Knock Knock

[Meista007]

I was on the freeway for about 15 mins doing around 80. As I slowed on the off ramp I noticed a Knocking or Ticking sound coming from cylinder 3 or 4. Break it to me soft, about how bad could it be. It's to warm to not have my bike.

[Czekus21]

Could be alot of things. Could be the cam chain making noise, mabee a loos spark plug boot, valve tappet noise. The 79 SF is not the quietest motor. ( I have one ) Even so much as a carb outta sync. These are just the easiest, obvious things to check first. Then you get into crank bearings etc...It could even be the cheap gas that California sells.

[jacksf]

Originally posted by Czekus21
Snip
It could even be the cheap gas that California sells.

Cheap gas???? Its $2.63 a gallon and going up....

[skids]

Re: Knock Knock

If it is lumpy at idle, it may be running too rich for one or more cylinders. Hot running makes for richer mixtures. If it goes away after the bike cools, the next morning, the mixture may be too rich. Also, your oil may be due for changing???

Originally posted by Meista007
I was on the freeway for about 15 mins doing around 80. As I slowed on the off ramp I noticed a Knocking or Ticking sound coming from cylinder 3 or 4. Break it to me soft, about how bad could it be. It's to warm to not have my bike.

[prometheus578]

A loose header pipe can sound like a tick.
Could also be a stone or a nail in the tire. (This wouldn't tick when idling, obviously)
(Just trying to add a few odd ones since the others posted the usual good ones.)

[MAXIMAN]

Well since were just guessing...and everyone else is trying to emit positive vibes...I'll buck the trend.

Hmmmmm ... let's see...how about a loose WRIST PIN!

That's how bad it COULD be.

[LoHo]

Don't worry about it. Always carry your cell phone when riding.
~LoHo~

[Meista007]

I like the optimism but i know it is coming from inside the motor. I let the bike cool for 9 hours and the tick was still there. It sounds like a loud valve or something like that. I'm going to pull all the fluids and give it a once over this weekend. Is it possible for the oil to be blocked and not getting to the top half of the motor. I'm not having a good week.

[desert1]

KNOCK KNOCK, WHATS THERE ?

Could be either end of a connecting rod, I' ve got it too. Its not noticable until the bikes warmed up then you here this low own " thunk a thunk a thunk " type noise..............means engine tear down in my case, maybe in the fall....
Bruce
78xs1100