Hey everybody, I'm both a newbie to the forums as well as to owning a F4i. The model I have is a 2002 600cc. The bike is in great shape all around, but as I get out on it more, I'm hearing a tapping noise. I'll front this by saying I've done my research and have an idea of what it is, but wanted to get all of your thoughts before I dump the money into the wrong parts.

Upon accelerating, I hear a ticking noise that increases in frequency as I increase the throttle. It fades out around 5,000 RPM - mainly because I have an Jardine exhaust and almost everything becomes inaudible above that RPM. The noise stops when I pull in the cluth. It does not make the sound when it is idling or rev'd in neutral - it only makes it under a load. The sounds is similar to a piece of paper being hit by a fan - I wouldn't classify it as a knock.

My initial thought is the Cam Chain Tensioner is going out, based on my research. I've also seen some stuff on the timing chain tensioner (are these the same thing)? Any thoughts would be very much appreciated. I'd love to get it out and about with the nice weather approaching, but don't want to risk any engine damage. Thanks in advance!

 

Welcome to the forum.


The Cam Chain Tensioner is the same thing as the timing chain tensioner. (#3 in the pic).

The Lifter or CCTL is the part that goes bad and starts to rattle or buzz. But certainly does not tick. (#4 in the pic.)

This doesn't sound like the issue you're having. Valve tap maybe? How many miles? Since the sounds goes away when you pull the clutch, i would start there...

Courtesy of ServiceHonda.com

 

Thanks for the info and the visuals. Definitely helps to see it laid out. The bike has 12,000 miles on it. I also thought about valves but 12,000 on one of these bikes seems low to need an adjustment.

 

Any other ideas? Anybody have the same issue before?

 

Are you maybe hearing the fuel injectors clicking? If your used to carb bikes it may be odd to you. If thats not it, maybe check your chain for adjustment. Take a look at your front tire for cupping/scalloping from wear maybe? Mine makes the same noise I believe your describing.

12k seems a little premature for a tensioner to be crapping out.

-J

 

My cam chain tensioner lifter went out at 9.5k miles I heard they go out around 10k miles it might be your CCTL going out when mine went out I noticed that it didn't make a noise until it was about 4k rev to 6k or so and it would stop but in that rpm range it would make a rattling noise idk if this helps but I tried

 

Im pretty sure my CCTL is going out and my bike doesnt even have 5K miles on it yet. My guess is they can go out at any time...

 

Yes the life of the CCTL is random and complete BS! I bought my bike at 7k miles and it was horrific...changed it and now at 10k miles its starting back again! This is the latest J24 OEM 2 blue dotted version...the "best and latest" version Honda could come up with...I mean seriously Honda, get a clue.

BTW...mine rattles the worst exactly at 2500rpm.....up around 4500-5500 its eh...audible

 

Thanks for all of the posts guys. I will try to work on it the best I can and will update when I find out the real problem.