Cam chain rattles when cold

[Randy B]

Gotta love it when the service adviser doesn't actually listen to what the mechanic tells him.

[SUPERCRUZ_imp]

If the noise is that obvious to you, I would go over the dealers head and ask to speak to a regional Honda rep about the issue. He/She and Corporate really have final word. Sounds to me like the Service Advisor and Mechanic are just being lazy. Probably do not want to take the time to tear into the bike and fix the issue. You can also call Honda Customer Relations and log the issue. This way it is on file should something catastrophic occur down the road when the bike is out of warranty. The number for Honda is likely in the owners manual under your seat.

[Cormanus]

If the noise is that obvious to you, I would go over the dealers head and ask to speak to a regional Honda rep about the issue. He/She and Corporate really have final word. Sounds to me like the Service Advisor and Mechanic are just being lazy. Probably do not want to take the time to tear into the bike and fix the issue. You can also call Honda Customer Relations and log the issue. This way it is on file should something catastrophic occur down the road when the bike is out of warranty. The number for Honda is likely in the owners manual under your seat.

And ... if you want to know how to get under the seat, you'll have to look in the owner's manual.

[Speed_imp]

If the noise is that obvious to you, I would go over the dealers head and ask to speak to a regional Honda rep about the issue. He/She and Corporate really have final word. Sounds to me like the Service Advisor and Mechanic are just being lazy. Probably do not want to take the time to tear into the bike and fix the issue. You can also call Honda Customer Relations and log the issue. This way it is on file should something catastrophic occur down the road when the bike is out of warranty. The number for Honda is likely in the owners manual under your seat.

If the noise is that obvious to you, I would go over the dealers head and ask to speak to a regional Honda rep about the issue. He/She and Corporate really have final word. Sounds to me like the Service Advisor and Mechanic are just being lazy. Probably do not want to take the time to tear into the bike and fix the issue. You can also call Honda Customer Relations and log the issue. This way it is on file should something catastrophic occur down the road when the bike is out of warranty. The number for Honda is likely in the owners manual under your seat.

And ... if you want to know how to get under the seat, you'll have to look in the owner's manual.

It´s a paradox able to destroy the entire universe...

And ... if you want to know how to get under the seat, you'll have to look in the owner's manual.

[Speed_imp]

Today I have been again at the dealer, as they said they would ask "Honda" about my issue I wanted to know what they answered. "Honda" said that as the noise dissapears when warm just keep an eye on it, no problem right now . Grab your balls! (as we would say in Spain) so I ordered a new cam chain tensioner as I think is the mother of the lamb, it will be here next week and then let's see if my problems disappear replacing it. In my opinion Honda is managing this warranty issue terribly!! It's like "I can't empathize with your problem, leave me alone". More than a warranty looks like a scam.

[Speed_imp]

Problem SOLVED!!!

I bought the cam chain tensioner and the gasket (68€) and replaced it. The tensioner can be replaced in 5 minutes, removing the 2 bolts and installing the new one but I prefered to check the timing after being replaced so I opened the valve cover and then also checked the valve clearances (with 3.400Km). Cylinders 1 and 2 exhaust valves were way too open, over 0,325 mm so I adjusted the valves (7 were out, 3 exhaust too open and 4 intake too closed). Checked the tensioner and was working ok but I replaced it anyway. He he he!!! Maybe the clearances should be checked at the first service at 1000 Km...

[Lord Popgun]

How long did the job take pulling the cams, doing the shims and putting everything back?

[Speed_imp]

How long did the job take pulling the cams, doing the shims and putting everything back?

I started after work at 17:00 and I finished at 00:30, but it can be done much faster, maybe in less than 4 hours. I have to say that in my Kawasaki zephyr I used to do it in 3 hours or so. Removing the heat protection and the valve cover is quite tricky, not much space. I had to remove the front bolt of the upper cam chain guide to allow the valve cover get out from there.

[Noleshot_imp]

I wouldn't worry too much about the minor noises I am reading about on this forum. I am amazed at how quiet my CB is compared to my other bike, a BMWF800ST! The ST is a water cooled 800 twin, which has many fewer parts zinging around than the CB. Yet, it sounds like two skeletons wrestling on a tin roof.....perfectly normal for the little Rotax! The small noises that can be heard on a CB1100 are only noticeable because the thing is as mechanically quiet as a turbine. I marvel at how Honda engineered all those reciprocating parts into virtual silence inside a mass of ringing cooling fins. While I understand the annoyance of a new sound, I think a "real" problem will be readily evident.

[the Ferret]

you know my motto...ride more.... Worry less