Lets try this noise thing again.

Ok...
I have a 1985 XJ700 Maxim
At mid rpm's it starts to sound like lifters rattling.
At higher rpm's it gets more distinct, almost sounds like a rod knocking.
I don't know a lot about bike engines so please bear with me.
When I am accelerating, or passing someone it dissapears.
It seems to only be at maintained speeds....
Begins at around 60 mph as a slight rattling.
At 70-75 mph it begins to sound like a knock.
I have also noticed that the warmer the engine (longer trips) the worse it gets. I put 700 miles on it this past weekend but probably got a little more grey hair worrying about it till I got home.

I tried to do a search in the forums for cam noise but couldn't find much.

What will happen if I keep riding it like this?

Would I be able to do simple engine repairs myself with the help of the CD??

Thanks.
Ron.

 

Did you find the post for cam chain adjustment. It was in XJChat May 20/09. Now I understand from a respose to your previous request that the 750 had an automatic adjuster could be the 700 is the same.

The manual adjuster looks like a pilon at the rear of the engine, just below the carbs. (I understand that some models have this on the front of the engine not sure about your bike though.) It has a bolt with a lock nut on the side. To adjust the manual style put the bike in neutral on the centerstand. Remove the left side engine cover. Rotate the engine CCW until the C on the Trigger wheel is in the center of the pointer, loosen the lock nut and back out the bolt. A slight click should be heard as the adjuster slides into the chain. Tighten the bolt and then the lock nut. Reinstall the cover.

If you're mechanically inclined, you should be able to do the repairs.

 

Thanks, I will see what I can find.

No, I couldn't find that post...kept say post does not exist.

I'll keep looking.
Thanks.
Ron.

 

when was the last time you checked the oil while on the centerstand?

 

Ron,
Don't get too concerned about the noises you are hearing. These engines have a great deal of mechanical noise. Mine has always made the noises you have described and I have checked and adjusted everything with no change in the sound. It did it when I got the bike with 7k miles and still does it after valve adjustment, cam chain adjustment, any type of oil and an added oil cooler. Unless the noises are very severe, I'd say you are hearing a normal XJ engine.

 

Thanks for the info.
I can ride more comfortably knowing the engine isn't getting ready to let loose on me!

 

Actually, I check my oil quite often.
Even changed the oil and the shaft gear oil this past spring.

From other posts I have found here I realize that I need to find that mysterious plug for draining "All" the oil out.
I drained what I could when I dropped the filter this past spring, but didn't see the other plug.

I bought this bike from my brother last fall for 500.00
It had 18,480 miles on it.
It just turned 25,000 this past weekend when I put on 700 miles going to the U.P. and back.

 

The plug should be just below the filter at the center front of the engine. It is set back into a relief in the casting. Difficult to see without a light unless the front wheel is not casting a shadow on it.

 

yup, its there by golly.
Guess I'll prolly drain and refill her in a couple weeks...
either that or wait till spring!
Once the snow gets above the seat I usually put her away for the winter.
JK.. I won't ride if there is any snow or ice, or even heavy rain!

 

Check the thread on "winter storage" in XJChat first posted by hardasnails69. You may want to do that sooner rather than later.

 

Would just like to chime in that both my 550 and 750 have this noise to some extent. If the carbs are out of tune, the noise is a bit more pronounced, but it's always there even when the bikes are tuned to perfection.... only shows up while maintaining rpm, but disappears on accel or decel. I've learned to ignore it... It has not gotten worse after several thousand miles.

 

The 550s make a noise the others don't, from the actual primary chain. It's hydraulically tensioned (via oil pressure) on the 550s only because it's the primary transmission. In the bigger motors the primary transmission is via gear, the chain is only for the starter and alternator.

 

Ron, how many miles do you have on the current oil?

 

If there were something wrong with the engine to make knocking sounds I don't think it would hold together for a 700 mile ride. Check those exhaust pipes, they are double walled and will crack. When the inner wall breaks it sounds like a rod knocking. When the engine is cool get a rubber mallet and hit each pipe, you will hear it if one is broken. It does work better if the pipes are off the bike. I had a sinilar problem and it drove me nuts.

 

Oil & Filter was changed this past spring, so closing in on 3000 miles.
I always check the oil level in the window and add as needed.

I have two new filters on the way, and am planning on a complete drain
and filter change before storing for the winter.