Another 'ticking noise' thread.

[extreme601]

Hey guys, really sorry for another thread about the exact same issue, but I've read through all the ones currently on the forum and none of them seem to be exactly about what I'm experiencing.

When my 2004 FZ6 is at idle, there's a ticking noise the speed of about 3-4 times a second. When I rev the bike up (in or out of any gear) it gets faster in time with the revs. At 3 thousand revs, it get's quite loud, all the way through to about 5.5 thousand when it gets quieter again, yet still persistent. At this point, it gets hard to hear over the engine noise.

If it only happened between 3 and 5 thousand, I'd just put it down to the normal injector noise that I've heard of, but the fact that it happens throughout the rev range concerns me.

This morning, I noticed that when the bike was cold for the first few minutes, it wasn't ticking at idle, not sure if this will help with diagnosis.

The bike has almost 29000 miles on it and has NOT had a valve adjustment done.

I'm thinking that it's either Valves, Cam Chain, or normal noise that I'm worrying about over nothing.

Thanks very much for reading this far, I'm eagerly awaiting any responses, thanks all!

 

[Shamus McFeeley]

A noise that increases/decreases with RPM is probably related to your valvetrain. There is always going to be some level of noise there, no matter how well your valves are shimmed or how new your cam chain is, but since you've got 29,000 miles on the clock, you might want to consider checking your clearances just to be sure. You can narrow down noises like this a little better by using something solid like a ratchet extension and "probing" the engine. You put one end against your ear, and the other on various places against the engine. This will at least help you get a better idea of where the noise is coming from. I've had to do this before on fuel injectors to tell which one was the problem.

 

[extreme601]

Alrighty then, I'll do that.

 

[Powerman]

Use a long screwdriver with a plastic handle or mechanics stethescope in case you accidentally probe a plug wire. (I say this from experience and a wicked shock to the ear)

On that note, run the engine through the range you mentioned in the dark and look for sparks around the plug wires. If there's a bad wire arcing on the case it'll make a ticking noise. Don't ask how I know.

 

[Kaisersoze]

Been trying to chase down a running problem on my bike and the sound you are talking about was one of (what I thought) the symptoms. Had the valves checked after I done everything else and turns out the extra clatter was from a loose exhaust valve. The mechanic said its not loose enough to cause any issue and not worth taking the cams apart for 1 slightly off (2 thousandths of an inch) exhaust valve. He did say that I would definitely end up making more noise than the normal valve noise you'd hear if they were all in spec.

Hope that helps.

 

[PhotoAl]

Could be the timing chain tensioner. I replaced mine and it did make a difference, sounded like what you describe - it can be removed and checked. It is a screw type tensioner so to retract you turn the screw. Mine was a little rough and the replacement one was very smooth - I haven't checked in a while but probably should as it has been in there for 10K mles or so. The tensioner noise will be on the right side of the engine.

 

[extreme601]

Alrighty then, I tried the screwdriver thing (noises are incredible) and the roughest noise I could hear was right on the crankcase, both sides equally, but it wasn't a ticking sound, more of just a rough clunky mechanical sound, which may or may not just be normal.

I was really listening intently too, and at idle the ticking is definitely present, but it's not consistent, it misses ticks every now and then. This makes me think (possibly wrongly) that it can't be valves because that'd be very consistent, so I'm thinking cam chain (tensioner).

Does anyone have a layman's guide to checking this? ..or am I better off finding a mechanic?

Thanks very much!

 

[Kaisersoze]

Just pulled it recently. Its pretty easy to take out but a PITA to put back in without some clever maneuvering.

On the right hand side there is a small coolant hose that runs up from the crankcase to the front/top of the head cover. Follow that from bottom to top and you will see the cam tensioner assembly housing that looks like a bell shape (atleast on the 06').

There are 2 bolts on the side that you have to remove to take it out, and one bolt on top that you have to remove to test it.

Remove the top bolt first (be careful not to lose the small copper gasket that sits on it), since its easiest to do when locked in place, and then remove the outer two bolts and slide the whole assembly out (there is another rubber gasket here that you want to be careful not to tear, mine did not come out with the tensioner assembly but thought i'd let you know)

Once its out, look for damage or grit on the internal components. Then look down the hole left from the first bolt you removed on top, you should see a long shaft with a screw looking thing at the end.

Grab a thin, flat head screw driver and insert it in there and turn clockwise. You should feel the tensioner "bolt"? start sliding backwards. Keep turning until it can go no more and than slowly release it to see whether the action on it is smooth or not.

Once finished just reassemble in the reverse order! But you will need to use the screw driver again to make sure the tensioner bolt is not extended while you put it back (this is where the clever maneuvering comes into play).

Let me know if you want pics of the assembly housing, I can take one for you.

Good luck! :thumbup:

Alrighty then, I tried the screwdriver thing (noises are incredible) and the roughest noise I could hear was right on the crankcase, both sides equally, but it wasn't a ticking sound, more of just a rough clunky mechanical sound, which may or may not just be normal.

I was really listening intently too, and at idle the ticking is definitely present, but it's not consistent, it misses ticks every now and then. This makes me think (possibly wrongly) that it can't be valves because that'd be very consistent, so I'm thinking cam chain (tensioner).

Does anyone have a layman's guide to checking this? ..or am I better off finding a mechanic?

Thanks very much!

 

[TownsendsFJR1300]

Make sure you don't crank the engine over whatsoever with the tensioner out...

A trick also when re-installing, get the tensioner in the block with the two bolts (just short of snug). Turn the center adjuster screw clockwise and push the adjuster in some and tighten the outer bolts some(again, short of snug). Repeat until the tensioner is fully seated on the block..

Also to watch for, if the tensioner is fully extended and barly touches the block (when touching the rear inner chain guide), the cam chain or rear guide (or both) is stretched and needs replacement...

BTW, a faulty tensioner will let the cam chain make a racket that echo's thru out the entire engine, more so on the right side of the engine.

 

[iSteve]

Alrighty then, I tried the screwdriver thing (noises are incredible) and the roughest noise I could hear was right on the crankcase, both sides equally, but it wasn't a ticking sound, more of just a rough clunky mechanical sound, which may or may not just be normal.

This could be the clutch sound, try pulling in the clutch lever and see if the clunky sound changes.

If you don't hear the ticking with the screwdriver on the case it could be the injectors. Mine were getting pretty loud so I added some lucas injector cleaner and it quieted them a little.

The engine and frame on the FZ really seem to amplify sounds and vibrations.

 

[FinalImpact]

A rough idle will be noisy! Why? Chains are meant to be pulled, not pushed as they don't push! So, if the crank is not holding a steady RPM it is up the chain tensioner to eliminate those pulses being delivered to the cam. So the chain is going rattle and touch the guides inconsistently during rough idles. This will make noise that varies as you indicated!

Having said that, a tune up may be a good starting point also. Run a tank of fuel injector cleaner through it, then replace the plugs and synchronize the carbs. Well unless you're up for checking the valve clearance yourself?

Tic Vs Tap:
Fuel injectors tic. Loose valves having excessive lash, free play, clearance etc. tap. So, get a stethoscope in there and listen. Most people will never here an injector Tic over all the noise the valves, headers, and exhaust make. Unlike a car, there is no sound deadening on these exposed engines.

Because its quiet when cold I'd venture to guess that valve adjustment is the issue. As soon as the oil has some temp it no longer cushions the noise and you hear the audible tap of excessive valve lash.

 

[extreme601]

Thanks for the feedback everyone, I'm taking the bike to the garage on Wednesday and I'll get them to take a good listen to it. My limited experience is doing me no good.

Funnily enough, I just got a new helmet and I can't hear the noise at all anymore, just shows how badly the old one fit me

 

[abraxas]

My 2 cents:

Cam chain is unlikely to be too worn, it's a solid chain. MORE likely, and dangerous, is the cam chain tensioner. (i was told they're a weak point on many bikes, incl the fazer).

If you want, you can just remove that, you may need a new gasket for it. Take it off (2 hex bolts) clean it off, and when you turn the screw inside, it should move easily, and releasing the screw causes it to snap out very quickly.

You can do that easily without opening up the top.

 

[extreme601]

Well, interestingly enough I had the bike checked out by the shop and they say there's nothing wrong with it. Normal Yamaha engine noise

Thanks for your feedback everyone, I'll be noting the information down in case of any future problems!

Thanks, again

 

[1978jeep258]

I have the same exact issue and concern. My previous two hondas made no such noises. It sounds like top end to me but is kind of subtle. I have always chalked it up to normal engine noise (came from the dealer with it), but it keeps me kind of on edge.

You might find it interesting that while I was on a trip two weeks ago, I had to fill with 87 octane(it was all the remote gas station had), and the noise increased noticeably. It went back to a more normal tick when I had premium back in it. Who knows- maybe I just have to live with it. I now have 11k on my 05.