Gen III left side engine ticking at warm idle

[DHS1981]

Trying to get an idea of what this ticking is -- any help would be appreciated. The bike has 30,300 miles. All regular maintenance done, except the dealer told me no reason to check valve clearance as the bike is running well. The ticking is audible on the left side at idle when engine is warm, and is a rhythmic sound. I've seen references in the forums to a tick related to exhaust valves, but that appears to have been limited to Gen I bikes. Any reason for concern here?

 

[Ignacio]

I've seen references in the forums to a tick related to exhaust valves, but that appears to have been limited to Gen I bikes. Any reason for concern here?

Not for that no. NO tickers (related to premature valve guide wear) since 2005. Read more and you'll see about Yamaha heads (traced back to the Genesis) ticking some no matter what. I wouldn't be concerned about it.

The bike has 30,300 miles. All regular maintenance done, except the dealer told me no reason to check valve clearance as the bike is running well.

So, the dealer has the ability to tell valve specs by some other way than checking them with a feeler at 26,000 per the Yamaha service manual like everybody else in the world? That seems odd by itself.

That all said, few FJRs are out of spec when they get their recommended valve checks and even fewer have to be adjusted more than once.

Now, ticking on the right side related to cam chain tensioner (CCT) is a completely different issue and been talked about many, Many, MANY times before.

 

[Fred W]

The bike has 30,300 miles. All regular maintenance done, except the dealer told me no reason to check valve clearance as the bike is running well.

So, the dealer has the ability to tell valve specs by some other way than checking them with a feeler at 26,000 per the Yamaha service manual like everybody else in the world? That seems odd by itself.

I would suggest that you get that dealer to give you that on paper. That way he can foot the bill if a problem develops sometime down the road.

That all said, few FJRs are out of spec when they get their recommended valve checks and even fewer have to be adjusted more than once.

According to the poll that I started on Valve Checks vs Adjustments, 26 of 172 people that responded had to adjust their valves at the very first 26k mile check interval. While that is a relatively low number, it is 14.5%, or 1 out of every 7. Almost the same odds as playing Russian Roulette.

 

[Mihalis fjr]

A video with sound could help perhaps....

 

[08FJR4ME]

Isn't some ticking normal at startup when the engine is cold. It seems both my FJR's do this. Well the 08 was more of a knocking sound. After it warms up on both bikes it goes away.

Edit: Yes, I am feeling lucky

Dave

 

[DHS1981]

Thanks for the responses. And thanks Fred W for those stats. At the 26 K service, the service manager asked me if the bike was hard to start [no], and if it was running good [yes] and then he said, "We can go in there and check the valves if you really want us to, but that service is expensive and when we do it on FJRs with a lot more miles than yours the valves are always within specs," or words to that effect. That may be bad advice, but that's what he said. Maybe I should get them checked at the 34 K service -- not feeling overly lucky.

 

[RossKean]

... or do them yourself. Not that difficult to do.

 

[Fred W]

Thanks for the responses. And thanks Fred W for those stats. At the 26 K service, the service manager asked me if the bike was hard to start [no], and if it was running good [yes] and then he said, "We can go in there and check the valves if you really want us to, but that service is expensive and when we do it on FJRs with a lot more miles than yours the valves are always within specs," or words to that effect. That may be bad advice, but that's what he said. Maybe I should get them checked at the 34 K service -- not feeling overly lucky.

Yes, he gave you bad advice. See, here's the thing: When the valves are below spec the bike will run just fine, right up until it doesn't, but then it's too late. If anything you'll have slightly more high rpm power since the low clearance valves will be open somewhat longer and have more overlap.

It will not be any harder to start or make any wayward noises, no outward sign that the clearances are diminishing, until the clearance is so small that the valves will no longer close fully. When that happens you will have drivability issues and risk burning the valves since they no longer seat and there is nowhere for the exhaust heat to dissipate.

 

[lnewlf]

My '06 sometimes ticks at idle on the left side, sometimes it doesn't..valves are in spec..blue dot CCT has been on since it came out...meebee injector noise....I don't worry about it..

 

[DHS1981]

Sold -- I'm getting the valves checked at the next service. Thanks to all who responded.

 

[Geezer]

My '05 has always made some ticking sounds. I believe it is the fuel injectors making most of the noise.

 

[Mihalis fjr]

My 03/abs sometimes made some ticking sounds.Not always...!I can't find from where they comes..

My friend's 07 and 05 does the same thing...Cold or hot.A bit strange.

 

[Danny G]

I have found ear plugs and or louder exhaust pipes will resolve many worries.

 

[jammess]

My '05 has always made some ticking sounds. I believe it is the fuel injectors making most of the noise.

I've noticed this phenomena with my '11 Mustang GT. Completely normal.

 

[Mihalis fjr]

DHS1981 Could you post a video with sound of course to hearing this sound that you said.