Update: More detail on the Gs' loose tappet noise.

[rob_scott92]

Hi guys,

My tappets (or what i thought were my tappets) have been sounding like they're loose for a while now, i've tried adjusting them a few times but it never really cured it completely. I've always been afraid of overtightening them but when i adjusted them today, they are definately within peramiters and still makes a noise!

Its always worst when its been ridden for about 15 mins (properly warmed up) or something like that, but always seems to be present wether its been ridden or not.
My clutch does rattle a bit too but i know that is a different noise as when i pull the clutch in i'm left with the 'tappet' noise.

Any ideas of what else it could be? Not too costly is it?

thanks in advance
Rob

The measurement for the valve clearences is 0.08mm-0.13mm on both inlet and exhaust valves. Would it be worth trying to set it to 0.08 at its tightest? I've been setting them inbetween at about 0.10mm.

[-Savage-]

[rob_scott92]

[Bru]

Cam chain? How is yours adjusted, and when last did you check?

[rob_scott92]

[Bru]

You have adjusted it already, and its only a couple of thousand miles old? The bike, or the chain?

If the noise existed prior to your chain change/adjustment.. are you using oil more than 'normal'? How is your level now? Clutching at straws here, being as I'm on the other side of the internet.

[rob_scott92]

[Noxious89123]

Could just be a normal sound for that bike.

My bike has very tappety valves, but the clearences are all in spec, and the cam chain and CCT are all ok as well. Not causing a problem with the bike, runs sweet and isn't down on power, so it doesn't bother me.
____________________
'06 Honda CBR125RW-6 ~ '00 Honda CBR600F-Y ~ '07 Honda CBR600RR-7 ~ Bikeless
'53 Ford Ka 1.3 ~ '03 Vauxhall Astra SRi 1.8 ~ '52 Vauxhall Astra SRi 2.2 ~ '53 Vauxhall Astra GSi

[stinkwheel]

You haven't said what bike it is.

So, for example. If it's a GPZ500, it's normal primary drive noise which will quieten down if you balance the carbs.

If it's a VFR750, it's a notchy clutch basket.

If it's a superdream it's the camchain sawing it's way out through the front of the engine.

etc. etc.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[rob_scott92]

Never did it when I first started riding. But it started becoming noticable before this big oil leak so it can't be that. I know loose tappets is nothing to worry about but i was just worried incase it was something other than tappets that'll cause more damage the more I ride it.
After all, the bike is 28 yr old and I've done the most milage on it than any of the previous owners so I am quite pleased with that .

It doesn't seem to be low on power either, infact it's probably the best it's ever been whilst I've had it!

thanks for the info though guys

[rob_scott92]

Sorry, it's gs125 as per profile pic.

[stinkwheel]

You could try localising the noise by using a 6" bit of broom handle as a sounding rod. Press the rounded end hard against your ear then press the other end against various bits of the engine. This'll help you to track down where it's coming from.

I've heard a few of the more basic, aircooled suzukis rattling away due to a loose clutch bearing.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[rob_scott92]

Ok, will give that a try thanks.

If it were to be a loose clutch bearing, would this cause any damage If I just left it? And is it replace the clutch to fix or is it simply a new bearing?
Once I get another bike, I'll give it a bash taking this one apart I think.

Thanks

[stinkwheel]

[Ichy]

[Gazdaman]

To the untrained ear a blowing exhaust header can sound tappety.

Gaz

[ZRX61]

[andys675]

gs125's are one of the few bikes i've come across that you can buy a copy cylinder head for as they suffer from the cam wearing into the head
____________________
Some people feel the rain, others just get wet.

[Robby]

Don't make a mistake I nearly made before - make sure you're using metric feeler gauges, not imperial. Easy to miscount the zeros on the guage, so you set it to 0.001in instead of 0.1mm.

I would also adjust it down to the tightest permitted clearance, screw and locknut clearances open up with wear.

[Pete.]

[Ariel Badger]

Piston slap and a worn small end both rattle like tappets. Only way to check is a strip-down.
____________________
Bikers make great organ donors, get 115 on your licence today.

[rob_scott92]

[neil.]

Interesting, I'm having a very similar issue on my YBR - just started a thread here.

Valve clearances are good and there's no gas blowing from my exhaust. I am also investigating the cam chain tensioner as most noise seems to be coming from that area, although I am by no means sure if that's it. Looks easy to remove/check but I'm after second opinions before I do it. Hope it isn't a strip down job.
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CBT February 2008 | A2 June 2008 | Yamaha YBR125 (written off) | Honda CBF125 (current)

[rob_scott92]

[neil.]

It's a 2005/6 model. Replacement cam chain/sprocket looks straightforward apart from the crankshaft sprocket which needs some sort of press to remove it. Looks like it's all possible with the engine still in the frame too... Hmm. I really hope it is the CCT! Good luck with yours!
____________________
CBT February 2008 | A2 June 2008 | Yamaha YBR125 (written off) | Honda CBF125 (current)