Rattle on start-up - Horizons Unlimited

**goodwoodweirdo** · #1 8 Jul 2005

Rattle on start-up

My beloved has started to rattle on initial start-up, only when the engine is cold and only for 2-4 seconds. It started the day after a 200 kms highway ride @ 120 / 130 kmph.

The noise goes once the oil pump has built pressure, I'm thinking bottom end bearing but also hope its timing chain.... any other ideas ? it doesn't loose power and the rattle doesn't last long enough to really locate it. I'll have a dealer service prior to the holidays ....... see what they come up with.

'89 3AJ 48,000 kms

**FredXTZ** · #2 16 Jul 2005

First make sure you use a 10W40 oil and not 15W50 or 20W50. Have you changed oil recently?
Then check the camchain tensioner. If it's worn you'll see that the last 4 or 5 clicks will not engage automatically by the spring, you can advance it one [1!] click and then listen.

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Fred, XTZ660, Holland.

**goodwoodweirdo** · #3 20 Jul 2005

Fred,

Thanks for your reply, I'm certainly using 10W40 oil and it was changed around 750 kms ago. I plan on checking the tension but looking in the manual its not so clear, if I turn it (clockwise) one click should the spring then take up the extra slack ? how many clicks can I adjust it with / without over adjusting it ?

I'll try and find some time to have a decent look at he mechanism.

Kind regards

Matt

**FredXTZ** · #4 21 Jul 2005

If it's the same s a 660, you should unscrew the big bolt, take the spring out, then unscrew the 2 small bolts, then take the spanner out and look at the clicks.
If there ar 5 or less, adjust it by one step.

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Fred, XTZ660, Holland.

**Matt595** · #5 29 Aug 2005

Hi Matt

Sorry to hear your beloved is rattling.
I would also at first think the bearing.
But I know that bearing, it´s undestroyable or almost, as long you have allways had enough oil and pressure.
Put your ear were clutch is, it could be a loosened bolt, the big one holding clutch on gearbox axle, it would cause a rattling sound as well.
It has allready happened on tenere´s.
If rattling sound is low an top of engine..I´d definately think of way to much play in one of your valves, either need of service, or worn part; the arm pushed by cam shaft;instead of opening valve its hammering it, or just a loosened adjustement bolt.
Listen to your valves with the screwdriver method, engine turning.
Good luck finding the problem,

Cheers

Matt

**Cuppa500** · #6 29 Aug 2005

Could the rattle be 'piston slap'? (Worn piston/bore). If so it can only get steadily worse. Is it blowing any extra smoke on start up? I ask because your bike's symptoms sound the same as I experienced with an XR350. Fitted a new camchain & made no difference, before realising I needed a rebore.
regards
Cuppa

**AnteK** · #7 30 Aug 2005

Fred, what difference made using 10W40 oil and not 15W50 or 20W50 ?
AnteK, XTZ 660

**FredXTZ** · #8 31 Aug 2005

If ambient temperature is not high, when starting you will hear the valves and chain rattling for a few minutes with 20W50.

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Fred, XTZ660, Holland.

**Matt595** · #9 31 Aug 2005

Start by checking your oil level, remember that camshaft turns directly in metal, lubricated by oil pump.
If you have to low oil level or bad pressure for any reason, top of egine will damage first.
If it was the cam chain, rattling would intensify with rpm.
Let us know when you find the problem.

Matt

**Forschmiedt** · #10 5 Sep 2005

My bike does this also. Just a bit of rattle for a couple seconds until oil gets up top. My bike did not do this when I had first filled it with 20-50 oil. It started when refilled it with 10-40.

**goodwoodweirdo** · #11 12 Sep 2005

Quick update, had a new timing chain fitted and full service, now the bike runs perfectly....even the whirring noise I had in 5th when driving too slow has gone. They used a oil cleaning product prior to the oil change !!

Anyway wallet is empty but the bike is back and being used.

Cheers
Matt