Noisy engine ... with Video!

[pasajerobg]

I don't know about FXM but when Replaced on my dominator I did without this special tool, you can use something thin to keep the spring tensioned, when you are done just lift and remove it. Will be much more easy with special tool sure.
If you can't do that just go to the service.

[metamorph67]

Thanks pasajerobg, all the special tools are expensive, there's quiet a few for the FMX, although the cam chains do make alot of clatter at cold temperature, most Honda main dealers don,t include them in normal service, perhaps because it's all more trouble than it,s worth, i have a spare engine coming soon so i'l wait until i can get this one on the bench - the learning will then begin, no doubt also the cursing!

[MadWelshBiker]

I don't know about FXM but when Replaced on my dominator I did without this special tool, you can use something thin to keep the spring tensioned, when you are done just lift and remove it. Will be much more easy with special tool sure.

I used a small allen key. Just make sure you don't drop it into the engine as it will be a b*gger to get back out.

Mike

[metamorph67]

Ok Madwelshbiker, i will remember the allen key, it will be the first thing i'l give a try of, not sure yet where to stick it or where you stuck yours - but, in readiness i have purchased a telescopic magnet thingy for such frustrations. All the best - metamorph67

[catteeclan]

I used a small allen key.

Mike

Snap. Great minds think alike.

[switch]

Regarding noisy engines. Today I fired up my dommie for the first time in 8 days. It did need to spin around a few times but after starting... it sounded really smooth. Almost brand new (just like that showroom FMX I checked back in the day).

After doing some 50 miles or so and resting overnight, the baby started fine as expected but was back to it's old tricks: fast metallic rattle in the upper area of the engine. Then after 2-3 minutes, smooth again, with a slight rattle from time to time.

So basically... dry engine, not much oil left around the innards = smooth engine but recently started engine = clanky? What gives?

[metamorph67]

I do sympathize with you, it seems alot of people have this problem, we all know Honda OHC engines are a bit rattly when worn, but when you have gone to all that effort to still have the problem. I can,t help thinking some of it is to do with lubrication and heat. It seems that when they are warm they are quieter, this could indicate that wear tolerances are taken up by the expanding components, or could mean that the engine relies heavily on a thin oil with a good pressure feed. Certainly the latter is important but doesn't quiet explain intermittent noise! There are those reverse valve lifter jobbies, could they be to blame? Did you change any Cam followers? Were all the components within they're wear tolerances?

[blackrat]

hello
i just changed the chain tensionner on my bike and although it sounded very nice the first time i fired it up...this morning i realised the rattle was still there when cold.
unforunately i haven't had the money to buy a new one so this one is an old one which i got for free from a friend so now i'm really puzzled as to where the sound comes from...

[switch]

Probably the chain itself is worn... Honda maintenance manual suggests replacing the chain and tensioner every 25k miles or so.

[metamorph67]

Hi Blackrat, i don't agree with it being a worn Cam Chain (no offense intended!)

I think it's got more to do with design and Character, ive owned many honda singles and they all do it, if your happy that everything is within its wear limits and there was no obvious component breakdown, leave it and live with it, mine has done only 9k and the noise is intermitent, usually quietning when warm, this noise has been around for more than 30 Years starting on the early XL Trial bikes, you will just pour money away trying to cure it, the 650cc engine is bullet proof, it loves to run on and on. Happy biking

PS The reason it sounded so nice when it first started up was because you had pre-lubed everything in the head with oil, i.e. the oil was where it was needed instantly, this is the reason why the noise came back as the oil was displaced the components settle and there is play, the play is taken up when the engine reaches temperature and so they quieten down, only brand new headwork is going to be silent, if anything the design could of been improved by a twin oil feed at higher pressure, but who are we to argue, the engine has served the SLR, NX and now the FMX with no hitches, relax and enjoy your bike, any future prospective owners who know anything about the Honda big singles will except the noise as normal!