Timing Chain Noise

[OldVet66]

Is it normal to hear the timing chain rattle when rolling on. I have a windshield, so I hear things that might not be noticeable without one? This is a low mileage motor that sat for 25 years.

[Nessism]

How do you know it's the timing chain? Could it be detonation when "rolling on"?

If it is the timing chain you should check your tensioner mechanism - Cliff has a link to a tutoral that Bwinger made. Well worth the trouble to check it out regardless of the issue at hand.

[ddaniels]

I have the same issue. Haven't traced the source yet though. If you do, please share what you find out. Thanks!

[OldVet66]

I had thought about the detonation, It's possible but it sure seems to be a chain noise. I have heard detonation on my old motor and it seems to be a more scattered sound like BB's in the cylinder head. I'll take a look at the chain tensor, maybe it got stuck sitting that long.

[ddaniels]

I put a manual tensioner on and it made no difference in my case.

[SqDancerLynn1]

Reg or Premium didn't matter my 850 used to ping. That is until I replaced the intake boots...

[Big T]

Intake boots and/or O rings would be the #1 cause of pinging

Followed by timing being off

If it is the cam chain, you should be able to isolate it by starting the bike on the center stand, reving it and listening from both sides of the bike. A mechanic's stethoscope would be helpful

[OldVet66]

Both are new on my bike. Timing is dead on.

[Texasgs]

re

Put just high octane gas in it, and a bottle of 102 octane booster brand in the black bottle. This stuff has tetraethyl lead in it. If it is preignition, or detonation this fuel mix will kill it unless you have something real bad going on inside. Also pull your plugs and inspect them. Normally if the engine is having trouble with preignition, or detonation it shows on the plugs.

[OldVet66]

I read the article. If it was preignition, the engine would already be dead. The plugs are not showing any abnormal signs. This is not a loud noise, you would not hear it if it wasn't for the windshield. I'm going to rig a stethoscope, and then do maintenance on the chain tensor when I get a chance. It's bugging me, but the more I listen, the more I think it's chain noise.