I couple of months ago I bought an 86 ls650, engine is supposed to be recently overhauled, however the bike was not running due to the starter clutch being gone.

I replaced the starter clutch and then I saw that the Decompresor Controller is toasted, so I have being manually activating the solenoid to get the engine started, as well as for shutting it off (another topic!)

As I heard lots of ticking coming from the valves, and having a hard time to start the bike, I decided to check on the valves clearance, surprise surprise, awfully calibrated, exhaust was more than 0.010, intake was about right, anyway I calibrated all to 0.004 or close to it! .   Then I started the bike, it is starting a lot easier, and more stable, however I still hear a tic tic noise on the front of the engine, I will say on the exhaust side (not the cam chain as I hear this only on the left of the engine, not on the right)  what else can be causing this sound?  don't want to start using the bike until I'm sure there's nothing wrong with it.

any idea is welcome!

Dave wrote on 06/20/12 at 09:27:31:



Sorry, I meant left as sitting on the bike, the ticking is coming from up in the head, towards the front of the bike.
Cannot hear the ticking if I go to the opposite side of the bike.

If you are pretty confident of the valve adjustment,... I say it's okay...

Some ticking in a cold engine is normal,.. (some in a really hot one is, too)...
You will always hear valves tick louder on the left side,.. because the cam chain cover insulates more on the right...

Thanks all for your answers, I will recheck the valve adjustment to play safe, bike is starting fine and pulling fine also, but will recheck to be sure!

I did bend the feeler, not to have it angled in that awkward adjustment position, but maybe I miss something.

Will keep you posted, next bike work day will be on Saturday

verslagen1 wrote on 06/20/12 at 11:57:05:


Yep.....I think you get two almost instaneous ticks for the price of one!