86 250es motor noise

[xela456]

I've got an 86 250es as stated.
And i've noticed a slight ticking noise in the top end, it is slight
so should i be worried? is this a common noise?
The motor starts easy, idles fine and makes plenty of power as it has 175 for compression as verified on two of my testers.
so should i pull the top end and take a look? its done this that i know of since i've owned it and i;ve never been around another. so should i be concerned or is that just how they sound

[Jason125m]

The valves probably need adjustment. .003 on both the intake and the exhaust.... But if its very minimal it probably won't go away, most hondas have a slight tick.

[mooseknuckle]

My 85 BR has a slgjt tick also. I have adjusted the valves and the timing chain is tight. As stated, a slight tick is normal, just ride and enjoy!

[xela456]

i like the second part of what you say lol. if i do decide to try and adjust the valves i'm sure someone like you will be here to walk me through it. I honestly never noticed it until my original tank rotted and I Ran without one for a while. ( kindof an interesting picture, those were sad times for big red) Now that i have a plastic tank i can hear it alot easier. I dont know exactly how to describe it really but its deffinately top end. and like i said no drop in performance or hard starting.

[CodyRosa]

Here you are : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHeIXalJ9N8 : Don't quite feel like explaining. Hope this helps! Goodluck

[barnett468]

Hello

Yes you should always be concerned when you hear or experience something unusual and ask for help if you need as you are now. It’s better to be safe than sorry as I’m guessing you know.

Your tic is probably minor as Jason125m suggests and may simply be inherent in the design.

Can you take video of it and post link to you tube for it so we can hear?

As Jason125m suggests check valve adjustment then check for noise. If noise persists then go to next step.

Check automatic cam chain adjuster for proper function and chain for excessive wear. I’ll post instructions on how to do this soon.

If noise still persists you may have a camshaft that is going flat. I can tell you how to check for this if your noise doesn’t go away but it’s a bit hard to do.

Hope this info helps.

[3wheelers]

As other people said, it is very likely to be the timing chain or the valves. The ticking noise it pretty normal for Hondas though. Most 3 wheelers I have had have had a slight ticking noise. It's most likely not a big deal.

[xela456]

When I get the time I will certainly check.
I certainly seem to think it gets a little more noticable after riding a while when the motor gets warm

[barnett468]

Hello

What oil EXACTLY are you using synthetic, 20/50 wt, valvoline brand etc?

[xela456]

10w40 conventional valvoline motorocycle for wet clutches
Just changed it last week oil, filter and plug

[barnett468]

Hello


Thanks for the info, that's very good. The fact it is louder suggests it is a clearance problem and virtually eliminates the chain as a problem.

[barnett468]

I meant louder when it is hot

[xela456]

Two things
1 does a clearance problem point to a need for adjustment?
2 its good to see there are other people up this late to respond to me refreshing this page every 5 minutes lol