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!
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
No it's not. We haven't even gone through one page yet.
How many replies makes a page?
Real men's bikes rattle.. None of that smooth starting for me. That's for wimps.There's a Harley joke in there somewhere....
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.....There you go again....
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...
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.
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
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.