Tiggertoo; I did this very thing after I adjusted cam chain, valves, tuned carbs, etc. Its why I'm pretty sure it's coming from something else.
5twins; because the brain trust here suggested it due to its higher viscosity and it's specifics for dry pumps. I'm not saying I believe everything I read on the internet, but it made sense to me. I'll try a higher weight oil as a thing that needs to be checked off. Thanks for the suggestion.
I know it sounds like the valves are tapping. Its why I spent way too much time adjusting them, running the bike, letting it cool down, adjusting them (eventhough they hadn't chamged) and checking everything again. I'm not doubting all the experience here. You guys have been breathing new life into these babies WAY longer than I have. However, I have an anecdote to share from personal experience;
A few years ago, I had picked up a truck with a 5.7 vortec engine. When I got it, it had recently had a new, rebuilt engine put in. The new engine had a knock both myself and 2 mechanics just NEW was a valve issue. $1000.00 and a whole new valve train later (it sounded better, but) the noise was still there.
About a month later, I noticed some ignition issues, traced it to a cap and rotor issue. Lo-and-behold, the distributer hadn't been replaced from the original engine and had the splines worn slap out. I replaced the whole distributer and viola!!! No more tapping.
There's a whole book I could write on that dang truck, but the gist here, is that maybe it's not what we all commonly think? I don't know.
I know it's a 40yr old bike, but it's been loved well before I got it, and I just want to keep it running well for as long as possible.
Thank you all, so far, for the response. Its so refreshing to be on an active forum.
