Topic: 1979 CX500 Custom engine tick?

[BrokenLegGuy]

I just bought said bike and I was wondering if the tick that you hear in the video is something to be worried about or is it normal? I did some searching around and came across this comment on another forum. The comment on another forum that there was a recall on this model, back in the day... here's the part of the post that pertains to my question.

...
A ticking sound may be normal valve noise depending
on how loud the ticking is. The valve clearance can
be adjusted but some noise is preferable to them
being too tight.
...
NOTE:
there have been recalls of certain models for
this:
THE CAM CHAIN GUIDE BOLT MAY LOOSEN DUE TO THE PRESENCE OF A RUBBER COATING ON THE SURFACE OF THE GUIDE IN THE AREA WHERE THE BOLT SEATS. IF THE BOLT BECOMES LOOSE, THE ENGINE WILL DEVELOP A TICKING NOISE. CONTINUED VEHICLE OPERATION WITH A LOOSE GUIDE BOLT MAY RESULT IN BREAKAGE OF THE BOLT AND INCREASED ENGINE NOISE.

You may want to check with a dealer for more info.

Rear seals may be leaking a bit, check the fluid level.
You may want to ask the dealer about seal replacement
costs.

- a response to a question asking about cx500 engine tick on allexperts.com in 2007 (just giving credit where credit is due)



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALYHRxFllrc

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Ed

[mgbgt89]

If your engine number is below 35000 or so, then you have the crappy tensioner parts. Unless there is three dots stamped next to the number, then it was repaired by a dealer.

[BrokenLegGuy]

Near the bottom on the left side of the engine is a vin type number with no dots before or after it. The number is PC01E-2003158. Is this the number that I'm guessing that I'm good then since the number is in the millions?

*Edit*
I forgot to add the image.

[mgbgt89]

I meant the last digits.. sorry. The range of the recalled ones were 2000001-2034366. I don't see any stamping marks, so it sounds like the tensioner failed.

[78whiteorbs]

To my understanding it was only the 78's but I suppose if it was a late.... Mine was a 78 and did have the three dots in a triangle. Go to the choppercharles website, good people there who are exremely knowledgable . and BTW -Doesnt sound bad to me , you wanna hear bad?

lol! That was before i got my carbs sorted. Also if the tick bothers you you could always just run straight pipe as I did , hahaha then you can't hear anything ! I'm just sayin'....

[BrokenLegGuy]

Thanks a lot for the help guys. I think I'll head over to choppercharles and see what they say as well. The "tick" sound doesn't bother me as long as it's normal for this bike model. I hear the same "tick" noise coming from your bike as well 78whiteorbs. So I'm not going to worry about it that much, but I'll still look into it.

I was also wondering about what kind of maintenance stuff should be done on a bike with 16,000+ miles on it? The oil was just changed and coolant has been checked as well. So what else?

Thanks again.

[78whiteorbs]

I would definately say change the fork oil and use a heavy weight fork oil . The 30 year old ATF fluid that has probably turned to the foulest smelling grey sludge you can imagine doesnt do much for the front suspension. Biggest noteable different in my build. Handles mucho better after this. Also flush the brake fluid in the master cylinder. 

[BrokenLegGuy]

Would that cause the front suspension to be a little spongy? I'll put that on my to-do-list along with flushing the radiator.

[78whiteorbs]

Definately . Made a night and day difference when I did mine. Before it dived pretty bad under medium braking after it was nice and stiff . Just make sure you measure the same amount of oil for each one so it's equal for each leg. I used a measuring cup.

[750goes]

Do yourself a favour

1. adjust tappets - when engine is cold
2. adjust camchain - as per manual
3. change oil and oil filter
4. change air filter
5. change plugs
6. change diff oil
7. grease rear wheel splines (when you take the rear wheel off - use special moly grease)
8. grease rear nipple on drive shaft
9. change fork oil

then just regular oil changes every 2000 miles

Note: check your charging status of the alternator when idling
that's about it for these bikes

[BrokenLegGuy]

78whiteorbs - I'm going to get on that then cause it does dip, not too bad, but it seems a bit soft

750goes - Sweet thanks for the list!

okay, one more question... Does anyone know who makes these cylinder guards or where I can get them. (didn't see them on ebay or in any craigslist location with in 100 mile radius of where I live)

[78whiteorbs]

You will have to find a parts bike with those engine guards to plunder. look around over at choppercharles.com in the for sale/trade section . There is a dude there (actually a couple) who often have parts available. Blindstitch is one of the mods there ask and he will more than likely answer you swiftly. They are not to hard to come by but you will have to look a little . BTW- congrats on the marriage, I just got married last month myself ! I have seen quite a few parts bikes in my area with those engine guards ,  so look arond craigslist for a parts bike and make a few calls.

On an unrelated note, I drove a silverwing or GL500 which has the same engine as the CX only instead in the rear it had the hydrolic monoshock . You could drive over the worst train tracks and note feel a thing but I tried braking lightly turning at a light and the whole front end would sink a good 3 or 4 inches.....   scary!

[750goes]

that is a nice looking bike  - mine is not as shiny