valve noise

[02REDEXRIDER]

i have an '02 400 EX and on low idle starts, like just creeping and then nail it, i here a noise coming from the top of the motor. Also when cutting donuts to the left, but not the right as bad. you can here a slight ticking all the time. a couple of people have told me that once it's good and broken in, it will make more noise. i knew that, but i have been riding since i was 4 years old(trx70) P.S> it was broken in good:confused:

[400exJOE]

after the first 20 hours you should have your vavles adjusted. There is a complete guide in the tech section of this site or you can have your shop do it. That should solve your problems tho.

[02REDEXRIDER]

i appreciate your help dude:rolleyes:

[eldoexrider01]

i had the same problem and took it for the 20hr matenince thing and got it back and it stoped. i rode for a couple hours and the noise up rose again! should i call em and tell em or dont waste my time and get a local person to do it?

[400exdad]

Use Mobil 1 synthetic automotive oil. It makes a big difference. I can't remember, but 15W something. Oh yeah, you said something about making noise when you nail it. Sounds like its detonating too. Do some jetting (richen it), even though its stock, its still too lean and make sure your using premium fuel.

[Razorback]

mobile1 15w50 is the oil you're referring to. great stuff.

[02REDEXRIDER]

how do you richen it?

[02REDEXRIDER]

i have only had it for two months

[RED121572]

Automotive oil??? I dont know, but ya better not. Might as well use Crisco then. :eek:

[330EXman]

CHANGE YOUR OIL TO A GOOD OIL MADE FOR 4 STROKE HIGH REVVING ENGINES

AS FOR THE TICKING THAT IS YOUR VALVE CLEARENCES. THESE ARE EASY TO ADJUST GET A SERVISE MANUAL AND IT IS REALLY EASY THING TO DO. BUT YOU HAVE TO TAKE YOUR TANK AND PLASTIC OFF TO GET TO THE TOP OF THE ENGINE

I HAVE TO DO THIS ALL THE TIME WITH MY FAT CAM AND GIGH COMPRESSION

[330EXman]

ALSO THE GAP WHEN MEASURED WITH A FEELER GAUGE IS .005"
MAKE SURE WHN YOU MEASURE GO AND RECHECK EACH CLEARENCE WHEN DONE AND MAKE SURE TO MEASURE WITH THE FEELER GAUGE RIGHT.

[stevengates45]

Yea, i would take it to get the valves adjusted. Sounds like rocker arms are too loose.

[400exdad]

I was skeptical... as in I only used Honda GN-4.... until I got my 400 and its higher tempature caused the oil to thin out and make valve noise. My 300 never made that much noise! I would check and recheck my valves.. Finally made the switch to synthetic. And yes, automotive oil. Some guys said it will make your clutch slip or wear prematurely, but there are a ton of folks on here who have used it with no problems. One of my friends had over 4500 miles on his 400EX with the stock clutch!

To richen it do a check. I did the pipe header and muffler mods to mine and it was always cold natured though. I went with a 42 pilot and a 152 jet (I think..) Runs much stronger now and the richer mixture will make it run a little cooler.

[Rastus]

It sucks adjusting those valves, but i figure, its worth it :)

[330EXman]

i dont think it is hard at al. if you do it enough you can have it done in 30 mins like me with it all back together with plastic and everything