So i Finally got a chance to get the head cover off and i've got two questions for you.
1) Is it possible for the decompression lever to not touch at idle but then start tapping once the engine revs up?
2) should there be pools of oil on the front valve springs like there are on the rear ones?
reasons for these questions. 1) if that could happen, im starting to wonder if thats not what all this noise is coming from. 2) i don't have oil...my preliminary searches tell me thats normal, but i haven't dived in very deep and its a very particular question.
here are some pictures, sorry if they are sideways and whatnot, but i couldn't see any abnormal wear anywhere, either on my cam or on the rocker arms or any other contact (or non-contact) points....
as far as where the noise is coming from...im pretty sure its in the top, can't differentiate from a side and a screwdriver to my ear isn't helping at all.
i've also started the process of pulling my rear cam chain guide to see if its cracked anywhere...it was a TINY TINY bit cockeyed on the bolt, but i dont think it was off enough to be causing noises, unless theres a bushing in htere around the bolt that keeps it straight and thats worn out. I haven't had the chance to pull it yet though. I am doing all the work curbside in front of my house and an epic monsoon like storm was rolling in and I managed to slide my head cover on and stuff plastic bags in my exhaust and the two valve service ports and cover the bike right as the rain started to come down.
alas, pictures. they are huge so youcan zoom in if you want but i dont know how to post them smaller inline with the post.
http://imgur.com/adRkLsO.jpghttp://imgur.com/rp3JLZf.jpghttp://imgur.com/4TvBAsA.jpghttp://imgur.com/2o05Swg.jpg