[Nick4trax]

1999 fourtrax has a steady tap to it when running . Never changes in frequency or anything , taps right along with the speed of the motor . Listened with stethoscope . Doesn’t sound like cam chain . Seems to be coming from around exhaust valve /rocker area . It’s definitely a tap. Previous owner said they adjusted valves 5 hours ago. Can hear it resonate through the exhaust . No problems running , no smoke . No other issues with performance . Pulling covers tomorrow to check clearance . My first Honda and I hear they are super reliable . This one is in great condition other than the annoying tap. Really looking for opinions . Thanks

 

[retro]

A copy of the service manual might be useful. Welcome to the forums!

 

[shadetree]

chances are ?, if and when they set the valves ?, my money says they set them on the exhaust stroke instead of the compression stroke !.

 

[Nick4trax]

Sounds like that could be the answer there . Picked up a service manual as well. Gonna try and right the wrong hopefully tomorrow. Any chance damage could have been done to the valves at all for improperly setting them? Really want this one to be around for a long time! I will update with my results tomorrow as well. Thanks for the replies

 

[shadetree]

Sounds like that could be the answer there . Picked up a service manual as well. Gonna try and right the wrong hopefully tomorrow. Any chance damage could have been done to the valves at all for improperly setting them? Really want this one to be around for a long time! I will update with my results tomorrow as well. Thanks for the replies

should not cause damage, just make a loud rattle..lol.

 

[Nick4trax]

Thanks Shadetree .

 

[shadetree]

Thanks Shadetree .

yw . keep us posted !.

 

[Nick4trax]

So adjusted the valves to spec and still same sound . Obvious next step was to check cam chain tensioner . Came out of body and goes back in flush . Does not have a gap between jug and where it sits . Seems either tensioner is bad or cam chain stretched? Can’t get bolt off to work tensioner . Any suggestions on next move ? Also what should the gap be . Seen somewhere 7/16?

 

[retro]

Yeah, that chain is worn slap out! The gap should be 7/16" minimum... they commonly start slapping around 3/16"-1/4" gap. so yours has been bad for quite a while. I advise that you don't start the motor again because the chain can jump time any moment and bend a valve.

 

[shadetree]

retro^^^ is correct, cam chain is DOA..lol.

 

[Nick4trax]

Seems like the tensioner is bad . It has no movement whatsoever. Pulled rocker cover and checked everything and to be honest looked nearly brand new in there . I know it’s not the best but tried a manual tensioner a buddy had and added literally an 1/8 inch to what the factory tensioner had and it purrs like a kitten . Not thinking this will be a permanent fix as I’m sure it won’t but curious as to what the length of the tensioner should be from the body of it to end of shaft . This would give me a reference to see if chain is stretched or tensioner is bad . The tensioner will not move in or out no matter which way I turn it . Would you guys know the length of the factory tensioner shaft by chance ?

 

[shadetree]

Seems like the tensioner is bad . It has no movement whatsoever. Pulled rocker cover and checked everything and to be honest looked nearly brand new in there . I know it’s not the best but tried a manual tensioner a buddy had and added literally an 1/8 inch to what the factory tensioner had and it purrs like a kitten . Not thinking this will be a permanent fix as I’m sure it won’t but curious as to what the length of the tensioner should be from the body of it to end of shaft . This would give me a reference to see if chain is stretched or tensioner is bad . The tensioner will not move in or out no matter which way I turn it . Would you guys know the length of the factory tensioner shaft by chance ?

first, don't rule the tensioner out just because it wont move ?!..lol. they are automatic, and they lock in place as they extend !. you must use a small screw driver to re-tract the tensioner, but in order to do this, you have to remove the 8mm head bolt from the tip to get to the screw/bolt, which is down inside the tensioner. soooooooooo..again, your chain is bad, your tensioner is good.

 

[shadetree]

also, you have to remove the whole tensioner, grab the locking tab, and then use the screw driver to re-tract the arm. the arm has teeth on it, as it extends , the tab locks in the teeth, this keeps it out at all times.