probably just cam:shim interface noise! Bit like a tappet out of range/clearance.
Nothing to worry about, cam cover off, visual check for wear/marks, check clearances, sorted. If it don't get any worse, ignore it!

[Iain marshall]

Both my GPZ1100 and Spectre 1100 have a very light tapping noise coming and going from the top end,done the usual checks put it down to either cams moving sideways or a bit of wear in the buckets,hasnt got any worse

[kiwiz]

Thanks Guys,
will check clearances again but you have eased my mind.

If its not the cam gear or cam chain, my only thoughts were the small ends which when I assembled the engine did not seem particularily sloppy on inserting the new gudgeon pins which were with the Wiseco kit.