1983 ATC 185s valve sounds?

[Bernard3rd]

Hello,

My 185s is making a ticking sound which I perceive as valve sounds. Can anyone confirm this? Would adjusting the timing chain tension fix this, or is it more involved?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOPTvOmWgtc


Thanks for any and all helpful comments.

[shortline10]

Very nice clean machine , yes the first thing to check / adjust the timing chain .
Remove the rubber cap , start the machine and let it idle , loosen the 14mm nut 1 - 1 1/2 turns and it will self adjust . Retighten . Done

[Gabriel]

Well, it's NEVER a bad idea to reset the chain tensioner and double check the valve lash......Now, other may disagree, but I have always found the 185/200cc Honda engines to be a little "noisy".

The 200E I just finished is strong and smooth but ticks like a clock and the tranny gears whine. I think it's just the character of the engine.

My advice to you, follow the Honda manual for setting the valves and chain tensioner. Adjust the clutches. Double check the pulse generator gap. Put a new plug in and check the timing. Change the oil with a quality ATV oil made for wet clutches and the run the F out of it like it was made for.
If you feel power is lacking a quick compression test will tell you much.

[floydechoes2000]

Check out this video and learn how to make sure your adjuster isn't stuck... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpoHh9EMhaU

[Bernard3rd]

Thanks for all of the input. I'll start with adjusting the chain and see if I still hear the ticking. Thanks for sending the D Ray video.

[Gabriel]

I neglected to mention...do one adjustment at a time that way you will KNOW which tune up operation did the trick.
I’d say you’re on the right track.
The timing chain is about the most critical.

I had an XL200R as a teen and the chain actually wore tensioner completely through.

[Bernard3rd]

I also found this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHeIXalJ9N8

Based on the "ticking" sound that he produces from the valve from jiggling it due to the valve being slightly loose, I think that this is my engines issue. Though having never adjusted this myself, I question as to whether I should adjust this myself.

[shortline10]

Adjust the timing chain tension first , I believe you will be surprised the noise a loose timing chain makes , it’s very similar to a loose valve noise and impossible to discern the difference in the sounds .

Adjusting the valves isn’t hard but having some knowledge on how a 4 stroke motor is timed is needed so your not adjusting them 180 degrees out .

[Bernard3rd]

Thanks shortline10. I think that I'll adjust the timing chain myself, and if that doesn't fix it, I may take it to a pro for the valves.