tinking sound from top end

So, i talked to a mechanic, he listened to the valve cover and said i may have a loose shim. (went as bold as identifying #3intake and #1 exhaust) So, as I was going to do anyway... Im re checking the shims this weekend. He also told me to check for any play on the cam chain, even though there is an automatic tensioner. Boy am I glad he is local and works at a small engine shop. He fixes motorcycles as a hobby, and even owned a Maxim at one time, he has a drawer full of shims and a bucket of parts. Wouldn't let me leave his garage without first giving me Yamaha tank emblems (I have none), and letting me borrow his steering column wrench!

This tread is not done until the noise is gone, hope it helps another n00b

BTW, he said a shim adjustment is an expensive job at a bike shop...

I am not giving up guys and gals...

 

Hi MercuryMan,

The exhaust is stock. I did entirely remove it and sand/paint the collector as well as polished the chrome headers and mufflers. I did re fit the exhaust header gaskets and they were in good shape, no need to replace. All other exhaust components checked for torque (Fitz, I bought a nice socket extension set) and snug, no rattles.

Like I mentioned, and you are right... Re check those shims! Fortunately, my new mechanic friend has some and willing to trade, I have 6 myself.

I really love this bike, and im going to sync and tune once this noise is gone. Im looking forward to many (s)miles this season!

Thanks

 

UPDATE - FIXED!

OK, So I re-checked my shims today and lo and behold, in my diagram, I marked 285 as a needed shim for a bucket, I pulled out a 270! WHOOPS, must have forgot, and also forgot to re-check that shim because I remember turning the cam 5 times and checking clearances again... I totally spaced on this one...

I can still hear a little tapping going on in the engine, but it's probably just normal at this point, it doesn't "scream" at me as I ride anymore!

Always Triple-check your work is the lesson learned from this, because when I double-checked, I still failed

Thanks to all who helped me. I love riding this bike!

 

Now get after the brakes so you can KEEP enjoying it!

 

Yessir! I already rebuilt the front calipers (new seals, honed piston wall, polished piston) and installed SS lines, all thanks to Len for his extensive parts catalog...

The rear brake drum is up on the list for inspection, my wear gauge is well within tolerance, but I need to see of the pads are delaminating or otherwise rotting in the drum.

Sync and Tune is the last step, I need to spend a whole weekend on that... but nope, I won;'t be riding for real until that is all done. Safety, Spec and Clean! In that order.