Valve Timing

[Afm252]

All, 2009 has 38k miles and I have noticed valve knocking upon start up. Had the valve timing inspected by dealership in Panama City, FL less than 1200 miles ago. Mechanic stated no adjustment was needed. Prior to that the timing had not been adjusted. I now find it hard to believe. Recommendations? I might see if I can fight through it until I get back to Texas next March. A lot of riding to do in between though. Gracias!

[gPink]

Are you sure it's not a cam chain rattle?

[B.D.F.]

It sounds as though you have the notorious C-14 start- up rattle. It is not a 'valve knocking' but rather a loose cam chain that strikes the inside of the cam chain well (crankcase) until there is sufficient oil pressure to drive the cam chain tensioner out and tighten up the chain. The only way I know of to get rid of it is to remove the automatic cam chain tensioner and replace it with a manual tensioner.

There is no valve timing adjustment possible on the C-14. The only change in the valve timing occurs on the intake cam and that is not anything that a user or mechanic can change; it is entirely controlled by the bike's ECU.

Brian

All, 2009 has 38k miles and I have noticed valve knocking upon start up. Had the valve timing inspected by dealership in Panama City, FL less than 1200 miles ago. Mechanic stated no adjustment was needed. Prior to that the timing had not been adjusted. I now find it hard to believe. Recommendations? I might see if I can fight through it until I get back to Texas next March. A lot of riding to do in between though. Gracias!

[Deziner]

It sounds as though you have the notorious C-14 start- up rattle. It is not a 'valve knocking' but rather a loose cam chain that strikes the inside of the cam chain well (crankcase) until there is sufficient oil pressure to drive the cam chain tensioner out and tighten up the chain. The only way I know of to get rid of it is to remove the automatic cam chain tensioner and replace it with a manual tensioner.

There is no valve timing adjustment possible on the C-14. The only change in the valve timing occurs on the intake cam and that is not anything that a user or mechanic can change; it is entirely controlled by the bike's ECU.

Brian

'Nuff said.. 

[VirginiaJim]

No it's not.   We haven't even gone through one page yet.

[Deziner]

No it's not.   We haven't even gone through one page yet.

Ok then.

Have you tried using synthetic oil?   

Sorry, I just couldn't help myself.   

[gPink]

How many replies makes a page?

[VirginiaJim]

Not sure.  Personally I think it's magic.

[B.D.F.]

[in the background.... "Down Kirby, DOWN!"]

Youse guize are lucky I have been able to keep the little fella' at bay- you know he does not go for KiPass bashing.... even when it is disguised as a valve timing thread.

 

To the original poster: Don't mind these guys, they are just bored and trying to kick up some dust. Trust me- it really IS a well known situation on all C-14's: when you start them, they sound like a tin can full of steel marbles rattling for about three to five seconds.

Brian

How many replies makes a page?

[VirginiaJim]

Real men's bikes rattle..  None of that smooth starting for me.  That's for wimps.

[gPink]

Real men's bikes rattle..  None of that smooth starting for me.  That's for wimps.

There's a Harley joke in there somewhere....

[Deziner]

Harleys do NOT sound like steel marbles (or ball bearings for some of us  ) in a tin can. Both of mine sound like 2 skeletons fornicating in a 55 gallon drum.

[Steve in Sunny Fla]

1) it's not the "valve timing" or ignition timing, either.

2) as clearly stated cam chain adjusters are rattley on initial start up.

 3) the single WORST thing you could do with any engine exhibiting gas knock / detonation is to "fight through it"... your pistons won't allow that to happen for very long. HTH, Steve

[Riverszzr]

All, 2009 has 38k miles and I have noticed valve knocking upon start up. Had the valve timing inspected by dealership in Panama City, FL less than 1200 miles ago. Mechanic stated no adjustment was needed. Prior to that the timing had not been adjusted. I now find it hard to believe. Recommendations? I might see if I can fight through it until I get back to Texas next March. A lot of riding to do in between though. Gracias!

So if I read between the lines and inject some common thought.....

 The valve clearances were checked and said to be okay?

You only hear the noise upon initial start up and it goes away shortly thereafter? (as in a second or two?) or does it last significantly longer...

because your posting leaves a lot to be desired in the way of information that is clear and concise, let alone accurate use of terminology....


yeah yeah yeah I know you guys want to derail the thread with tires and oil and innuendo of sexual exploits (part of what I like about this place...the last part)and I kick it back to something more useful (to the OP anyways), now carry on with how she rattles and bucks when you first start her...

[gPink]

So if I read between the lines and inject some common thought.....

 The valve clearances were checked and said to be okay?

You only hear the noise upon initial start up and it goes away shortly thereafter? (as in a second or two?) or does it last significantly longer...

because your posting leaves a lot to be desired in the way of information that is clear and concise, let alone accurate use of terminology....


yeah yeah yeah I know you guys want to derail the thread with tires and oil and innuendo of sexual exploits (part of what I like about this place...the last part)and I kick it back to something more useful (to the OP anyways), now carry on with how she rattles and bucks when you first start her...

There you go again....

[connie14boy]

Ok then.

Have you tried using synthetic oil?   

Sorry, I just couldn't help myself.   

The other forum has 2 oil threads running concurrently- just sayin' those guys seem to know how to have fun.

[B.D.F.]

Another forum? That knows how to have fun? Pray tell, where is it located? 

I used to participate in another Kawasaki based forum but I learned my lesson and moved on; I now associate here and on the local BMW group (to which I also belong).... nice folks, well- run forums and not full of haters / megalomaniacs / haters (yep, said 'haters' twice but only because I though three time would be excessive....  ).

Brian

The other forum has 2 oil threads running concurrently- just sayin' those guys seem to know how to have fun.

[connie14boy]

Another forum? That knows how to have fun? Pray tell, where is it located? 

I used to participate in another Kawasaki based forum but I learned my lesson and moved on; I now associate here and on the local BMW group (to which I also belong).... nice folks, well- run forums and not full of haters / megalomaniacs / haters (yep, said 'haters' twice but only because I though three time would be excessive....  ).

Brian

 You and I seem to be on the same page- probably something to do with our vintage. I occasionally wander over there to amuse myself, or if I'm bored.

[maxtog]

Harleys do NOT sound like steel marbles (or ball bearings for some of us  ) in a tin can. Both of mine sound like 2 skeletons fornicating in a 55 gallon drum.

I think they sound like horribly mistuned lawn mowers, usually with a rusted off muffler.

[Deziner]

It's all perception. I'd prefer to go to a demolition derby or an oval dirt track than a Formula One race. Different strokes..