Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech Clacking/Flapping sound on one side

Okay, something is wrong... my 2003 Triumph America is making a clacking/flapping/clattering sound on the right side of the engine - it only makes the sound intermittently. When I am riding up hill - it is *all* the time, on flat ground, between 30-50% of the time, and downhill - not at all.
Only when on the throttle.
I did the oil change yesterday - put in 10w40 synthetic (wanted 20w50, but they didn't have it in synthetic). It had 7400 miles on it at the time - I do not know when the last oil change was done, but I *believe* it was around 3000 miles.

Any thoughts?
It seems to be performing just fine, but the noise is rather horrific (least to me, it is...)

Loose baffle or heat shield in the right side exhaust pipe?

Baffles are gone...

This seems to be coming from the top side of the engine and I haven't found anything loose externally.

Might have to pull the cam cover and see if anything is amiss, valves, springs, cams, etc.

Worn front sprocket, I just betcha! Pull the cover and do an inspection. How many miles ya got on your sprockets?

Adjust the chain with the bike on the side-stand. It's either too loose or too tight.

Chain out of adjustment or worn front sprocket were my first thoughts as well.

Too loose a chain can slap the chain guard. Secondly, check the front sprocket as the sprocket nut has been know to come loose. Thirdly, check the chain guard mounts.

As Friar says it could be in the top end, but check the simple things first. You might want a friend to listen as you drive by, sometimes a bystander can pinpoint the sound's origin easier than the rider.

Good luck!

With only 7500 miles on 'er it's safe to assume the chain and sprockets are in good shape so yeah, as others said a maladjusted chain is probably the culprit. Checking for correct tension is easy. Make sure the bike is sitting in neutral, then sit on the bike and reach down to check how much slack there is on the chain. A properly adjusted chain should have +/- 1" of free play somewhere mid point between the sprockets.

Chain is fine - almost thought it was too tight, but it gives a little. Sprockets look fine.

The noise is coming from the right side engine/valve area.

Pulled the cam cover - everything looks perfect. Literally.

Neighbor suggested maybe a broken spring inside the engine (One of Friar's suggestions as well). Anyone have any info/input/advice on that?

Is your AI still hooked up? I wonder if it might be the culprit? I've never heard of one failing and making noise but....?

Good call, Gregger. I haven't seen one still attached on anyone's bike but since that reed valve in the exhaust valve loop it could easily be the culprit (assuming it's still on the machine).

Ready for the answer to the issue?

Pipes were VERY loose coming out of the header.
I didn't find it because the pipes didn't move sideways and I didn't try moving them AWAY from the engine...

*sigh*

So, Hermy's in Port Clinton found the issue and fixed it right up for me and noted that the back brakes, which I knew were getting bad, were worse than I realized (almost no pads at all), so I let them replace them for me. All said and done, everything ran me $86. Not bad for peace of mind for my run out to Cape May Courthouse next week...

(And, I got to drool over some very, very pretty SpeedMasters out there...)

Feel free to commence laughing at the noob...

And, fun thing I realized today... I've put almost 2000 miles on the bike since I got it less than two months ago. Think I've shaken out the dust and cobwebs...

Ah, and I wanted to win the prize for having the right answer. Oh well... glad you got it sorted out though!!

Chris,

Glad you got it sorted out. You almost doubled your posts on the site so in all, considering it cost you $86 for the repairs, each post cost you $12.29 for info. Cheap eh!

We will expect payment in Canadian funds since our $ has been worth more than yours over the last few months.

Hermy is a good guy and fair pricing, glad he was able to help you out.

Hermys +1

Yes, I told the guys at Hermys that they were my new best friends...

You drive a hard bargain......

Forget the cheque.....we'll take cash instead

Man! I'll have to go check my exhaust tonight and chain tonight!

I was just going to post a question very very similar to this! I'm glad I stopped to read.

I've noticed the same noise recently. On the way to work I pass through some construction that has barracades up on both sides when it comes to one lane. While I'm in there I here a "clacking/chinking" sound while under acceleration. If I'm off the throttle cruising, it's all quite. The second I roll on, I start to hear the "clacking/chinking" noise.

I'm was getting concerned about valve wear so I'm crossing my fingers it's a chain adjustment, sprocket, the after market exhaust, or just plain ol' normal.