ticking sound???

[04EX721]

I rebuilt my 400ex about a month ago. I put a 440 kit on it, new gaskets, set the timing(had it check by a mechanic also). There are no metal shavings in the oil, it has lots of power, but makes a ticking sound. I have heard the cam tensioners go bad,could this be it? Also has anyone ever used the mechanical tensioners? The motor was put back together correctly, just getting fed up and want to ride it.

[honda400ex2003]

Is there an aftermarket cam in it? If you do that is most likely the ticking noise. it is normal but is just loud. stage 2 is really bad, stage 1 is a bit better. These are hotcams that i am talking about. Give us a bit more info and we can get you on the right path. Where is the sound coming from? does it sound like the topend ticking or lower? If it is high then that is it. Thanks steve

[04EX721]

It is coming from the top, it is the stock cam. There is oil getting to the valve train. Stock chain and tensioner.
Thanks,
Justin

[honda400ex2003]

Then i would say it all ok as long as the valve clearances are in spec. I am not sure what the stock one is for a gap. you should put a stage 2 in it anyway and get some more power of that big 440, you would not believe the extra power you will get. steve

[Honda#4]

Man you need a stg 2 cam in there with that 440, let that puppy make some power and loose that stock cam.

[MtnEX]

It could be many things.

Start with the cam chain though.
Here is what to do....


Around on the back of the motor you'll find the automatic tensioner bolts in.

Take that baby out...

Take a screwdriver and turn the let-off screw and check it's operation.

Then leave it fully extended and try to put it back in place.

Report back how much the mount lacks touching where it mounts.

[bbender85]

i see guys have mentioned valves already.. so did you adjust them? seems like the specs are .004" intake, .005" exhaust IIRC.

[Zeb400EX]

If you take out the tensioner and with it fully extended press it against something sold. Like a work bench or something. If the tensioner goes back in when you press in on it, its bad. If not then take the screw cover off of the tensioner and use a small headed screwdriver to screw it back in all the way til it locks. Than put it back on your motor and take the screwdriver and unlock it. You should hear it click. I always back it off again and let it click a second time. That should reset the tensioner. If its still clicks I would check the timing chain for stretching. You shouldn't be able to see any of the teeth on the top of the cam gear. Also maybe the chain guides. Did you replace them with the rebuild?

[Snipe]

All ex's make a ticking noise expecially after riding and they get warmed up you will hear it no matter if its stock or after market.

[deathcorefan2]

i had a really bad ticking noise. we just fixed it. we replaced the tensioner, adjusted the valves and everything but nothing worked. i put in a heavy duty cam chain and it quit. i would do that first, it is the hardest, then go from there.

[04EX721]

The heavy duty chain is the one out of a 2002 crf450 bike correct? I am going to order one tonight so i need to make sure.
Thanks everyone for all the help.

[rob_990]

i think i used an 03 but any year should work fine

[MtnEX]

Shouldn't he replace the related parts also if he's doing the CRF chain?

Tensioner and guides while in there?

[04EX721]

I am ging to work it like deathcore did. Start with the chain and work from there. I appreciate all of the advice, hopefully this fixes it.

[deathcorefan2]

yeah i replaced the tensioner and the cam chain, but not the guides, i used an OEM 400ex cam chain tensioner and a crf450r cam chain from ebay.

i diddnt get the guides or anything else.

[honda400ex2003]

If they are wore out or messed up he can. Steve

[04EX721]

the 450 chain is too big, what else do i need?

[MtnEX]

Did you ever get this sorted out?

Did the noise go away?



I just wanted to ask... and also let you know I finally without question had it professionally verified TWICE that my noise is actually the decompressor.

Nothing is wrong... just the idle is fluctuating through a range that gets my decompressor tapping... (I need carb work).