Hi, I new around here, I am outside US (Romania, Europe). I have some problems with my CBR F4, '99; when the engine is cold, I hear a tic-tic-tic... at the engine, and for sure is the distribution chain. I have adjusted once the cam chain tensioner (it is harder now), an for about one month that noise disappeared. But nou it is back again and I, m thinking to change the chain. The question is do I need to change also the spockets? or only the chain? Also I'm thinking that it is to early for this kind of problems...the bike has only 21000 km....it is possible that the cam chain to wear so early? I bought the bike from a honda dealer from Germany, and someone told me that maybe the km on the tripmeter iare not real...it that possible???

 

I am assuming that you are referring to the cam chain when you say distribution chain correct?

i'm also assuming that you have a manual tensioner lifter that you just adjust the screw (APE)?

it's possible that the manual cctl has backed out a bit. you should use some loc-tite thread locker after adjusting it.

i don't think it's the cam chain or gears as the mileage is too low...and even if in need to replacement, i doubt that bike has over 60K miles on it or even close.

please note that it could also be valve chatter, since you say it goes away when it warms up...so once the valves get some warm oil and lubed up the noise goes away. you can try different oil for this...it could also be a slight exhaust leak at the headers which would also make the tic tic tic sound and go away as the engine warms up and the pipes expand.

t

 

Ok, thanks for your response. I was talking about cam chain, yes. I have an automated cam chain tensioner with a spring, I have just turned 3 times more that spring inside, so it pushes a little bit harder on the chain.So you say that the bike has around 60k miles if the cam chain must be replaced?? I use only Repsol Racing 10W-50 oil and the sound tic-tic.. I think that is a little bit to slow to be from valves clearances...so before I buy the cam chain I will test the valves and the exaust pipes..

 

sorry for the lack of clarification...i'm not aware of a replacement interval on the cam chain, i was just saying that i don't think it has even 60K...and cam chains usually aren't replaced until well after that.

i would rule out the cam chain having too much play at this point. i think your culprit is the cctl...the tensioner.

what you may have is the cctl rattling which is very common in the F4i and not so common in the F4.

what happens is that the tip of the cctl may be rattling, and thus making the clicking/ticking noise. so no matter how many extra winds you put in the tensioner, it won't prevent the rattling tip.
give this a try...flare out the ends of the pin and see if the noise disappears. if it does then you know that was your culprit. your other option would be to get a manual tensioner, APE makes them.

look at the attached pix.

let me know if you have any questions.

 

That rattling could be from the tensioner, I had the same problem with a CB 500, and I ended up by buyng a new one...but this noise is different...anyway now I have to check the things you told me (inclusive the tensioner pin from picture) and after that I'll be back with new details...

 

I have 66,000 miles on my cbr 600 with the same rattle it is from the cam chain and can be sorted by a replacement tensioner not the whole kit of chain and sprockets.

Hondas since time began have always been vunerable in respect of cam chain tensioners, it seems that and voltage rectifiers/regulators are the achilles heel.

 

I wouldn't bother changing the chain, I did mine at 33K mls and there wasn't anything wrong with it, it probably would have lasted another, 40K, but I had already bought the new chain, so i fit it, as long as your using a good semi or fully synthetic, oil you will be fine.

 

ok, I have decided to change now only the tensioner, I have allready ordered a new one, original from Honda, and see what happens.

 

poppy, take a good look at the tensioner you're replacing...if you want, flare out the pin and throw it back on to see if the noise goes away also.

many people i've worked with have found that the sound comes from the tip vibrating. flattening out the pin that holds the tip to the shaft usually makes the sound stop.

 

not to upstage, tahoe, as he is clearly trying to save you money, but i'v ejust had my C.C.T. replaced and she's now running as smooth and silently as when she was new.