Rattly engine

[jimmy__riddle]

I know its not an sv, but please dont shoot me ;)

My ZXR750 has a rattle when running on it's sidestand, when upright or leant to the right its silent.

Is this a loose camchain?

i know the garage wanted £450 to do the shims, so i guess it wouldnt be a cheap fix. I do most things myself, but i dont like working on valvetrains, too much to go wrong!

[Dangerous Dave]

Aye, most likely the cam chain as the ZXR750's were also known for that (or do you mean a ZX7R?)

[jimmy__riddle]

definately a ZXR750, its a J1.

[shifter]

Check your oil level. obviously with the bike on it's side stand the oil runs to that side of the engine (the side it leans towards). Thats why you check the oil with the bike level. If it's low this may be causing oil starvation with the bike on it's stand.
I not familier with your bike though, so I'm only guessing.

[AmigaNut]

My GS makes noises it's call cam end float. Dissappears when tilted to the right.

Could this be your problem?

[jimmy__riddle]

that does sound similar, it goes completely when tilted to the right. What is cam end float, its not something ive come across before

[Sideshow#36]

Sounds like a cam chain tensioner.

[AmigaNut]

that does sound similar, it goes completely when tilted to the right. What is cam end float, its not something ive come across before


I was told its wear in the head, it's not detrimental but i think the only way to fix it is a new head, (thats £800 + for the GS). I shudder to think what it would be for yours.

It sounds like a hammer tapping on the exhaust, comes and goes and esp goes if tilted to right, stays there when tilted to left.

Basicalyy as far as i understand it the cam shaft is banging against the head. Fairly common on GS. I went in to see if it could be shimmed and ended up buying a brand new SV650.

[yorkie_chris]

£450 to do shims... fackinell. Bring a haynes over to mine and we have a look at it.

Cam end float has been an issue on a few bikes, and does sound more likely as I doubt tilt would affect a camchain.

However is the rest of it healthy? Motors can sound wierd because of head gasket leaks, exhaust leaks, misfires popping through the pipes... etc.

[Sid Squid]

Also check carb balance, when it's off the clutch on those can be noisy, also the do you have a separate alternator atop the gearbox on yours? they rattle a bit when the motor is unbalanced too.

[jimmy__riddle]

Bring a haynes over to mine and we have a look at it

would do, but its a bit far from southampton!

Rest of the motor seems healthy, no signs of head gasket problems, carbs were balanced around october november.

Yeah i think i have the alternator above the gearbox, i will check tonight.

It does sound like an internal rattle though, like a floppy chain.

[jambo]

It does sound like an internal rattle though, like a floppy chain.

The cam chain would sound like a prime candidate, but you're only going to know by getting in there and having a check of the tensioner and chain. I'd probably make this a priority as if the tensioner gets stuck leaving the chain loose it can wear the cam chain, the chain can also jump teeth on the cams and end up lunching the engine. I hate to sound like a doom-monger and this rarely happens, but the possibility exists and so should be checked out.

I'd say £450 to shim the engine was too much myself, as most garages charge around £50-£60 per hour. It shouldn't be an 8 hour job by the book, phone around.

Jambo

[yorkie_chris]

Unless they keep a reeeeeeeally close eye on it while they're letting it cool down :-P

[jimmy__riddle]

i did think it was too steep, thats why i walked away. i will have a read of the Haynes manual tonight, not sure where cam chain tensioners are.

[yorkie_chris]

Back side of the block or head casting usually. Some h*ndas are awkwards and internal. (satans camchain)

[jimmy__riddle]

ok, well i'll look in the bible/haynes manual and see whats needed.