Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
top end noise top end noise
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 Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 19 Dec 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: yorkshire england
Posts: 201
top end noise
hi there guys ive had my 1985 43f for 4 years now ,ive done about 12,000 miles on it . the total milage is now 30,000 . about 6 months back i started to hear a ticking/tapping noise it has got a little worse lately. it seems to be coming from the exhoust tappet area , i did check them about 500 miles ago but all but one was in spec , one exhoust tappet was a little tight but no problem. after adjustment the noise did seem to get a little worse. so my question is do the tappet adjusting screws over time mushroom in on themselves giving me a false reading with the feeler gauges . i know this can happen on some old cars , fords etc . have you guys any thoughts , or has this happened on your old xt . thanks zigzag
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 20 Dec 2011
R.I.P. 25 November 2021
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 688
Does the tapping sound get quieter when the engine has warmed up a little? meaning is the tapping louder when the engine is cold or the same no matter cold/hot.

Is the oil getting up there? remove the inspection cover with the engine running (should make a nice mess everywhere).

Mezo.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 20 Dec 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: yorkshire england
Posts: 201
hi there mezo from cold it is sometimes there but not always , it seems to be worse as the engine is warming up say the first 5 miles . when it is fully warm it is still there but i think not as distinct . it is a bit puzzling the bike does not smoke or use oil . but it defenatly was not there in the first three years of me having the bike . dont get me wrong its not like a jackhammer , just not right . its more promanant on the right side of the bike as you sit on it, and does seem to come from the ex valve area . sorry for the poor description . cheers for the reply. zigzag. ps i will remove the tappet covers one by one with engine running but that will have to be later on in the week
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 3 Jan 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: vancouver bc canada
Posts: 18
I'm guessing it's your valve tappets. They do go out over time and need to be adjusted. Check your manual for the intake and exhaust valve clearances , get a feeler guage and adjust as necessary.
Post a video with sound it may help diagnosis.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 4 Jan 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Southampton
Posts: 24
A cunning plan
I am not a Yamaha expert, but if the valves have been run for any length of time with excessive clearance, then the tappet will hammer it's way into the top of the valve stem making it impossible as you state to accurately set the clearances. I would guess that the Yamaha engine uses a common rocker to open both valves, the easy way to check the problem is to set the tappets to very nearly zero clearance by releasing the locknut and screwing the tappet until it makes contact with the valve and then back off say an eighth of a turn and lock the nut. do the same for both exhaust valves. There would be no harm done if you set them to zero, but only run the engine for a few minutes, just to test. It may of course not be the exhaust valve, could be the inlet valves or even piston slap or cam wear. Short journeys are an engines worst enemy regarding premature wear.
Andy
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 5 Jan 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: yorkshire england
Posts: 201
hi guys and thanks for the replys , ive not used the bike since my last post if the weather is better at the weekend i will investigate a little more . i think the first job is to remove the ex tappet screws and inspect them , then reset etc . i will post anything i find . again thanks for the input. zigzag
Reply With Quote
Reply

« 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

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
The top 10 motorbike meetings in Europe Jose Luis HU Travellers Meetings - Europe 35 23 Feb 2014 03:56
Thingy at the end of transmission mainshaft? luadraman Yamaha Tech 8 12 Dec 2011 08:54
Tidying the back end up of XT600E Guest121 Yamaha Tech 4 27 Nov 2011 23:54
Opie Oils - End of Season Reductions oilman The HUBB PUB 0 18 Nov 2011 16:30

 
 

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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

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 15:09.

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