slight tapping noise in engine?

[aj1soad]

Ive got an 03 fazer with 17900 on the clock. After repairing a hole in the exhaust, changing the oil ad fitted new plugs I've noticed that there is a tapping noise coming from the head. I can hear it on both sides but its louder on the right side. It there all the time even when the bike is warm. I tend to hear the sound more when im on the bike. Is this normal for fazers?

[ade the blade]

are all your plug caps pushed down fully? if not, then this can give a tapping / clicking sound too 

[aj1soad]

Yes all the plug caps are fully down.

[Dead Eye]

I have sooo many different noises going on with my engine at the moment that I have no idea what is normal anymore

It still runs though, so you should be ok with just one noise

If you can record a video and stick it up on YouTube it might give us a better chance of identifying it for you

[darrsi]

First guess would have to be cam chain rattle?

[Exupnut]

Or the shims. Were the valve clearances done?

[red98]

look for any cracks in the plug caps causing to arc out across to the cam cover,check in the dark with engine running for any sparks....if none i would say valve shim on no 3 cylinder 

[Jacko9989]

Check your carbs for cracks, i had a similar problem but had to get new rubbers and to get them re balanced. This can sound like a clicking noise i suppose, but i think if you have put new spark plugs in surely it cant be anything to do with them i would have thaught anyway

[aj1soad]

i havent got any record of the clearances being done and ive only done 2k since ive had the bike. how often do i need to get it done. ill try and film it later, i dont know if im just being paranoid of the sound because other people dont notice it till i point it out. ill check tonight when its dark for any arcing.

[ade the blade]

look for any cracks in the plug caps causing to arc out across to the cam cover,check in the dark with engine running for any sparks....if none i would say valve shim on no 3 cylinder 

bloody hell mate, i see your advice quality hasn`t deteriorated over time then ! :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol no hope whatsoever !!!

[aj1soad]

ok ive uploaded a video to youtube. the tapping noise isnt as loud as what it appears to be in the video
http://youtu.be/OHPoLokUSPM

[ade the blade]

possibly cam chain or clutch is my guess

[Dead Eye]

Almost sounds too harsh for it to be the cam chain, but could well be wrong

Why would the clutch make that noise?

[darrsi]

What oil are you using, and is the level correct?

[Dave48]

Valve clearances shouldn't be an issue at mileage stated. The recommended check interval is every 24000 miles. Mine has 34000 on odo with no proof its ever been done-will be checking shortly-its not difficult! My bike makes assorted noises but nothing to get concerned about!

[aj1soad]

the sound really isnt as bad as what it sounds in the video. it just sounds like the pistons or something? anyway the oil i used was shell advance sx 4t 4 stroke oil 10w40

[Dead Eye]

It does sound more tappety than anything else - might be worth taking the rocker cover off to see what's going on underneath

Pretty sure red98 is going to be right on this one though I have no idea why cylinder 3 :|

[red98]

why number 3?  tapping is slightly louder on the right  .....a tip i have used before to save you taking the cover off....get yourself a long screwdriver and place the pointy end on the engine where you thing the noise is coming from,place the other end to your ear,firmly,the screwdriver will amplify the tapping noise,move the screwdriver around the engine until you locate the position where you can hear the noise most/clearest...this should tell you if either chain or shims......you will feel a bit of a numpty doing this but it does work  ......cant see it being clutch or the cam chain making the tapping noise 

[kebab19]

Does it sound like this one in the 'before' video? If so, prob'ly camchain rattle

http://fazerowners.yuku.com/topic/32904/...Zyxy9hq-MI

[Jamieg285]

why number 3?  tapping is slightly louder on the right  .....a tip i have used before to save you taking the cover off....get yourself a long screwdriver and place the pointy end on the engine where you thing the noise is coming from,place the other end to your ear,firmly,the screwdriver will amplify the tapping noise,move the screwdriver around the engine until you locate the position where you can hear the noise most/clearest...this should tell you if either chain or shims......you will feel a bit of a numpty doing this but it does work  ......cant see it being clutch or the cam chain making the tapping noise 

A piece of rubber tube works well to.  One end in your ear and you hear mainly whats going on at the other end of the tube. Move it around the engine and you can start to home in on the exact source of each noise.