Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
Rattles when cold Rattles when cold
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 4 Oct 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2003
Location: England
Posts: 106
Rattles when cold
My '03 XT600E (11,000 miles) has a noise which is driving me nuts. In the first 10 minutes or so of running from cold I get a rattle when I load the engine (just give the throttle a slight open up) - it's almost like pinking. After 10 mins the noise is gone. Is it just a cold,air cooled single settling down? Probably nothing to it, but it would be nice to know if it is common. Strangely I get the impression that the noise comes from the rear end of the engine (hard to be sure)- gearbox area. It doesn't seem to be valve gear.Any input appreciated.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 5 Oct 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Hendrik Ido Ambacht, Holland
Posts: 360
Are you missing any tools lately?

------------------
Fred, XTZ660, Holland.
__________________
Fred, XTZ660, Holland.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 5 Oct 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Seattle, WA, USA
Posts: 27
My bike seems make a bit more valve noise when it's cold, too. I only notice it when I wear ear plugs, strangely enough.

Probably sounds like it's over the gearbox because it is intake valves ringing through the airbox.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 5 Oct 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2003
Location: England
Posts: 106
Thank you Fred. Why didn't I think of that?
Forschmeidt - you could be right about that. The trouble is the more I try to pin the noise down, the more it seems to move. Tank off soon for valve checks and a look at carbs (for another reason).
We'll see.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 6 Oct 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Hendrik Ido Ambacht, Holland
Posts: 360
Maybe the air inlet connnecting rubbers between head and carbs leaking when cold and no more when warm?

------------------
Fred, XTZ660, Holland.
__________________
Fred, XTZ660, Holland.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 6 Oct 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2003
Location: England
Posts: 106
I have to travel away this weekend so can't sort bike, but I'll look at it when I get back and let you know if I find anything - or if I decide to get better earplugs.
Thanks so far.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 9 Nov 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2003
Location: England
Posts: 106
The cold engine noise I spoke of above is a little better. All I have done so far is take out chain tensioner to check how far it had moved and replaced it. Perhaps in putting the spring back I caused adjuster to step forward one notch.
However, I now have a new cold engine noise lasting about 15-30 seconds. It sounds like a noisy tappet - a light tapping/clicking varying with engine speed. I checked tappets (setting was ok and area is very well supplied with oil), but the noise actually seems to come from low down in the engine, on the right and towards the front rather than at the clutch area. I have never had a 11,400 mile engine with so much noise! Bike is XT600E. Any suggestions? (Apart from sell bike, buy earplugs or noisy exhaust)
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 10 Nov 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Hendrik Ido Ambacht, Holland
Posts: 360
Sounds like the crankshaft pinion on the clutch side. Check if the nut has loosened. Buy a clutch cover gasket before starting.

------------------
Fred, XTZ660, Holland.
__________________
Fred, XTZ660, Holland.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 27 Nov 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2003
Location: England
Posts: 106
Well - I've been under the clutch cover. No loose fasteners anywhere. The 15 second rattle persists. I wondered about the oil pump, whether it is being starved in some way so I connected a long polythene tube to the filter housing air bleed connection. The pump builds up a head of 90" of oil (1.9psig by my calculation) as soon as the engine fires up, even when the rattle is there. It will do better but I only had 90" of tubing.Pump performance is the same with the engine warmed up for a couple of minutes ie until it will tick over on it's own. So I don't see a problem there. But the noise does seem to be in that area. Changed the filter again just in case - no difference. The pump shaft has a fair bit of end float, but I think the drive is just a pin in a slot, so I would expect end float. Any ideas welcome - at least I have something to do on these dark nights!
Regards - stay off the ice!
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 29 Nov 2005
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: hampshire
Posts: 6
sounds like piston slap, a normal noise for a large cyl, air cooled engine
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 27 Feb 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2003
Location: England
Posts: 106
Sorry - it's me and my rattle again. Having listened carefully at both sides of the engine, and got a second opinion, rattle is coming off timing chain. Quietened it down by stepping the adjuster one notch forward, but wasn't happy as the adjuster did not go right home when refitted. It stood off by about 20 thou until pushed home by fasteners. So I put it back where it was.What I can't understand is why the chain rattles for 15 seconds or so - it never used to. Do I need a new chain at 11,000 miles - adjuster has 8 notches exposed. Weird. I need to mend this or get some therapy to help me ignore the rattles.Regards.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 27 Feb 2006
big t's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: northern ireland
Posts: 89
HI, i have a simuliar noise in my 3aj except it only appears after two minutes running from cold. sounds like its coming from the top right hand side, valve clearances are ok. driving me mad also! any help welcomed. T
__________________
big T
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 28 Feb 2006
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: GENT Belgium
Posts: 503
Hi guys,

Last year I had the same problem on my '89 3AJ 55.000 kms. Anyway rattle on start lasting 1 -2 minutes. My local Yamaha garage serviced the bike and suggested a new timing chain (recommend @ 50.000) and new oil Elf 10/40 synthetic Fortified.... problem solved... the bike has stood over the winter, I've started it and not a rattle to be heard..

Cheers
Matt
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 28 Feb 2006
big t's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: northern ireland
Posts: 89
cheers matt, but my rattle only appears after 2 mins from cold! camchain has just been replaced, so can,t think what it can be. am i just expecting too much from a big thumper? T
__________________
big T
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 28 Feb 2006
Caminando's Avatar
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: DogZone Country
Posts: 1,218
Quote:
Originally posted by Boxer:
Sorry - it's me and my rattle again. Having listened carefully at both sides of the engine, and got a second opinion, rattle is coming off timing chain. Quietened it down by stepping the adjuster one notch forward, but wasn't happy as the adjuster did not go right home when refitted. It stood off by about 20 thou until pushed home by fasteners. So I put it back where it was.What I can't understand is why the chain rattles for 15 seconds or so - it never used to. Do I need a new chain at 11,000 miles - adjuster has 8 notches exposed. Weird. I need to mend this or get some therapy to help me ignore the rattles.Regards.
Hi Boxer

Whatever the noise is, you can locate it better by taking a screwdriver,( say,) put the tip on the engine and your ear pressed against the handle end. This transmits the sounds directly to your ear for more accurate diagnosis.
PS you could always get a Honda(!)
Goods roads!

Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 12:42.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top