200X Tapping noise (Valves)?

[drieger1]

I have not run my 200x for about 2 years so I rebuilt the carb. I also adjusted the valves again. Last time I did it according to the tech manual and used a feeler gauge. This time I did it just like every one I know told me how to do it. I put the piston at TDC and double checked again and again to make sure. I adjusted the screws down until I just barely felt it touch the valve. Then I backed it off about 1/8th of a turn and tighted the locking nut. I verified a slide gap and started it up. Now I have had this trike since it was bought new in 84 and I always had the tapping noise but now it just seems very obvious and loud at idle. When I rev the engine it doesn't bother me because I have super trap and you can really notice it. My question is what is causing this and what can I do to remedy it. When I first adjusted the valves I noticed the was no play. And that was after sitting for 16 years without riding it. Does everyones X's tap like this?

[Glenn]

I would adjust the valves with a feeler just to be sure. If that doesn't solve it, it could be the timing chain.

[Autos]

I got a tapping noise in mine to and a high idle too :P

[drieger1]

I hate the sound :doh: I know they are adjusted within spec or very close but god I don't want to trash a mortor that is 20+ years old.


This trike is very special to me I've had it since it was born :iluvu:

[dads]

1/8 is to much play. try a 16th or less.

[ATCnut]

I am with dads on this one. I will use the feeler gauge, and then go just a tiny tiny bit tighter. I make sure that there is still some wiggle, and that somtimes will quiet down the tapping.

[Rex Karz]

Don't forget, the engine needs to be dead cold as in overnight.

[jenndnn3]

Ok After you have tried all these wonderful suggestions and if they dont work try this:

I am about to go against what everyone else said except the size Dads gave you.

Warm the engine up. Valves and other things change as the engine is warm.

Set the valves not at TDC but At when each rocker is loose. Basically as you rotate through the engine, watch rockers. One gets loose, rotate more that rocker tightens, the other gets loose, rotate more they eventually both get loose at TDC. It is in each rotation when one is loose is when I suggest you adjust it. Then do the other. Then recheck them at TDC. We chased our tail on my 85 200x trying to get that rediculous knocking out. When we asked someone else to come in behind us and set them for us. They made this suggestion and it worked. So cudo's go to the Sandwizard that made that suggestion!!


One thing tho, you said 20 year old engine, the timing chain, and other things do get worn over time. So you may end up chasing your tail anyway. From what I seen 200x's like to knock.

This is just a suggestion taken at your own descretion.

[drieger1]

The machine is 20+ years old but it sat in my shop dormant for 16 of those years without being touched. I'll give it a shot, thanks for the help. What kind of damage can occur if they are adjust out to much? What would be a secondary indication that they are adjusted wrong?

The engine starts on the first kick and runs strong. After It warmed up and I started setting the idle it seemed like I had to have it idle higher than I wanted to just to make sure it didn't die.

Again thanks for all of your help, I'll keep you posted and maybe record how it sounds before and after and post it.

[ATCnut]

If the valves are too loose, they will get noisier, it will be obvious.

If they are too tight, it will not run well.

I think the basic message that is being presented is that to keep the valve quiet on these older trikes, sometimes you have to run them just a teeny tiny bit tighter than the manual calls for.

The idle issue is most likely a little piece of crap on the idle jet. If it sat for 16 years, there might be a spot of varnish somewhere. Idle jets are very hard to clean because they have many holes. Replacing it might make a difference.

[Autos]

They dont have to many holes they have like 18 each:nono:

[ATCnut]

Compared to the one hole in the main jet, the idle jet is hard to clean.

[jenndnn3]

Originally posted by ATCnut
If the valves are too loose, they will get noisier, it will be obvious.

If they are too tight, it will not run well.

I think the basic message that is being presented is that to keep the valve quiet on these older trikes, sometimes you have to run them just a teeny tiny bit tighter than the manual calls for.

The idle issue is most likely a little piece of crap on the idle jet. If it sat for 16 years, there might be a spot of varnish somewhere. Idle jets are very hard to clean because they have many holes. Replacing it might make a difference.


I agree with this 100%. That Idle jet in that size carb often gets thrown away in my shop if I see that I cannot get it clean.

[drieger1]

I just rebuilt the Carb the same day I adjusted the valves.