Can I diagnose timing chain by removing valve cover?

[Grizzlypeg]

On my 200x, the rattle I hear at idle may well be the timing chain. Previous owner says no, the timing chain is good. I'm wondering if I can simply remove my valve cover and see how much slop there is in the chain, whether it will lift off the cam sprocket, etc? I don't want to buy a gasket set and tear it all apart to discover that isn't the source of the noise, but if it is, I have no problem buying a chain, tensioners, and gaskets.

[Dirtcrasher]

There usually isn't much "visible" slop in the chain......

Dennis Kirk sells a tensioner /guide kit and a new DID chain (separate from the kit). i MYSELF never change the sprockets on any of the dozens I've done (they never seem to be hooked or worn....) But the new chain and guides SEVERLY cut the noise down on my buds 85 200X and they are all the same basic motor from the 185 to the 200X. One of those guides fit my 86 200X and I believe it was discontinued from Honda; So, either I was in a hurry to build a complete trustworthy and reliable 86/87 ATC200X in 20 days flat and it STILL runs like a top!

I think you can thread a bolt down into the tensioner and either pull or push (I forget) to keep it even tighter (otherwise it relys on the spring only to "reset" the tension on the guide) but now your just putting a band-aid on it and wearing the guides even more. In some cases, the guide/guides do snap and then east the aluminum off the sides which runs thru your engine....... NOT GOOD!!

The 86/87 may be tougher to find parts for, but the handling, kicker gear change , ease of valve adjustment, offset carrier, suspension and 100 other reasons make it far more desirable 200X to me........ IMHO!! It's just that the 83-85 200X still have stroker kits kickin around and in time, I'll have to build my own :lol:..........

There are also Westcoast/Cal-Fab and Dic swingers (I believe ) available for the 85 200X and I've yet to see one for mine! Again, I'll make my own!! :D

YES - It ALL has to come apart to replace these parts (cylinder head etc etc etc).

[Grizzlypeg]

From what I've read, there is no gasket under the valve cover, right? If that's the case, I should be able to turn the motor to TDC and at least satisfy my curiousity as to whether I can spot any obvious problem. It sounds like every other description I read on the net about inquiring into this problem, as rattling noise at idle that goes away when you rev the motor. But the question in my mind is how loud is the other guy's rattle compared to mine? I get obsessed with little details and hearing it drives me crazy. My exhaust stud bolts are tight, but the rattling noise does emit from close to that area. Doesn't sound like exhaust either. More metalic.

[Dirtcrasher]

They don't seem to "rattle", they just tick tick tick..........

Start by adjusting the valves COLD at TDC (I'm not even talking about that procedure again..................................) Everytime I do I go out of my mind. I had one guy say "he may be 90 degrees off" - yeah, maybe by the timing chain location but NOT by TDC..........

[Grizzlypeg]

valve adjustment check. Will do.

[Texas 200x]

If your timing chain is rubbing you should have metal in your oil. Mine was worn when i first got my x but the tensioner wouldn't take the slack out anymore. It slapped side to side.

[greenhuman]

Sometimes the mechanical spark advancer will rattle if its running dry. Grease it up and see if that helps.

[Grizzlypeg]

If your timing chain is rubbing you should have metal in your oil. Mine was worn when i first got my x but the tensioner wouldn't take the slack out anymore. It slapped side to side.

No metal in oil, fortunately.

[Grizzlypeg]

Sometimes the mechanical spark advancer will rattle if its running dry. Grease it up and see if that helps.

I'll check that out.

[Dirtcrasher]

The timing chain guides are PLASTIC.

You won't find much metal in there, just 25 yo guides.............

If the valves don't quiet it down, it's time to tear it down. Alack of oil to the head causes ticking too, a left out o-ring, too much silicone used :rolleyes: or a tired oil pump can all be contributing factors.

When was it tore apart last and what got replaced??