Yes, it should only be able to extend and get longer. If you're able to put a small screwdriver into it and watch it unscrew or backup on it's own, then it is malfunctioning. The coiled spring in this picture of a automatic CCT from Honda is wound up and holding tight tension against the threaded portion. The threaded portion is made with square profile threads. This type of thread resists torque from being applied to it when it is in compression.


An automatic CCT from a Honda CBR.

 

Thanks for the reply.

Yeh so basically I bought a 1998 cbr600f3 from England 6 months ago, 5827 miles, now has 7249 miles.

I absolutely love the machine, but it developed a ticking sound approx 2 minutes after start up, then it will tick away, dissipate with a revv or two then when warm it goes away altogether pretty much.

So I read on here about the CCT.

I tightened it a bit with a small fashioned screwdriver but when I revved the engine, I could feel the screwdriver unwinding about 1/8th turn.

I think you have answered my question, and with it being 23 years old and still the original, I think it has to be knackered, so we'll worth a change anyway.

Thanks again for the replies and input.

Paul

 

@Spanyo2482 Yes, that would be a good assessment. First off, if you found a F3 with only 5800 miles on it, that's fantastic. You're right, that part has been sitting mostly idle and springs don't generally get stronger with age. Toss a new one in there and you won't have to think about it again for another 23 years. You could go with a manual one and always wonder if you have it tight enough, or too loose.