Tenere 1vj engine tapping sound
 

Hello fellow gypsy´s

Maybe some one can give me a little advice as I am still learning engines, I live in Brazil where bike prices are crazy expensive so I bought a "Tenere 1vj" which I love, It has cost me some money on replacing some parts, it is an old classic still with that basic no thrills trail bike feeling. I have had it now for about a year and a half, no real big problems, that you would not expect with a bike of this age. Anyway getting to the point now I can hear a tapping noise from the engine and wondered if anyone might know exactly what this is ? The problem here in Brazil there are so many monkey mechanics and with little knowledge and as a gringo you never know who to trust hence why I am trying to do a little home work.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

R

Stethascope
 

Hi,
If you can identify exactly where the 'tapping' is coming from then it may help.
Try using a socket extension bar or a screwdriver as a stethascope, similar to how a doctor listens to your heart beat. Place the (handle) end of the screwdriver at your ear and the 'business' end on the engine and seek your tapping. You'd be amazed at what you hear.
Is it at the top (Valves), midsection (cylinder) or the bottom (crank)? Try the exhaust outlets (careful... burny burny!) and the carb inlets.

P.s..... the engine needs to be ticking over only!