Confused with a rattle(XT600e-2003)

[FRIXOS]

Hi.
Although I'm reading this site since Jan 2007 this is my first thread.

My 2003xt600E has a light rattle noise coming from the left -and back side(cam chain side)of the engine.

Τhe bike has covered only 25000km(15.600miles).

It seems like a light timing chain rattle or "unadjusted valve" noise.
The noise can be heard with the engine either hot or cold and is intermittent.

My mechanic has checked the valve adjustment(o.k.)
Also he has changed the "cam chain tensioner" with a new one, and mentioned that the timing chain is o.k.

Said mechanic also noticed that the noise can be heard only when he leans the bike to the left side(stand side) ,and cannot be heard when he leans the bike to the right side(clutch side).

I'm confused with the above and any reply will be much appreciated.

P.S.Please excuse any errors on English language

[bikerfromsark]

Hi Frixos
My TT600RE also has done this a couple times, I first niticed it at 25k km, it is not happened for a while, it is abit disconcerting. I spoke to a friend, who recomended that the cam chain should still be good. (I have heared that they are good for 50k km can someone confirm that?) I have left it for the moment and basicaly waiting to see if it gets worse. it is strange and fustrating when things are intermitenent I agree. Sorry can be more help, Im sure someone here on the fourum would have come across this before

Cheers George

[Dakota]

We've got two XT's (2003/2004) that rattle in unison. Having checked the bikes over trying to locate the source of the noise, we couldn't find anything wrong with them. Check your air scoops - they have a tendancy to rattle and vibrate loose.

[FRIXOS]

I'd like to thank you for your replies.

My mechanic has removed the left hand crankcase cover and stator in order to check the chain guides and the starter's idler gears.
Everything was o.k.
Tomorrow he will remove the upper part of the cylinder head in order to check rockers, rocker shafts ,camshaft sprocket e.t.c.
He also will remove to right hand crankcase cover in order to check primary gear nut, balance gears/nuts e.t.c.

I will keep you informed.

Any suggestions will be much appreciated

[zap2504]

I thought I recalled an old post that said these Yamaha engines typically develop a slight piston slap that does not seem to affect engine operation or life (just makes that sporadic noise that sounds like loose valves).

[Boxer]

I something similar once. There's a thread in the system somewhere if you do a search. I chased this noise round and round, checking valve clearances, oil pump drive (and even tested oil pump with a home made manometer), and fiddled with cam chain tension. Sometimes I felt it was coming from the left hand side, then perhaps the right hand side. Drove me crazy. I found nothing out of spec and the noise eventually went away. Be a bit cautious of pulling your engine apart, as there's always the chance you'll do more harm. I sometimes wondered whether it was the little non return valve in the oil suction, which I believe is a ball and spring set up (others might know more about this). My rattle used to disappear after two or three minutes riding.
Best of luck, but remember - XT's rattle.

[Motu]

A timely question about engines noises - they have been occupying my time lately.

I don't remember my 1992 engine being noisy - but this year after having my bike off the road for awhile I put a junker 1987 engine in.I stripped the top end,and all looked good,1 thou bore wear,but the piston didn't look good,and it measured up on the wear limit.But I thought it would run for 6 months no worries.But it had a bad piston rattle,I rode it for 1,000km,but as I have taken a temp job and 80km commute I didn't trust it.So this week I fitted the new 97mm piston that was to go into my '92 engine.

Tonight was my first ride on the new top end,and it still rattles! The obvious piston knock has gone,there are no noises revving the bike in the shed.But there are still noises on the road,mostly mid range under light loads.Big end and mains are perfect,new cam chain,cam and rockers in good cond.

These are just noisy engines I think.I might fit some extra dampers in the fins.Time to refit the Supertrapp and wear earplugs.

[*Touring Ted*]

XT's rattle .........

Mine all have had rattles from the cam chain and valves. All of which were in perfect condition.

Nature of the beast !

[FRIXOS]

I'd like to thank you all , for your replies , suggestions and ideas.

Final results:
1) Left hand side crankcase cover and stator have been removed
everything underneath checked.(all o.k.)
2) The upper part of the cylinder head has been removed everything
checked(all o.k.)
3) Right hand side crankcase cover clutch assembly , primary gear , oil
pump, and everything else underneath have been removed and checked
(all o.k.)
4) Engine/frame bolts have been re tighten.
5) Oil filters (paper and wire mesh) have been changed and cleaned
respectively
6) Oil changed from "motul 5100 15-50" to "Bel-ray exp 20-50".
(Athens temperature today 25C).

7) Oil pressure checked around 0.3 kp/cm2 at 1300-1500rpm

Nothing obvious fund but the rattle is no longer noticeable (up to now).

I will keep you informed.