 Loud clacking from left cylinder
|
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 459 Likes: 1
Adjunct
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 459 Likes: 1 |
On my way to work yesterday my bike was running fine as I turned onto the street by my work I accelerated and thought I noticed a loud clacking sound, I let off the throttle and rolled back into it and thought it was gone. I pulled the choke out and let it warm up after work and the engine didn't sound right. I rode it home and I swear there is a loud clacking coming from the left cylinder. The bike has almost 38,000 miles on it, I know these are noisy engines but it doesn't sound right and I'm not sure where to start.
2006 865 Neon Blue/Jet Black Speedmaster,790cams, TTP Stage 2 Firestarter, Epco Exhaust with 10.25" Samson Vrod baffles, UNI pods with 40 pilots, 150 mains,Thruxton needles, 3 turns out.
|
|
|
Re: Loud clacking from left cylinder
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,068 Likes: 1
Saddle Sore
|
|
Saddle Sore
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,068 Likes: 1 |
|
|
|
Re: Loud clacking from left cylinder
|
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 459 Likes: 1
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 459 Likes: 1 |
I know that I'm due for a valve adjustment but this noise seemed sudden and just kind of popped up out of no where.
2006 865 Neon Blue/Jet Black Speedmaster,790cams, TTP Stage 2 Firestarter, Epco Exhaust with 10.25" Samson Vrod baffles, UNI pods with 40 pilots, 150 mains,Thruxton needles, 3 turns out.
|
|
|
Re: Loud clacking from left cylinder
|
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 459 Likes: 1
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 459 Likes: 1 |
At idle it seems ok, it is when I open the throttle that it really starts clacking or chattering. For the sake of full disclosure I got the bike when it had just under 15,000 miles on it. It's got almost 38,000 so I am long over due for a valve adjustment so maybe I should start there.It just seems that this loud clacking popped up out of no where and it has me concerned. All thoughts and suggestions are welcome and much appreciated.
Last edited by JD13; 05/15/2013 8:27 AM.
2006 865 Neon Blue/Jet Black Speedmaster,790cams, TTP Stage 2 Firestarter, Epco Exhaust with 10.25" Samson Vrod baffles, UNI pods with 40 pilots, 150 mains,Thruxton needles, 3 turns out.
|
|
|
Re: Loud clacking from left cylinder
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 148
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 148 |
Might look at the intake vacume caps
|
|
|
Re: Loud clacking from left cylinder
|
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 459 Likes: 1
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 459 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
Might look at the intake vacume caps
Thanks, where are these located at?
2006 865 Neon Blue/Jet Black Speedmaster,790cams, TTP Stage 2 Firestarter, Epco Exhaust with 10.25" Samson Vrod baffles, UNI pods with 40 pilots, 150 mains,Thruxton needles, 3 turns out.
|
|
|
Re: Loud clacking from left cylinder
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1
Second Wind
|
|
Second Wind
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1 |
Adjust your valves. Its like checking for ball cancer. It can nip a big problem in the bud and it can be fun in the right light, with certain music. As long as you are doing your own. I mean you can adjust valves for others just dont check them for ball cancer. That would be awkward.
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
Edgar Allan Poe
|
|
|
Re: Loud clacking from left cylinder
|
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,669
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,669 |
Hey Chad, take a look at this for me. 
|
|
|
Re: Loud clacking from left cylinder
|
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,669
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,669 |
Seriously, in the pic here, the Vacuum caps are the black rubber caps we commen refer to as squirrel condoms round here. May not be the issue or the fix but now you'll know what they are. 
|
|
|
Re: Loud clacking from left cylinder
|
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 459 Likes: 1
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 459 Likes: 1 |
Thanks. I'm definetly going to be adjusting my valves this weekend. I know that that needs to be done so I'll start there. The stealership quoted me $350 to do it so i'll be tackling this myself. I'm fairly mechanically inclined I do all my own oil changes on the bike and truck as well as brake jobs, alternators, waterpumps and the like.I have the Haynes manual and read over the valve adjustment part a dozen times or so in the 4 years I've had the bike.Dang procrastination. I will also check the vaccum caps if one would point me in the right direction. This bike is my baby and that sound is giving me a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. I've logged nearly 24,000 miles on it and I know this is not what it is supposed to sound like.
2006 865 Neon Blue/Jet Black Speedmaster,790cams, TTP Stage 2 Firestarter, Epco Exhaust with 10.25" Samson Vrod baffles, UNI pods with 40 pilots, 150 mains,Thruxton needles, 3 turns out.
|
|
|
Re: Loud clacking from left cylinder
|
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 459 Likes: 1
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 459 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
Seriously, in the pic here, the Vacuum caps are the black rubber caps we commen refer to as squirrel condoms round here. May not be the issue or the fix but now you'll know what they are.
Just to be clear, you are referring to the two rubber caps on either side of the intake manifold in the bottom right hand side of the pic correct?
2006 865 Neon Blue/Jet Black Speedmaster,790cams, TTP Stage 2 Firestarter, Epco Exhaust with 10.25" Samson Vrod baffles, UNI pods with 40 pilots, 150 mains,Thruxton needles, 3 turns out.
|
|
|
Re: Loud clacking from left cylinder
|
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,669
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,669 |
Yep Jake, that would be the Squirrel condoms, (vaccum caps), if I remember correctly where one of those caps there used to be a hose that ran to the AI (air injection)not sure if you still have this installed, most pull it soon after aquirring their bike. (helps prevent early blueing of the pipes)I've had one of those caps blow off before causing a vac leak and my bike ran like crap, wouldn't idle, made nasty noise. ect..
But I'm still not saying this is yer problem, deffinatly could be that you need to do the valve adjustment as others have sugested.
Last edited by Leithal; 05/15/2013 12:05 PM.
|
|
|
Re: Loud clacking from left cylinder
|
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 459 Likes: 1
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 459 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
Yep Jake, that would be the Squirrel condoms, (vaccum caps), if I remember correctly where one of those caps there used to be a hose that ran to the AI (air injection)not sure if you still have this installed, most pull it soon after aquirring their bike. (helps prevent early blueing of the pipes)I've had one of those caps blow off before causing a vac leak and my bike ran like crap, wouldn't idle, made nasty noise. ect..
But I'm still not saying this is yer problem, deffinatly could be that you need to do the valve adjustment as others have sugested.
Thanks, being that my bike is 10 years old with the mileage I have I may as well check them too.
2006 865 Neon Blue/Jet Black Speedmaster,790cams, TTP Stage 2 Firestarter, Epco Exhaust with 10.25" Samson Vrod baffles, UNI pods with 40 pilots, 150 mains,Thruxton needles, 3 turns out.
|
|
|
Re: Loud clacking from left cylinder
|
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720
Check Pants
|
|
Check Pants
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720 |
Source some adjustment shims before you get started. Having a Metric micrometer or dial caliper on hand is a plus as well. Used shims (which are fine) often have lost their ink stamp as to their thickness.
Last edited by Ryk; 05/15/2013 12:28 PM.
|
|
|
Re: Loud clacking from left cylinder
|
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 459 Likes: 1
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 459 Likes: 1 |
Thanks guys, I really appreciate all of the help. I'm going to check out the squirrel condoms(vaccum caps) after work since those are cheap and easy, then I will check out the valves this weekend. Again, thanks and any and all suggestions are welcome and appreciated.
2006 865 Neon Blue/Jet Black Speedmaster,790cams, TTP Stage 2 Firestarter, Epco Exhaust with 10.25" Samson Vrod baffles, UNI pods with 40 pilots, 150 mains,Thruxton needles, 3 turns out.
|
|
|
Re: Loud clacking from left cylinder
|
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,284
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,284 |
Hey, before you get too crazy, make sure your header pipe isn't loose up at the cylinder head. I just had a 2003 Speedmaster come in for valve adjustment, customer complaining about loud scary noise coming from head that just came from out of nowhere. One of his stud nuts was missing and the other was backed way off. The pipe must have just finally backed out of the exhaust seal because it was extremely loud. I replaced both nuts and lock washers and had a happy rider drive away owing me a coffee.
Strangler
|
|
|
Re: Loud clacking from left cylinder
|
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 459 Likes: 1
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 459 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
Hey, before you get too crazy, make sure your header pipe isn't loose up at the cylinder head. I just had a 2003 Speedmaster come in for valve adjustment, customer complaining about loud scary noise coming from head that just came from out of nowhere. One of his stud nuts was missing and the other was backed way off. The pipe must have just finally backed out of the exhaust seal because it was extremely loud. I replaced both nuts and lock washers and had a happy rider drive away owing me a coffee.
Thanks, that was actually the first thing that I checked, all of them were tight.
2006 865 Neon Blue/Jet Black Speedmaster,790cams, TTP Stage 2 Firestarter, Epco Exhaust with 10.25" Samson Vrod baffles, UNI pods with 40 pilots, 150 mains,Thruxton needles, 3 turns out.
|
|
|
Re: Loud clacking from left cylinder
|
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8 |
I don't think a simple valve adjustment caused the sudden noise.
1. Can you isolate where the noise is coming from? Top of engine on the left side or at the crankcase on the left where the starter gear train is situated?
2. If the noise is coming from the top end and there is no real miss you'll have to check the valve train. Maybe something broke like a banjo bolt or cam retainer that is rattling around inside. Maybe a valve shim was spit out of it's holder. I wouldn't drive until it is checked.
3. Does the bike still run smooth with no miss? If so, then it probably isn't a vacuum leak and you haven't dropped a valve.
4. If the bike runs rough/misses, then check everything mentioned. Vacuum caps on the carbs and AI system. Dropped a valve? Broken cam etc etc.
Look for the simple things first though.
12 Rocket Roadster
03 Bonneville America
69 BSA Firebird Scrambler
73 Yamaha TX 750
|
|
|
Re: Loud clacking from left cylinder
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
It sure as heck isn't the vac caps! Good luck finding what's wrong but it isn't on the outside of the motor.
|
|
|
Re: Loud clacking from left cylinder
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,308 Likes: 4
Worn Saddle
|
|
Worn Saddle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,308 Likes: 4 |
Way out guess but you might have a bad valve guide.
A word to the wise is not necessary. It is the stupid ones who need the advice.
Pat
|
|
|
Re: Loud clacking from left cylinder
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
|
|
Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Live to love, love to live.
|
|
|
Re: Loud clacking from left cylinder
|
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 459 Likes: 1
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 459 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
I don't think a simple valve adjustment caused the sudden noise.
1. Can you isolate where the noise is coming from? Top of engine on the left side or at the crankcase on the left where the starter gear train is situated?
2. If the noise is coming from the top end and there is no real miss you'll have to check the valve train. Maybe something broke like a banjo bolt or cam retainer that is rattling around inside. Maybe a valve shim was spit out of it's holder. I wouldn't drive until it is checked.
3. Does the bike still run smooth with no miss? If so, then it probably isn't a vacuum leak and you haven't dropped a valve.
4. If the bike runs rough/misses, then check everything mentioned. Vacuum caps on the carbs and AI system. Dropped a valve? Broken cam etc etc.
Look for the simple things first though.
After getting home and messing with it last night I'm fairly certain the noise is coming from the top, front, left cylinder. The bike runs smooth with no noticeable loss in performance.I got the bike when it is was shy of 15,000 miles and I'm up to nearly 38,000. I know that I definetly need to check/adjust the valves, as I have never done that so I will start there.
2006 865 Neon Blue/Jet Black Speedmaster,790cams, TTP Stage 2 Firestarter, Epco Exhaust with 10.25" Samson Vrod baffles, UNI pods with 40 pilots, 150 mains,Thruxton needles, 3 turns out.
|
|
|
Re: Loud clacking from left cylinder
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
|
|
Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Sounds like your right clacker may be broken.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
|
|
|
Re: Loud clacking from left cylinder
|
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,502 Likes: 7
Learned Hand
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,502 Likes: 7 |
You can try a compression test.
'04' Black America
|
|
|
Re: Loud clacking from left cylinder
|
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8 |
Since the engine is still running smooth, I'm more convinced that your engine spit a valve shim out of the shim holder. You stated that you were accelerating...how high does your rev limiter go? Gaining all that clearance will cause some loud clacking instantly in the top end.
12 Rocket Roadster
03 Bonneville America
69 BSA Firebird Scrambler
73 Yamaha TX 750
|
|
|
Re: Loud clacking from left cylinder
|
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,816
Freelance Jedi Knight
|
|
Freelance Jedi Knight
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,816 |
Quote:
Sounds like your right clacker may be broken.
sorry you got some issue there but could not resist
BTW was chatting with someone who got timing gear going south.....worth to check...just saying
|
|
|
Re: Loud clacking from left cylinder
|
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 459 Likes: 1
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 459 Likes: 1 |
Just an update. I had a friend of mine who has rode my bike a few times,we even swapped bikes for about 3 hours two weeka ago, take a listen to it. When I brought it up to him he said he thought he was hearing quite a bit of valve chatter when he rode it. He is a pretty good mechanic and has even built a few race cars. He thought the noise was just excessive valve chatter. We took the cam cover off Friday night and checked all the valve clearences, and every one of them was way out of spec on the loose side. I was able to move four around to bring my exhaust valves back in spec, I was able to buy three from the dealership and had to order the last one which should be here tomorrow.Once I get it all buttoned up and running I'll check to see how it sounds and give you guys an update. Thank you all for the help thus far.
2006 865 Neon Blue/Jet Black Speedmaster,790cams, TTP Stage 2 Firestarter, Epco Exhaust with 10.25" Samson Vrod baffles, UNI pods with 40 pilots, 150 mains,Thruxton needles, 3 turns out.
|
|
|
Re: Loud clacking from left cylinder
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 490
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 490 |
Do all of the above suggested. I wanted to know if anyone else with an EFI experiences the same trhing I do on start/warm up (Yes, I actually warm up even with injection). With the choke all the way out the bike idles at a high RPM and only needs it for less than 30 seconds, when I go to the center position on the choke I hear the familiar Triumph ticking, choke off & all sounds like clockwork. Funny how that mid range idle gives it the ticks.
Ride like you mean it.
|
|
|
Re: Loud clacking from left cylinder
|
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 459 Likes: 1
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 459 Likes: 1 |
Well guys here is an update of where things are.I have adjusted all the valves and put them back in spec. Fired it up and it sounded a lot better. I thought things sounded odd on the exhaust side then I realized it was the detonation from the air injection so I eliminated that and the engine sounds good, just like it should. So I believe my problem was a combination of all 8 valves being way out of spec on the loose side, the air injection, and me possibly freaking out and thinking it was way louder/worse than it really was. Lesson to be learned, quit putting stuff off! I have had this bike for 4 years( been lurking around here for just as long), put 24,000 miles on it and from the moment I got it I intended to adust the valves,eliminate the AI, remove the air box, rejet,and put new pipes on it.On a high note at least I've kept up with the oil changes! Now to start on the rest of my list, thanks guys.
2006 865 Neon Blue/Jet Black Speedmaster,790cams, TTP Stage 2 Firestarter, Epco Exhaust with 10.25" Samson Vrod baffles, UNI pods with 40 pilots, 150 mains,Thruxton needles, 3 turns out.
|
|
|
Re: Loud clacking from left cylinder
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,074 Likes: 83
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,074 Likes: 83 |
Glad you got it sorted out.
|
|
|
Re: Loud clacking from left cylinder
|
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,212
Oil Expert
|
|
Oil Expert
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,212 |
sounds like you have a plan, enjoy!
2007 Speedmaster and miss it!
2013 T-Bird Storm and Luvin it!
Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at 70 mph can double your vocabulary
|
|
|
|
|
