slapping sound from valve cover area

[mantramoto]

I am new to this bike (and bikes in general). My 95 Tiger has been running like a top until recently. Still runs great but it is making a metallic slapping sound from the valve cover area when revved. It is sort of a flutter/slap but does not happen at idle. It is audible at most any speed.It had a valve job about 12k miles ago and carbs tuned about 2k miles ago. Does this sound like a valve adjustment is in order??

[JetdocX]

Sounds like you need to check your cam chain tensioner and your valves are supposed to be checked every 6000 miles, so yes.

If you want help with this let me know.

[mantramoto]

Sounds like you need to check your cam chain tensioner and your valves are supposed to be checked every 6000 miles, so yes.

If you want help with this let me know.

Thanks JetdocX! Is the cam chain tensioner relatively easy to check and fix?

Thank you!

[mantramoto]

Sounds like you need to check your cam chain tensioner and your valves are supposed to be checked every 6000 miles, so yes.

If you want help with this let me know.

JetdocX, how does this sound differ from DAR? Do valves usually get looser or tighter? Because it sounds like a "loose" sort of sound.

Thanks.

[JetdocX]

Valves usually get tighter.  And DAR is an idle issue which disappears when you open the throttle.

I can help you, but I need to get another bike out of the shop first.

How mechanically-minded are you?  I ask because I don't know you and it sounds like you've depended on some dealer for mechanical support in the past.  

I think the rest is best taken offline to the PM.

[R0B]

I thought the valve checks were at 6000 and then every 12000.

Rob

[aeronca]

I thought the valve checks were at 6000 and then every 12000.

Rob

thats true, unless you have a brg steamer :shock:

[JetdocX]

Look under 6000 mile checks. :roll:

[R0B]

That'll be the Haynes manual then, not the factory manual. 8th line down, best I can do for a scan.

[mantramoto]

Thanks guys, I listened again today fearing it was DAR but the sound is definetly  coming from the valve cover area and only over about 2,000 rpm. If vales usually tighten then why might there be a slapping sound?

Thanks!

[JetdocX]

Hey, you got mail!  Let's open it up and see what's actually going on inside there before any more conjecture.  The cam chain tensioner is super easy to remove and inspect.  I can ride out to you and do it in your garage because mine is full of bikes right now.

[mantramoto]

Hey, you got mail!  Let's open it up and see what's actually going on inside there before any more conjecture.  The cam chain tensioner is super easy to remove and inspect.  I can ride out to you and do it in your garage because mine is full of bikes right now.

Sent you a pm doc, thanks!