"Plink" noise on cold startup

[1948man]

A couple of times I've heard a metallic "Plink" noise when I started my 1100gl after sitting a week or so or on a very cold morning. It does it once when the engine first fires and starts and runs fine after that with no significant engine noise. Could I be getting piston to valve contact that resolves after the bike starts to run? Would a weak valve spring be a possibility? Pardon my ignorance if I'm way off base. Jim M

[tatu]

Sounds like a shim, could probably do with checking and adjusting. not too much to worry about as you say it goes away as it warms up which means it has dried out standing and the oil takes a little time to get around.
Mine has done it in the past and I think it's that the oil has to also get under the shim.
Adjustment has been the answer.

[1948man]

Thanks Tatu. I checked and adjusted the valves a couple of months back. I've kind of been wanting to measure them again to make sure the gaps didn't settle or change after the bike was run. I'll check soon.

[chef1366]

Starter clutch spring is snapping back.

[1948man]

Thanks Chef. My starter crows a little so I need to check into it anyway.