Rattley top end
 

Hello one & All,
My XT600 is an '84 model with approx 36,800kms (no history) which I purchased 3 weeks ago.
The engine is 'very' rattley at tick over warm or cold, can't hear it when riding though. Noise appears to be towards top of engine. I have been told by the dealer that they all sound like this!?
Any thoughts?
Thanks very much.

Vernon,

In general three causes spring to mind for a rattling top end:

1. distribution chain worn. Can be checked by first removing tensioner spring and then removing the tensioner. Count the number of notches on the extended part of the ´piston´. Total number is 18, if towards 15 are exposed it´s a good idea to replace the chain anyway. Costs in Holland abt. 80 EUROs, non-original. No gaskets required.

2. Piston worn and tilting; however not likely because no sound above idle. Check by removal and measuring. Remedy is rebore and oversize piston. Piston abt. EURO 80, rebore 40.

3. Excessive valve clearance; again not likely as the sound goes away at speeds above idle. Check by adjusting clearances.

Succes!

Auke

hi,
check also the heads of the valve shafts. if they are worn, you cannot adjust the valve clearance properly which might lead to such noises. but: too much valve clearance is better than too little! check also the play of the decompression lever: touch the lever at the cylinder head while engine is running. it shouldn't move!
generally: don't worry too much about noises! your dealer is probably right. an air-cooled engine with wheel-bearings is a little noisy.
bye
klaus@xt600.de

+++ 18.-20.5.01 TÉNÉRÉ-Meeting in Worms, Germany! +++ http://www.tenere.de/english.htm

Thank you for the information.

I have since found that oil leaks (fairly badly) from the oil filter side of the engine, either from that cover, the cylinder or the join that seperates the crankcase.

So, I am back to the dealer for a ummm ahh session!

I shall mention the points raised, thanks again.