Valve noises...

[gareth]

I know from other posts that the top end on our bikes is notoriously noisy, but I am trying to track down a high-pitched slow squeal in that area that I suspect is cam-chain related. Now forgive me if this comes out as a ridiculous notion. Can I start and run the bike at idle speed, valve cover OFF, without covering the bike, myself, the shop and a portion of East Harlem with a film of oil? Used to be able to do this on older cars..
Regards,

Gareth

[mro]

Used to be able to do this on older cars

Is messy....
older cars didn't have overhead cams or 70 psi oil pumps.
Have done it to DOHC nissan engine. Covered top of head with clear plastic wrap (needs to not touch moving parts)

Good luck


mro

[Crazcnuk]

Uh, unless you're talking pre 1950's (before my time), older cars make one heck of a mess too.

For most V-8s there were these little clips you snapped onto the rocker arms to keep from spraying oli all over the garage...

[79XS11F]

A "squeal" is likely an air leak somewhere and you want to hope it's not the head gasket. Could be exhaust gaskets at the headers, intake boots at the head.
Rob