Topic: Want Opinion on Ticking/Tapping Noise (With Video!)

[DaveBarbier]

It seems like it's coming from the top of the motor...I think the exhaust side, but I'm not completely sure. I adjusted and double checked the valve tappets and cam chain. I've heard people say it's good to completely remove the cam chain tensioner screw and lock nut to clean it up. Then reinstall it. That it could be binding and not allowing proper adjustment. Does that sound sound? I have adjusted the timing and point gap too but this weekend I'm getting new points and condensers to be certain the timing and ignition is working properly.

Can anyone tell what this noise is? I also want to know if it's dangerous to run the motor or even ride it around. Have a look at the video, I'd love some help.

Thanks!

http://youtu.be/m-qKvc8cmGE

[LesterPiglet]

Tighten up your exhaust clamps, it sounds like it's blowing out.
If you need to find where tapping is coming from, get a long screwdriver and put the handle to your ear. Then put the tip on various parts of the engine. It acts like a stethoscope.

[7fifty4]

I had the same noise,( from what I can tell), I found that the exhaust flange bolts came undone on two cylinders.

[DaveBarbier]

Ok, I'm glad you both said that. That's actually what I was thinking but I didn't want to sway it one way or the other. I ordered exhaust gaskets a couple days ago so they should be in soon. I can't tighten the bolts anymore. They're only 10mm and I don't want to over tighten them. They're definitely not loose, though.

Thanks!


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1978 Honda CB550K

[flybox1]

Can you switch to exhaust studs?  Really easy to do while your exhaust is off.  Then you can get a good torque on the nuts without fear of pulling threads...

[DaveBarbier]

Can you switch to exhaust studs?  Really easy to do while your exhaust is off.  Then you can get a good torque on the nuts without fear of pulling threads...

What do you mean switch to exhaust studs? There are already studs that the nuts go on. I must be misunderstanding you.


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1978 Honda CB550K

[flybox1]

Ok, I'm glad you both said that. That's actually what I was thinking but I didn't want to sway it one way or the other. I ordered exhaust gaskets a couple days ago so they should be in soon. I can't tighten the bolts anymore. They're only 10mm and I don't want to over tighten them. They're definitely not loose, though.

Thanks!
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1978 Honda CB550K

^^^
Sorry, understood you to be using bolts, that's why I suggested studs.

[DaveBarbier]

Ok, I'm glad you both said that. That's actually what I was thinking but I didn't want to sway it one way or the other. I ordered exhaust gaskets a couple days ago so they should be in soon. I can't tighten the bolts anymore. They're only 10mm and I don't want to over tighten them. They're definitely not loose, though.

Thanks!
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1978 Honda CB550K

^^^
Sorry, understood you to be using bolts, that's why I suggested studs.

Ah, crap. Yeah I totally meant nuts, not bolts. Even to this day I mix them around accidentally.

[flybox1]

No worries.  Hope the new ex gaskets are the fix.

[Airborne 82nd]

Two things leak for sure and tapping valves but I run mine a little on the loose side the noise does not bother me better than to tight.

[DaveBarbier]

Ok so just an update, I installed new gaskets and that did the trick. Quiet as a mouse...with a 4 cylinder engine strapped to it. Thanks for the diagnosis, dudes.


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1978 Honda CB550K