Loud ticking/knocking

[flanra]

Ok so i was riding my 440 the other day and it started making this loud almost like a knocking noise, i took off the valve adjustment caps and it looks like when the intake valves open/close it makes the noise, to make sure i took of the top cover of the head so all that was there was the cam and turned the engine over and it made no noise, I think what it is, is that i have my valve adjustment screws maxed out to the last few threads and my rocker arms are hitting off of the housing when the valves close... I was thinking if i shimmed the top of the valve stem that it would give me more clearance between the housing and the top of the rocker (but from what I have read on this site they say you can't shim it, i don't see why though)....I am also running the white brothers "all around" camshaft... another thought i had was the timing chain... but I dunno....also the compression is good and it still runs like a bear

[yamahamx14]

Ticking? Sounds like you got yourself a bomb! :eek2: You didn't happen to steal some spagetti from some fat italian guys lately, have you? If I were you I would forget the valves, change your name and hit the deck cause that things goin off!!! :eek2: lol :blah:

[flanra]

Never Mind guys, Its the timing chain tensioner

[97WarriorRider]

I had the same prob..my dad said maybe the timing chain is hitting something

[GOTFEAR]

yep cam chain

[CSR400EX]

id suggest replacing the cam chain as well. upgrade to the CRF450 chain, its worth it. i also had a tensioner break, but i broke 2 in a week before i replaced the chain too.

just my 2 cents

[86 Quad R]

that design is about the worst i've ever seen. :rolleyes:

[bobsstang]

How do you tell its the tensioner? and how do you replace it, my starting doing it after i put a hotcam in

[86 Quad R]

if its the tensioner the cam chain will be extremely loose.

to install, simply follow the instructions of the manual. ya do have one dont ya?

chapter 7 sheet 5 for removal and chapter 7 sheets 19 & 20, for installation.

[hondaex]

you may also want to check your bolts where the cam gear bolts to the cam shaft mine in my 300ex loosened and was hitting the upper case

[bobsstang]

so i have to pull the cover off the head to tell? i am pretty sure thats is what is wrong, and i do have a manual

[topdogjosh]

please god have a manual. When I first got my 250r I got on this site to ask how to change a part and was severly thrashed(wupped) for not consulting the manual first. These guys must get royalties?:blah:

[97WarriorRider]

So you guys think my problem is the cam chain? Is there any way to tell before tearing into the motor?

[CSR400EX]

just pull the valve cover off and see if the cam can turn just a little bit. if its tight, its not your tensioner. if not, thats it

[97WarriorRider]

OK..I just got this machine..the cam should only be able to move a little bit. If it moves alot its the cam chain? I know a guy that i always ride with that races a 400ex..Im gunna have him listen to it..

[86 Quad R]

dont run it tooo much until ya find out for certain whats going on with it.

[97WarriorRider]

well..I pulled the right side intake valve cover off and put a little screw driver in and moved the timing chain and its extremly loose..but im not doing anything till my manual gets here

[86 Quad R]

sounds as tho the tensioner has took a dump on ya. had the same thing happen a month or so a go.

[97WarriorRider]

http://gfx.motosport.com/motographics/OEMImages/Honda/TRX400EX%5E1999%5ECAM%20CHAIN%20@%20TENSIONER.GIF

So what do i need if its just the tenisior?

[86 Quad R]

first verify that its infact the tensioner by removing the valve cover and looking down the tensioner side of the cam chain and/or by removing the tensioner as illusrated in the chapter/sections of the manual i previously posted.

good luck with it. :)

[97WarriorRider]

Well my manual isnt going to be here until saturday so ill wait till then to take the tensionor out..I took the valve cover off and the chain is extremely loose..like you could prolly take it almost off the sprocket?