Nasty chatter sound at low RPM's

[OreoGaborio]

starting from a stop i used to keep the rpm's not much higher than idle as i started moving... but lately it's been giving me a little chatter that kinda sounds like valve noise or somethin... w/ the trackday comin up i'm gettin nervous about it...

11k miles, hasn't been BEATEN... just.... worked out a little

what are the possibilities?

valve clearances outta spec?
cam chain?
somethin loose?

sounds like it's coming from the left side

[Honclfibr]

That's the sound of your cam chain tensioner dying.

Which, unless they moved it, should actually be on the right side of the engine.

It'll probably rattle for a while before failing catastrophically, but it's a cheap part and a ten minute fix to swap it out with a new one. Or you could get a manual tensioner and solve the problem permanently - depending on who you talk to you may be able to get away with installing one without pulling the valve cover, but since you have to get a valve clearance check done anyhow you might install it the right way when you do that.

[OreoGaborio]

i had thought of the chain tensioner as well, but i've heard that the sound typically occurs when you're in gear & slowing down somewhere around 3-6rpm's, no?

will it be a concern come track day?

[Rye]

$50 part from Ron Ayers, Pete. Personally, unless you know how to set a manual tensioner (not really rocket science) then just go with the auto tensioner and replace it every 7500-10000 miles (or sooner if you really flog your motor) for a little peace of mind.

[OreoGaborio]

Thanks Ryan. didn't know they went after that short of a period.

Should I order one up ASAP, pay for express shipping & try to install it Weds before NHIS on Thurs? or not worry too much about it & just take it a little easy?

with such short notice & my crappy work schedule this week it'd be a shame if this turned into a larger problem at the track.

I guess if it's not a huge deal then i'll hold out & look into opinions & prices on a manual tensioner. If i find it's worth the money & trouble then i may go w/ that... broken/worn out parts are the perfect excuse for an upgrade

[stoinkythepig]

realize it's a little late but I'm not on here much anymore. Could just be a loose and dirty chain slapping the underside of the swing arm which is on the left side, quite unlike the cam chain. Try cleaning it and tighening it if it's loose.

[OreoGaborio]

Originally posted by stoinkythepig
realize it's a little late but I'm not on here much anymore. Could just be a loose and dirty chain slapping the underside of the swing arm which is on the left side, quite unlike the cam chain. Try cleaning it and tighening it if it's loose.

shh... i don't want anyone to know i was that inattentive to my chain

[bbhzx10]

Hey Pete, if you don't have the tensioner yet you can get the manual tensioner right off the wall at Kirkers. I havn't bought one in a long time but I want to say they were like $30.