Topic: CB400T (Twin) Engine ticking?

[KB02]

A buddy of mine just gacve me a 1978 Honda CB400T (Honda Hawk). her's had the bike for a few years. I actually helped him find and buy it.

Anyway, The bike has a ticking noise at idle. The valve's are adjusted to within spec according to the manual he has as well a timing chain adjusted according to service manual proceedure. And timing is also spot on. It sounds just like my SOHC did when I have a valve out of adjustment which is why my mind is hanging out in the valve train on this.

Is it possible that the valve springs are wearing out and need to be replaced? The bike runs good and stong other wise with no reale problems.

Any idea on where to look?

[crazypj]

Maybe balancer chain or exhaust gasket leaking?
PJ

[KB02]

never thought to check exhaust... Hmmm...

[KB02]

Well, with the bike running I cannot feel any air puffing out around the headers. It's a little dity, but I can see no obvious evidence of leaks.

[Dave L]

HI
If the tappets are the screw type its possable that the valve stems have indented on the end this will not give a correct reading when a feeler is used'
its also possable the ballance chain needs adjusting or replaced.
last thing is the top end getting oil and are you sure it bike oil and not car grade oil

[KB02]

Yes, it is Motorcycle oil. Before he parked it, I had helped him with his last few oil changes, so I do at least know that. 

[HITMAN]

My old 78 Hawk did the same thing, what I found was letting a 'little' clutch out and the tapping would stop.  Turned out the new cam chain was loose, found it was better to adjust it with the engine warm and running.