How much ticking is normal?

[GSUwhiskers]

I replaced the timing chain and adjusted the valves on my 250SX, and let a friend listen to a clip of it running but phones can mess up the actual sound of the bike. The ticking can be heard quite well, but it is a different sound than it was before the chain was replaced. Any idea where I can get a good idea about the normal sound of a 250SX?

[UPNATM]

I can tell you that there is a difference in the top end sounds between my two SX's. My original 85 SX has pretty low hours on it, and sounds a bunch tighter, and has no ticks, as compared to my newest SX, that is ticky, and that I'm sure has had a much harder life.

I took this video of my original SX idling for Jim (Flyingw) to listen to after he rebuilt my carb.
Like you said it's hard to tell over the net, and recorded, but maybe it will help....



http://youtu.be/uRdPngwDu3U"]http://youtu.be/uRdPngwDu3U

[GSUwhiskers]

Yesssssss, I think mine sounds a lot like that. Which makes me feel a lot better, because I was worried I was gonna hurt the motor. Thank you sir!

[UPNATM]

If you think yours sounds like that, then you should be fine, lol. That's my low hour SX. My other one is way more ticky sounding.

[GSUwhiskers]

Oh hell maybe I'm better than I thought lol. I'll try to post a video but I could hear the ticking in yours and I was afraid any ticking was too much. So if your other bike sounds worse and you think it is okay I'm feeling a lot better.

[Flyingw]

They do tick just a little. They sound like a sewing machine.

[MattDragontamer]

That ticking sound is the top end cam hitting the valve arms as it rotates. (Normal) It puzzled me too for a while.
If it is really loud, look at your manual for adjusting the valves.
The ticking sound should not be much louder than the overall background noise of the engine.

[DohcBikes]

That ticking sound is the top end cam hitting the valve arms as it rotates.

The tick is valve lash. Valve lash is the space between your rocker tip and the valve stem, or the shim or bucket in some engines. Also known as adjustment.

Over time, the gap tightens as the valve beats the seat, not loosens. If your engine is super super quiet on the top end, its time to check the lash.

[Keepah Rolln]

I have 2 and they both tick slightly...Its normal unless you can hear it from 25 feet away...