Top End Noise

[stevens211]

2007 - 1600 Nomad, 32,000 miles; bike has lost ability to self adjust rockers. Two mechanics confirm clacking noise in top end and can fix for about $2,000. I plan to replace all the Hydraulic Lash Adjusters (HLA), HLA Oil Filters and Springs by someone who has some experience working of bikes. The procedure don't seem to be to hard. Is there any other parts you think I need to replace while replacing HLAs?

[redjay]

Seems like low mileage for this to happen, if this is indeed the problem.
I cant remember anyone having to replace them on this forum. What are HLA oil filters ?
In any case $2000 seems excessive to me.

At around 32,000 it might be the cam chain tensioners that need the extenders. Could the cam chains is the noise you are hearing ?

[jd01]

Are you sure the clacking noise is not just your cam chain tensioners out of travel and needing Chuckster's extenders? Lots of us have had to add the extenders on our Nomads because of this.
Lots have added the extenders, including me at around your mileage (mine was around 40,000). You can do this job for around 30 or 40 dollars and will quieten that clacking down, if that's what it is. You can go to Gadget's website for instructions on checking these and adding the extenders.
Check this out: http://www.gadgetjq.com/cc_tensioner.htm

[Top Cat]

Some so called mechanics don't know you can install cam chain adjusters.
Buy them and print out the directions for the install and take hem to a good mechanic.
I'll bet your bike quiets down.
Hey, it is worth a shot before spending $2000.

[stevens211]

Thanks to all; I will try the chain adjusters first..

[MAS Tequila]

Drop an ounce or so of seafoam in the crank and run the bike for 10 minutes or so, then change the oila and filter. Some of the oil passages are minute and clog over time. I had a couple hla's making noise then did the seafoam. About 10 minutes into it it started clacking louder then completely quieted down.

MT

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Good thought on the Seafoam. Also would check out the cam tensioners and might need to do the extenders.

[ringadingh]

Id try the Seafoam in the crankcase as well, when I use it I add about 4 ounces and ride 2-300 miles, that usually cleans things up.

[VulcanE]

When I read your post, your first statement ("bike has lost ability to self adjust rockers") screams the reason there's the cam chain tensioners. Usually between 30,000 & 50,000 miles the chain has stretched enough that the automatic adjusters are out of travel. Kawi's recommendation is to replace the chains (this is your $2000 job), and in another 30,000 to 50,000 miles, you'll be doing this job again. ??? But, with the extenders, the original chain has stretched about as much as it's going to, so they should last the rest of the life of the bike.
When I did my extenders (around 40,000 miles), I was amazed at how much the top end noise quietened down to almost nil. Your HLAs, HLA Oil Filters and Springs are probably OK, but as suggested, you could run some seafoam in the crankcase for 2-300 miles to un-gum them if they are gummed up.

[macmac]

Before you go to the techs for this work, get a long metal rod to use as a listening device. Place the rod near the left front spark plug AND the right rear spark plug, with the engine at idle. Place your ear on the rod, and listen.

If the chain is hitting you will know it. Move the rod to the other 2 plugs as the chain can't hit parts near them. This way you can compare and compare more till you know.

Like everyone else i suspect the cam chains are hitting these 2 spark plug wells.

Also if you do the SEAFOAM bit and I would, when you put oil back in use a full syn oil with no "EC" lable on the bottle in 104-40 mixed with 1/2 qt of 10W 30.

Another thing is when you drop the old oil look for a silvery sheen proving the plug wells are or were under attack from the cam chain.

I have never heard of this fault before yet, dating back to 1999.

If you live some place ??????? Cold and ran 20w-50 it's a maybe and then because the small orfices in the lifters starve them for oil, and then they may get all pounded out, and beaten to death. I highly doubt that.

[ringadingh]

You could also unscrew the spark plug tubes and check if the cam chains have been rubbing on them.

[MAS Tequila]

And if you don't have a wooden rod use a broom or paint roller handle.

MT

[AlabamaNomadRider]

I have a cousin that is a top notch mechanic and has made his living all his life doing it, uses a funnel to listen to engine sounds. Metal funnel.

[Dave]

A funnel makes for a dandy hat, also.

[macmac]

I have a techs and a doctors stethascope, each, but grab my 3/8th drive 24 inch long extention first usually. It fits the square drive on my head best