How should an XS sound like?

[dzeko]

After adjusting the chan tensioner so it's flush. And after adjusting valves 0.06mm intake 0.15mm exhaust ( used a gauge one size up to test if it's a no-go). And yet, after all that I still hear a tick tick tick tick noise.

Here's a short video:

 

[Jan_P]

Yes that is to much mechanical noise
I would check ignition timing first but it appears OK since it idles evenly
possibly the front cam chain guide please search the Forum

 

[dzeko]

Yes that is to much mechanical noise
I would check ignition timing first but it appears OK since it idles evenly
possibly the front cam chain guide please search the Forum

Forgot to mention it's a 1981 model

 

[Wagner73]

Most on here recommend and use 0.003" (0.075 mm) intake and 0.006" (0.15 mm) exhaust. I will defer to the experts on the engine sounds.

 

[Its been a long time]

Yes that is to much mechanical noise
I would check ignition timing first but it appears OK since it idles evenly
possibly the front cam chain guide please search the Forum

Agreed. Well worth dropping the sump plate off to see if there's bits of guide in there. It wouldn't be a surprise.

 

[JJames]

As Jan says, the bike does seem to idle well. Don't really have an answer for you, but, a couple of things come to mind. Have you verified oil supply to the top end? As Wagner says, the intake spec should be more like 0.075mm, but I dont think the difference would account for that much noise.Many feelers are labeled in metric and inches, so it's possible to make a mistake there. Ask me how I know.
At best, the xs top end is still relatively noisy, but yours is a bit much. Maybee get some loud pipes to drown it out. Lol. Good luck

 

[AUTOMAN]

Sounds first order ticking. Not valvetrain.
Does it quite down when loaded just a little bit(feathered clutch)?

 

[gunk]

The cam chain adjuster cap nut caught my eye at 0.22 . Maybe my eyes are bad but is the assembly all inline along the Axis with original parts ? No insult intended. Is there the possibility you might have missed snugging down an adjuster nut ? I agree with a Long time one the sump plate. also oil to top end as JJames stated. Also excessive clearance between rocker arms and rocker shafts makes a lot of clatter in my experience . A head scratcher. good luck tracing it down.

 

[JJames]

Old school mechanics "stethoscope ".
Take a long, straight blade screwdriver., place the blade against the running motor and the end of the handle to your ear. Hold the screwdriver lightly by the handle or release it . Move the blade around to different areas, like the four corners of the head etc. Varie the pressure on the tool until you get the clearest sound. You'll be surprised by how much you can hear and isolate where it's coming from.

 

[jetmechmarty]

For comparison, this is my ‘81. It had a recent refresh by @desmoman900 and this is how it should sound.

For my before and outcome, see:
https://www.xs650.com/threads/bad-noise-on-road-trip-xs650sh.68939/

 

[dzeko]

Sorry for the late followup. I checked the cam chain tensioner, checked it 5 times at least... turns out the chain was extremely loose. I tightened it and it's very quiet. Night n day difference. Thank you everyone who contributed to this post. Greatly appreciated

 

[dzeko]

The result. Sounds better IRL

 

[jetmechmarty]

The result. Sounds better IRL

Perfect!

 

[dzeko]

Hey there... new problem now... it's difficult to start the bike either electric or kick after tightening the cam chain tensioner and adjusting the intake valves from 0.06mm to 0.08mm any thoughts? Should I loosen the valve tension?

 

[Wagner73]

0.003" / 0.08 mm is recommended intake clearance that most use (double that for exhaust), so that should not be a problem.

On the other hand, double check your cam chain tension...search this forum and you will find lots of help. Essentially, plunger should move in and out +/- 1 mm as engine turns over, when properly adjusted.

 

[Jan_P]

Difficult to start is typically / usually wrong ignition timing
Otherwise it would have started on one cylinder. Mostly

 

[dzeko]

Difficult to start is typically / usually wrong ignition timing
Otherwise it would have started on one cylinder. Mostly

I've got the factory TCI (1981 model). Is it possible to adjust?

 

[Jan_P]

I've got the factory TCI (1981 model). Is it possible to adjust?

No that should be correct ... I would charge the battery as next

 

[dzeko]

No that should be correct ... I would charge the battery as next

Battery is charged... only thing left on my list is fresh fuel

 

[Jan_P]

Battery is charged... only thing left on my list is fresh fuel

When it starts does it run as it should.