Honda CX500 & GL500 Forum

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03-22-2009, 6:41 PM Vee Dub Nut Joined on 01-03-2009 Texas, USA Posts 232 AHHH!... More problems (ticking engine) Ok.. so here it goes. First let me say, I think I should go buy a lottery ticket. So far.. it seems that I am so lucky that I am having another problem with my CX that seems only two people have posted about before. First it was the pulsar coil which everyone says "those should be fine, I've never heard of them having problems". Been there, got the replacement parts, and was back on the road. Now don't forget the sludge in the engine thread and my knackered case due to the tensioner failure. Now this bike only had 14k miles on it when I bought it, so I figured how bad of shape could the engine be in? Guess I was wrong.. either this engine really does have some design flaws or the PO didn't do a LICK of preventative maintenance. I digress... Anyway.. Thought I finally had it all licked. It was running good after all the repairs that I did and I finally got it all back together this weekend and was able to go for a ride. The only thing I couldn't quite get resolved was the ticking noise the engine kept making. The fan was in good shape, the cam chain and assembly was just replaced, must the be the valves right? We'll I set the valves and it didn't help. In face, I rode about 100 miles yesterday and if anything the sound got worse throughout the day. Today I pulled off my valve cover again and danged if I didn't find the right cylinder was loose again. They WERE in-spec yesterday. I am not a newbie to valve adjustments and checked and double checked TDC on both cylinders and everything was fine. The sound I was getting was a very metallic tap or tick that was dead nuts consistent with engine RPM. The magnitude of the sound changed depending on revs, but it never subsided. I could hear it prodominetly off the right hand side of the engine, but never could get it isolated using the screwdriver to the ear method. I stayed up late last night researching OLD threads about ticking noises. I kept hearing the same things: cam chain adjust, valves, fan... None of which were a problem for me. The one thing I did find was that two people actually mentioned that they had cam shaft and follower failures. Immediately I was concerend. I figured this was my best bet and it made the most sense. Here is the threads I referenced: http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/39445/ShowPost.aspx http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/41371/ShowPost.aspx http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/41371/ShowPost.aspx http://members.unitewireless.com/~williamwilson/CX_Rebuild_End.asp Long story short.. I worked on it this morning and finally decided that I would have to tear it down and check the cam and followers. It was the only thing left that could be the problem. So now I'm pulling the engine out of my bike for the third time and I'm not terribly thrilled about it. Oh well.. got it out on the bench and started to tear it down. Sure is depressing pulling apart all the stuff I built only a few weeks ago. Never the less, my fears were confirmed when I found this: Here is a close up of the offenders Man.. what else could go wrong with this bike? Seems the only thing I'm not having problems with is the stinking stator and CDI. Go figure huh? Oh well.. on the lookout for more parts. Still debating if I should just replace the damaged parts and let her ride, or try and find another engine and go from there. Good news is that I don't have any knocks in te engines. Seems like the bottom end is in good shape and she rode well during that 100 miles or so... Anyways.. just sharing and venting. For you guys that have loud engines and you can't seem to find any other place the noise is coming from.. may think about this one :( Adam Brandt Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of '06 00 VW GTi 67 VW Beetle 79 Honda CX500D - SOLD as a sacrifice to the VW gods, aka new VW project LOL    Report

03-22-2009, 6:48 PM Blindstitch2002 Joined on 05-16-2007 Greenfield Wisconsin Posts 5,000 Re: AHHH!... More problems (ticking engine) My vote is replace the parts. Like you said "What else could go wrong". You should have all the bugs out now. I'll throw this in my quick reference. It might helps someone down the road. 1978 Honda Cx500 Maggot 1979 Honda Cx500 Custom 1980 Cx500 Deluxe Buy HTTA Items Quick Reference Info    Report

03-23-2009, 10:08 AM kingston73 Joined on 04-19-2008 Bellingham, MA Posts 1,722 Re: AHHH!... More problems (ticking engine) That's rough, but at least like Stitch said, once you've fixed this it should be all set.  Any ideas what would cause that kind of wear?  I need to go look at my manual to try to visualize the insides, but what part is the rod underneath the lifters?  And how is the cam shaft itself? 1979 cx500D - mostly stock    Report

03-23-2009, 12:07 PM Vee Dub Nut Joined on 01-03-2009 Texas, USA Posts 232 Re: AHHH!... More problems (ticking engine) Not sure.. my guess would be that there was a material hardness problem on some of the followers. Could be a lube problem, but looked like there was plenty of oil in that part of the engine. The rod that is shown under the followers is the pivot pin that the followers pivot on. Oh.. and yes, my cam is toast. Once I have it out I'll post some pictures. Good news is that I have replacement parts for the valve train on the way.. and I ordered a new rear cover and front cover gasket to put it back together again. Hopefully in a couple of weeks I'll be back up and running. Adam Brandt Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of '06 00 VW GTi 67 VW Beetle 79 Honda CX500D - SOLD as a sacrifice to the VW gods, aka new VW project LOL    Report

03-23-2009, 12:42 PM kingston73 Joined on 04-19-2008 Bellingham, MA Posts 1,722 Re: AHHH!... More problems (ticking engine) Well good luck and keep us posted!  1979 cx500D - mostly stock    Report

03-23-2009, 12:58 PM PWG in Lowgap NC Joined on 01-07-2008 Minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway Posts 2,380 Re: AHHH!... More problems (ticking engine) "but what part is the rod underneath the lifters? And how is the cam shaft itself?" That would be the rocker arm shaft. The lifters would be the cam followers. 06 Suzuki S50 daily ride CX500c Honda Magna BC age 72    Report

03-23-2009, 1:03 PM ezzee Joined on 08-20-2008 CT Posts 858 Re: AHHH!... More problems (ticking engine)  Vee Dub Nut wrote: Not sure.. my guess would be that there was a material hardness problem on some of the followers. Could be a lube problem, but looked like there was plenty of oil in that part of the engine.  Your first post when you found the condition of the oil supports the probabilty that it was lubrication that caused the failure, was there oil in the case wells under the cam. Honda designed it so the cam would be rotating in oil, some PO  screwed it up somehow. Good luck 1978 CX 500 1981 GL 500 1981 Custom 1982 GL    Report

03-23-2009, 2:06 PM Vee Dub Nut Joined on 01-03-2009 Texas, USA Posts 232 Re: AHHH!... More problems (ticking engine)  ezzee wrote:  Vee Dub Nut wrote: Not sure.. my guess would be that there was a material hardness problem on some of the followers. Could be a lube problem, but looked like there was plenty of oil in that part of the engine.  Your first post when you found the condition of the oil supports the probabilty that it was lubrication that caused the failure, was there oil in the case wells under the cam. Honda designed it so the cam would be rotating in oil, some PO  screwed it up somehow. Good luck Yes there was oil in the case wells... The oil that came out of the engine when I got it seemed ok until I opened up the case and found a bunch of sludge. Whats odd is that it looks like the other pair of followers were unaffected. It seems that if I had a lubrication problem, all four of the followers would have been in rough shape. Dunno though.. just know that its a problem now. Adam Brandt Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of '06 00 VW GTi 67 VW Beetle 79 Honda CX500D - SOLD as a sacrifice to the VW gods, aka new VW project LOL    Report

03-23-2009, 2:20 PM the cheese Joined on 11-23-2007 Toccoa,GA Posts 795 Re: AHHH!... More problems (ticking engine) My vote is find some replacements and button it back up one final time. There could have been a clot in the artery that feeds that side. Just make sure its all clean now. Besides you get to have that zen moment with your bike. You know, where you can see in your minds eye how each piston is going up and down. Each valve opening and closing. How gas is going though the carbs. Blah, Blah, Etc. Etc.  And you know its right. Because, YOU did it. Michael 1981 CX500 Custom Sadly sold 1981 CB650 Custom (It Runs!) Just say no to skin graphs, wear your gear!    Report

03-23-2009, 2:58 PM Shep Joined on 01-30-2007 UK.2x1980CX500A Posts 7,647 Re: AHHH!... More problems (ticking engine) On one of the engines I got off Ebay(None runner) it had the exact same worm cam followers.It was that engine that when I removed the Cylinder heads not only had the cam followers been inserted incorrectly(Be careful when fitting as they can be installed wrong and still look ok) it also had had the small oil pressure regulators fitted upside down in the head and they were blocked!!!! The Cam follower cups MUST align to the angle of the push-rods!!! My Music http://www.reverbnation.com/pauldouglas/ Join Just In Case :) http://globalcxglvtwins.hostingdelivered.com/ Id quot circumiret, circumveniat    Report

03-23-2009, 3:38 PM Vee Dub Nut Joined on 01-03-2009 Texas, USA Posts 232 Re: AHHH!... More problems (ticking engine) We'll I don't have any reason to believe this engine has ever been opened up. I bought it from the original owner (proven by the title I got with it). Do you think that someone at the Honda factory goofed up and got them installed wrong? Could be why this problem isn't the most prevalent. Maybe it was an error from the get go.. I dunno... parts are on the way and it will live to ride another day. Adam Brandt Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of '06 00 VW GTi 67 VW Beetle 79 Honda CX500D - SOLD as a sacrifice to the VW gods, aka new VW project LOL    Report

03-23-2009, 4:07 PM Blindstitch2002 Joined on 05-16-2007 Greenfield Wisconsin Posts 5,000 Re: AHHH!... More problems (ticking engine) Could have been a goof but really it sounds more like bad luck. You know how every once in a while the most dependable engine some how runs across bad luck and you hear the mechanic trying to fix is say I've never seen that before. Then 5 minutes later the whole garage staff except the secretary is looking at it with confused looks. My uncle had a Kawasaki KLR 100 that was assembled with a file and random bolt bouncing around in the engine. The random bolt was actually floating around on top of the piston. Some how it didn't destroy everything but the kawasaki dealer replace it all under warranty. 1978 Honda Cx500 Maggot 1979 Honda Cx500 Custom 1980 Cx500 Deluxe Buy HTTA Items Quick Reference Info    Report

03-23-2009, 4:47 PM A143road Joined on 10-08-2008 Spring,Texas Posts 354 Re: AHHH!... More problems (ticking engine) Under warranty, that's got to be a first.    John 46% 10-300 Biplane/RC. 1978 CX500    Report

03-23-2009, 4:51 PM Blindstitch2002 Joined on 05-16-2007 Greenfield Wisconsin Posts 5,000 Re: AHHH!... More problems (ticking engine) Well the bike was brand new from the shop. It was weird. Since he worked for the Ford dealer who also had a Kawasaki show room. Bike wasn't even 3 months old when they finally found the problem. 1978 Honda Cx500 Maggot 1979 Honda Cx500 Custom 1980 Cx500 Deluxe Buy HTTA Items Quick Reference Info    Report

03-26-2009, 6:10 PM Vee Dub Nut Joined on 01-03-2009 Texas, USA Posts 232 Re: AHHH!... More problems (ticking engine) Hey guys.. got a quick question Thanks to John (a143road) I've got a new (used) cam, followers, and rocker assemblies. Right away I noticed that there was a slight difference in followers from my old parts to the new ones. My bike is a 79 Deluxe and the parts came from an 80 CX. Here is my original: Here is the new ones from the 80 model: The new one has a separate pad that rides on the cam as opposed to the one piece original. Are all the later model followers like this? I wonder if this was a new design by Honda for a reason? Adam Brandt Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of '06 00 VW GTi 67 VW Beetle 79 Honda CX500D - SOLD as a sacrifice to the VW gods, aka new VW project LOL    Report

03-26-2009, 8:01 PM bruuuuuce Joined on 03-26-2009 Norwalk, OH Posts 145 Re: AHHH!... More problems (ticking engine) Dood... lower rocker arms... were these a pain to get to i mean other than the obvious PITA that goes with pulling the motor? I think I have the infamous tick going on with mine as well.  I've double checked the gaps on the lifter springs and the radiator fan. Any way to confirm my diagnosis?  I've got a digital recorder that I was going to use to record my bike running in the hopes that someone might be able to confirm from sound (I can dream right?) Oh, and if you don't have the engine back together yet, could you snap a close up picture of where those were at in the engine?  (You probably already have it halfway back together by now though...I would hehe) 1/78 CX500 (2nd bike) owned for 15 years.    Report

03-26-2009, 8:04 PM A143road Joined on 10-08-2008 Spring,Texas Posts 354 Re: AHHH!... More problems (ticking engine) The metal looks different too. John 46% 10-300 Biplane/RC. 1978 CX500    Report

03-27-2009, 1:24 AM Shep Joined on 01-30-2007 UK.2x1980CX500A Posts 7,647 Re: AHHH!... More problems (ticking engine) They should be ok.I've used the two types on my engine builds and cannot remember which engine was which.All that will happen AFAIK is a slightly different tappet adjust. My Music http://www.reverbnation.com/pauldouglas/ Join Just In Case :) http://globalcxglvtwins.hostingdelivered.com/ Id quot circumiret, circumveniat    Report

03-27-2009, 4:11 AM Vee Dub Nut Joined on 01-03-2009 Texas, USA Posts 232 Re: AHHH!... More problems (ticking engine) Thanks Shep... I figured they would work fine, I was just wondering if there was any info on when and why Honda switched the design. Adam Brandt Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of '06 00 VW GTi 67 VW Beetle 79 Honda CX500D - SOLD as a sacrifice to the VW gods, aka new VW project LOL    Report

03-27-2009, 4:16 AM Vee Dub Nut Joined on 01-03-2009 Texas, USA Posts 232 Re: AHHH!... More problems (ticking engine)  bruuuuuce wrote: Dood... lower rocker arms... were these a pain to get to i mean other than the obvious PITA that goes with pulling the motor? I think I have the infamous tick going on with mine as well.  I've double checked the gaps on the lifter springs and the radiator fan. Any way to confirm my diagnosis?  I've got a digital recorder that I was going to use to record my bike running in the hopes that someone might be able to confirm from sound (I can dream right?) Oh, and if you don't have the engine back together yet, could you snap a close up picture of where those were at in the engine?  (You probably already have it halfway back together by now though...I would hehe) I don't have it back together yet.. I'm still waiting on gaskets to show up. It will likely be next weekend before I can get it back together. Besides, I promised the wifey that we would finish up the yard work this weekend. I'll get you some pics of the location on the block where these are. As for diagnosis.. I don't think there is any way to confirm it without inspecting the pieces. Your best bet is to completely exhaust all diagnosis of the other common noises on these engines, and if you still are noisy, this might be your issue. Mine was just a loud metallic tick that stayed steady with the speed of the bike. The one thing that I have read about this issue and I felt myself, was that the tick is loud enough to fill silly riding the bike. Honestly.. it was LOUD. Engines make noise.. if you think about what is going on inside of them as they are running, you have to get some noises out of it. The trick is to be able to distinguish what is normal and whats not. I'm pretty anal about making sure all the mechanical stuff is right.. and with just general engine experience I've gained through my hobbies and work, I knew something was not right in the engine. Adam Brandt Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of '06 00 VW GTi 67 VW Beetle 79 Honda CX500D - SOLD as a sacrifice to the VW gods, aka new VW project LOL    Report

03-27-2009, 4:17 AM ezzee Joined on 08-20-2008 CT Posts 858 Re: AHHH!... More problems (ticking engine) There was a change in the upper valve train, I don't remember when but the  upper rockers were  larger  after the change, I don't know if they are interchangeable. Check it out   1978 CX 500 1981 GL 500 1981 Custom 1982 GL    Report

03-27-2009, 4:42 AM kingston73 Joined on 04-19-2008 Bellingham, MA Posts 1,722 Re: AHHH!... More problems (ticking engine)  bruuuuuce wrote: I think I have the infamous tick going on with mine as well.  Like Vdub said, there are several different "common" noises you could check.  Have you done the screwdriver stethoscope to try to isolate the sound yet?  My original motor had an extremely loud tapping noise, almost a hammering/machine gun type sound that was a broken chain tensioner.  The motor I replaced that with had a more subdued "rattle" that went away when I held the clutch in, still haven't figured that one out.  The semi-rebuilt engine I have in now is quieter than either of the other 2 but still has a clutch rattle when at idle and in neutral.  I guess my point is you have many possible "noise" sources, so to save yourself the trouble of dropping the motor try to isolate the sources first. 1979 cx500D - mostly stock    Report

03-27-2009, 5:16 AM Vee Dub Nut Joined on 01-03-2009 Texas, USA Posts 232 Re: AHHH!... More problems (ticking engine)  ezzee wrote: There was a change in the upper valve train, I don't remember when but the  upper rockers were  larger  after the change, I don't know if they are interchangeable. Check it out   Interesting.. I haven't noticed any differences yet. I'll give them a closer inspection tonight when I get home. When you say upper rockers, your talking about the rocker assemblies under the valve covers right? I didn't look at those too close as they looked identical to what I had in there before. Do you recall what part got larger? Just the mounting surface or the pivot pins for the rockers? The followers are what got my immediate attention, but they look the same as the originals overall, with the exception of the separate pad on them. Adam Brandt Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of '06 00 VW GTi 67 VW Beetle 79 Honda CX500D - SOLD as a sacrifice to the VW gods, aka new VW project LOL    Report

03-27-2009, 5:28 AM ezzee Joined on 08-20-2008 CT Posts 858 Re: AHHH!... More problems (ticking engine) The  Clymer manual says the the GL's have larger upper rocker arm shaft and bore, so I guess the rockers remained the same.     Yes the rockers are upper and lower (lower are the cam followers) 1978 CX 500 1981 GL 500 1981 Custom 1982 GL    Report

03-27-2009, 5:50 AM ezzee Joined on 08-20-2008 CT Posts 858 Re: AHHH!... More problems (ticking engine) This post is  interesting because I am in the middle of a complete engine rebuild and one of the reasons was to find out why my right cylinder valve adjustments don't hold after a few miles  ( I do know how to adjust them) I found on the web a post about the CX valve and cam problems, it is by  turbo buffs but has some good info http://www.turbomotorcycles.org/TMIOA/TechHelp_Honda_ValveTrain.aspx Keep us posted on anything you find. 1978 CX 500 1981 GL 500 1981 Custom 1982 GL    Report

03-27-2009, 9:12 AM Vee Dub Nut Joined on 01-03-2009 Texas, USA Posts 232 Re: AHHH!... More problems (ticking engine) Thanks for the info ezzee... that was an interesting read I hear an awful lot of people talk about how noisy these engine are.. some look and look and look then give up when nothing is found, a lot of folks just ignore. Makes me wonder if there is some true problems in these engines that are not being noticed. Then again.. maybe I just caught a lemon. (I will say that my old cx that I used to have had some interesting noises inside it too). I will say that despite the noise my engine was making, it was running fine. Adam Brandt Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of '06 00 VW GTi 67 VW Beetle 79 Honda CX500D - SOLD as a sacrifice to the VW gods, aka new VW project LOL    Report

03-27-2009, 2:09 PM bruuuuuce Joined on 03-26-2009 Norwalk, OH Posts 145 Re: AHHH!... More problems (ticking engine)  Vee Dub Nut wrote:  bruuuuuce wrote: Dood... I don't have it back together yet.. I'm still waiting on gaskets to show up. It will likely be next weekend before I can get it back together. Besides, I promised the wifey that we would finish up the yard work this weekend. I'll get you some pics of the location on the block where these are. As for diagnosis.. I don't think there is any way to confirm it without inspecting the pieces. Your best bet is to completely exhaust all diagnosis of the other common noises on these engines, and if you still are noisy, this might be your issue. Mine was just a loud metallic tick that stayed steady with the speed of the bike. The one thing that I have read about this issue and I felt myself, was that the tick is loud enough to fill silly riding the bike. Honestly.. it was LOUD. Engines make noise.. if you think about what is going on inside of them as they are running, you have to get some noises out of it. The trick is to be able to distinguish what is normal and whats not. I'm pretty anal about making sure all the mechanical stuff is right.. and with just general engine experience I've gained through my hobbies and work, I knew something was not right in the engine. Well, i tried the screw driver stethescope trick.. but one minor problem.. I'm not really sure what I am listening for.  In some places the ticking was louder and more pronounced than others, but at the same time, I could hear the ticking clear on the other side of the engine with that method. I do know that there was little evidence of it on the area near the shaft that turns the radiator fan. 1/78 CX500 (2nd bike) owned for 15 years.    Report

03-28-2009, 2:21 AM Shep Joined on 01-30-2007 UK.2x1980CX500A Posts 7,647 Re: AHHH!... More problems (ticking engine) The most common noise/sounds on these engines even if running well is the camshaft/timing system whirr and or tappets.    On my last couple of engine builds I had re-profiled the tappet faces before fitting the heads so they had a nice meniscus.This made quite a difference to setting tappets and noise to this degree, Click for sound I also pulled the tappet shafts and polished them and then used moly compound on re-fitting.I also used moly when fitting the cam followers and camshaft to make sure initial re-start was properly lubricated for running-in and then plenty of clean engine oil over the complete valve train etc. All oilways were cleaned out and high pressure air blown and the Cylinder heard oil pressure regulators were poked though and cleaned and inserted the correct way round to make sure the oil to to train was good. HTH :) My Music http://www.reverbnation.com/pauldouglas/ Join Just In Case :) http://globalcxglvtwins.hostingdelivered.com/ Id quot circumiret, circumveniat    Report

04-02-2009, 2:26 PM Vee Dub Nut Joined on 01-03-2009 Texas, USA Posts 232 Re: AHHH!... More problems (ticking engine) Ok guys.. the last box of parts shows to be delivered to my house today. I'm heading home from work and am planning to stay up late and get the engine back together (I'm off of work tomorrow, and I seem to do my best work at night). Wish me luck, and a quiet engine after its done! Adam Brandt Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of '06 00 VW GTi 67 VW Beetle 79 Honda CX500D - SOLD as a sacrifice to the VW gods, aka new VW project LOL    Report

04-02-2009, 6:47 PM hakko808 Joined on 05-25-2008 Fargo, ND Posts 894 Re: AHHH!... More problems (ticking engine) Finally one that sounds like mine. What the heck is that whir/whine more noticable at lower RPM? Other clips I have heard do not seem to have that noise and it bugs me since it sounds like something is binding.    Report

04-02-2009, 7:18 PM Blindstitch Joined on 03-14-2009 Greenfield Wisconsin Posts 9,863 Re: AHHH!... More problems (ticking engine) Good luck on the rebuild. 1979 CX500 Supertanker ATGATT makes riding a bike like a sled easier. Quick Reference    Report

04-03-2009, 1:26 AM Shep Joined on 01-30-2007 UK.2x1980CX500A Posts 7,647 Re: AHHH!... More problems (ticking engine)  hakko808 wrote: Finally one that sounds like mine. What the heck is that whir/whine more noticable at lower RPM? Other clips I have heard do not seem to have that noise and it bugs me since it sounds like something is binding. It's common to many Hondas and is to do with the Cam shaft/Cam chain arrangement.If yours sounds like mine you have a damn good engine :D Listen to some other Hondas,especially VFRs and you will hear it. My Music http://www.reverbnation.com/pauldouglas/ Join Just In Case :) http://globalcxglvtwins.hostingdelivered.com/ Id quot circumiret, circumveniat    Report

04-03-2009, 2:42 AM kingston73 Joined on 04-19-2008 Bellingham, MA Posts 1,722 Re: AHHH!... More problems (ticking engine) If I hold my clutch in my motor sounds a lot like Shep's as well, glad to know that's what they are supposed to sound like.  VW, glad your parts are in, here's hoping you're on the road soon! 1979 cx500D - mostly stock    Report

04-03-2009, 2:58 AM ronj10 Joined on 03-30-2009 Ya Sure - You Bet! Coon Rapids MN Posts 278 where are they located I have a ticking sound also. Bike runs fine. I was hoping it was a rogue exhaust leak. (It still could be, exhaust leaks are notorious for sounding like internal engine problems. Ticking is a common exhaust leak sound) I am removing my engine in the next week to re-do a starter clutch. (Did the timming chain & mech seal last year plus new springs in the starter clutch.) Where are those cam followers located if I want to look at them? Do I have to remove the heads? The parts list just shows them as part of the cam, but do not show where they are in the grand scheme of things. (probably I will look at my cheesy manual when I get home. The same one that did not tell me to use new torx screws on the starter clutch \&@#?!!) I mean, what the heck. While It is on the bench I can look at other things. Gotta take advantage of that. (1)1983 CX650 Custom Cruiser (2)1983 CX650 Custom Cruiser    Report

04-03-2009, 3:15 AM Shep Joined on 01-30-2007 UK.2x1980CX500A Posts 7,647 Re: where are they located  ronj10 wrote: I have a ticking sound also. Bike runs fine. I was hoping it was a rogue exhaust leak. (It still could be, exhaust leaks are notorious for sounding like internal engine problems. Ticking is a common exhaust leak sound) I am removing my engine in the next week to do a starter clutch. Did the timming chain & mech seal last year. Where are those cam followers located if I want to look at them? Do I have to remove the heads? The parts list just shows them as part of the cam, but do not show where they are in the grand scheme of things. I mean, what the heck. Its on the bench. Gotta take advantage of that. It's a big job for the Cam followers etc.Heads and all timing/cam chain off.If the bike is good I wouldn't bother.You can see if they have been fitted correctly using a torch/flash light and looking down the push rods.If they are fitted incorrectly you would see the cups not at the correct angle.It is only rare that they get fitted incorrectly.    If you ever decide to do a manual de-coke and valve re-grind then that's the time to also clean and polish and moly compound the rocker shafts and then also re-dress the tappet faces.    If,as some have tried,you slack off the head bolts to try and do this top-end Rocker work 9 times out of 10 the head gasket seal is broken and a blown head gasket a few miles down the road is waiting for you :O My Music http://www.reverbnation.com/pauldouglas/ Join Just In Case :) http://globalcxglvtwins.hostingdelivered.com/ Id quot circumiret, circumveniat    Report

04-03-2009, 3:22 AM ronj10 Joined on 03-30-2009 Ya Sure - You Bet! Coon Rapids MN Posts 278 That answers that. That was a great answer. Thanks I guess I am not that hard core of an internal engine guy. I will check with a light as suggested. Frankly, Im the type on real serious problems to just buy a new engine. One with 9000 miles sold on line last year for $400. Still kicking myself for not buying it. Veedubnut makes it look easy. If I did do deep work I would rather do it while I had another engine working in the bike. (1)1983 CX650 Custom Cruiser (2)1983 CX650 Custom Cruiser    Report

04-03-2009, 5:32 AM wildmanwill Joined on 05-25-2008 Chester County, Pennsylvania Posts 4,034 Re: AHHH!... More problems (ticking engine) I  Vee Dub Nut wrote: Ok guys.. the last box of parts shows to be delivered to my house today. I'm heading home from work and am planning to stay up late and get the engine back together (I'm off of work tomorrow, and I seem to do my best work at night). Wish me luck, and a quiet engine after its done! I hope that your night was successful and uneventful!  I'm sure you are out riding this morning! 1983 CX650 Turbo 1982 CX500 Custom Donating Member    Report

04-03-2009, 6:02 AM hakko808 Joined on 05-25-2008 Fargo, ND Posts 894 Re: AHHH!... More problems (ticking engine) Yours is the first clip I have heard where it was that loud like mine. I almost find it embarrasing on mine. Like the bike is wheezing. I had contemplated pulling things back apart to look at the starter clutch since it sort of sounds like when the bike is starting, and thought maybe starter clutch had issues, or I had gotten one of the trust washers in the wrong spot.    Report

04-03-2009, 6:05 AM Shep Joined on 01-30-2007 UK.2x1980CX500A Posts 7,647 Re: That answers that.  ronj10 wrote: That was a great answer. Thanks I guess I am not that hard core of an internal engine guy. I will check with a light as suggested. Frankly, Im the type on real serious problems to just buy a new engine. One with 9000 miles sold on line last year for $400. Still kicking myself for not buying it. Veedubnut makes it look easy. If I did do deep work I would rather do it while I had another engine working in the bike. I've just posted on another thread that this is one of the best ideas going.If you can pick up any engine for say $50 or less whatever the state to practice on,strip and even refurbish yourself.I keep a spare running engine in my garage.It's one I initially re-built some 4 years+ ago.I had enough bits to make another good one so that's the one that's in :)   I've got enough parts to build another engine and another CX but two's enough for now and money is tight :O My Music http://www.reverbnation.com/pauldouglas/ Join Just In Case :) http://globalcxglvtwins.hostingdelivered.com/ Id quot circumiret, circumveniat    Report

04-03-2009, 7:56 AM Vee Dub Nut Joined on 01-03-2009 Texas, USA Posts 232 Re: That answers that. Just a quick update... I was up until 3am assembling and installing the engine. For the sake of my neighbors, I didn't try to start it until this morning. I had a few bumps along the way, but all is well in the end. The engine is now QUIET as can be.. ALL I can hear is the trademark whirring... I'm off to go drop of the borrowed tools back at work. I'll have pics and video to share tonight. Thanks for all the tips! Adam Brandt Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of '06 00 VW GTi 67 VW Beetle 79 Honda CX500D - SOLD as a sacrifice to the VW gods, aka new VW project LOL    Report

04-03-2009, 8:15 AM kingston73 Joined on 04-19-2008 Bellingham, MA Posts 1,722 Re: That answers that. That's great VW, wicked good thing you got it all working well.  3 am.....that's some serious dedication!  1979 cx500D - mostly stock    Report

04-03-2009, 8:15 AM ronj10 Joined on 03-30-2009 Ya Sure - You Bet! Coon Rapids MN Posts 278 Re: That answers that. Its only quiet because when you put it back together you got the exhaust leaks tight! LOL Just kidding. Good job. Impressive. (1)1983 CX650 Custom Cruiser (2)1983 CX650 Custom Cruiser    Report

04-03-2009, 11:57 AM Shep Joined on 01-30-2007 UK.2x1980CX500A Posts 7,647 Re: That answers that. Great :D My Music http://www.reverbnation.com/pauldouglas/ Join Just In Case :) http://globalcxglvtwins.hostingdelivered.com/ Id quot circumiret, circumveniat    Report

04-03-2009, 5:23 PM Blue fox Joined on 04-18-2008 COLUMBIA, MISSOURI Posts 1,533 Re: That answers that. Good job,  I think I may have lost interest in that engine before now.  But, glad you were able to save another one.  Blue Fox 1983 GL650I, 79-CX500C, 1980 CX500C, 82-GL500I, 82-GL1100, 76-CB550, 81-CB750C, 73-CB350F, 71-CT90,    Report

04-03-2009, 6:15 PM Vee Dub Nut Joined on 01-03-2009 Texas, USA Posts 232 Re: That answers that. Thanks for all the kind words guys.... It has definitely been a long road with this engine. This wraps up the third time I've had it out of the bike and disassembled. First it was just tearing it open to replace the mechanical seal. That's when I found the engine full of sludge and a broken cam chain tensioner http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/75979/ShowPost.aspx With some encouragement I went ahead and fixed up the engine and got it all back together. After spending some time working with the rest of the bike, rebuilding forks, sealing the tank, brakes, etc.. I finally decided to take it out for a spin. Thats when I found out that it had NO acceleration. It was an absolute DOG to drive around. Talk about disappointed. After some troubleshooting I found out that the pulsar assembly was bad. http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/83158/ShowPost.aspx After replacing the pulsar coil all was well I thought. All except for that stupid ticking noise that was seeming to get louder and louder. We'll I guess thats it for the recap, so here we are. After finding out my cam issues I was able to pick up a set of used rocker assemlies, followers, and camshaft from John (a143road) to get me back on the road. Had to go pick up a new set of gaskets to reassemble the engine, and figured I would go ahead and replace the oil pump chain as it was at its limits and replace the cooling fan while I was in this last time. I spent all of last night and early this morning assembling the engine. Had a few hiccups and tense moments, but all ended ok. My one mistake that I didn't get to correct is inserting the pin that the lower followers ride on backwards. Its supposed to have the threaded portion facing out (towards the rear of the engine) so a bolt can be threaded in to pull on to remove the pin. Well in a moment of idocy I slipped it in backwards. I tired for about an hour to get it out, and after no success gave up. I checked over everything and found that it will cause no operational problems and the lockbolt still threads in and holds it fine. Only downside is that if/when I ever have to pull it all again, I will need to drill and tap that pin to get it out of its bore. HOPEFULLY that won't be a problem I'll have to face for a LONG time. LOL After that little snafu, all proceded well until I needed to get the water pump impeller installed. Thats when I found out that the threads on the end of the cam were slightly buggered up and the dome nut would not thread on. I ended up making an emergency trip back to work at midnight to raid our supply room and borrow the metric tap and die set. After some tense time working with the threads I was able to get the nut to thread back on properly, and got the impeller reinstalled. I was sweating lead working with those threads thinking of all the horror stories I have heard of people breaking off the ends of the cam. I had the engine installed in the frame last night, and filled up the coolant system twice (had to redo the water pipe o-ring after it procedded to dump coolant on the floor) and changed the oil in preperation of starting it today. Got up this morning and went straight back out to the garage and did the deed. Took a bit to get it started, had to go run to the gas station to get some petrol, but alas it started and sounded fantastic. This engine is now wisper quiet. Thats about the only way I can describe it. I rode it into town to return the borrowed tools from work and it rode fantastic. Glad to finally end that chapter in the build. Overall I am happy with the bike. It cleaned up well and ended up quite nice for not having to spend much $$ in cosmetics. Eventually I'll repaint and freshen up more stuff on it. I would like to find a nicer set of head pipes and replace the side cover emblems too.. All in due time I guess. To refresh everyones memories.. here was the bike when I started And here is the bike as of now: Thanks for all the support and well wishes... Hope that this thread can help some other folks down the road. Adam Brandt Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of '06 00 VW GTi 67 VW Beetle 79 Honda CX500D - SOLD as a sacrifice to the VW gods, aka new VW project LOL    Report

04-03-2009, 6:16 PM Vee Dub Nut Joined on 01-03-2009 Texas, USA Posts 232 Re: That answers that. Oh.. I had some video clips but my camera's mic sucks I'll have to pass until I can actually get a decent recording. edit: i apologize for any spelling or grammar errors. I'm exhausted and not thinking straight. I don't do well with staying up that late anymore. Adam Brandt Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of '06 00 VW GTi 67 VW Beetle 79 Honda CX500D - SOLD as a sacrifice to the VW gods, aka new VW project LOL    Report

04-03-2009, 6:49 PM A143road Joined on 10-08-2008 Spring,Texas Posts 354 Re: That answers that. GREAT....I'm glad you got it going again.   What year is you bike?   I got an engine and It kinda looks like yours, I'm worried now, (PC01E-410-3863)    I have some side covers.   I don't think their like your's though. Well you should be able to enjoy riding now. John 46% 10-300 Biplane/RC. 1978 CX500    Report

04-04-2009, 5:31 AM Shep Joined on 01-30-2007 UK.2x1980CX500A Posts 7,647 Re: That answers that. You've worked hard.Enjoy the bike and a great job bringing another one,"Back from the Grave".I truly hope that some of the bikes on here and my own are still being used in another 25 years.Now that would be impressive :D My Music http://www.reverbnation.com/pauldouglas/ Join Just In Case :) http://globalcxglvtwins.hostingdelivered.com/ Id quot circumiret, circumveniat    Report

07-11-2009, 3:19 PM gregoryjewell Joined on 07-02-2008 joplin, mo Posts 523 Re: That answers that. with the ticking did you notice the engine laboring alot more to go down the road and also the engine running hot 79 cx500 custom on the road once again 78 standard (parts bike) 79 cx500 custom (parts bike sitting 1500 miles away)lol cant nobody hold me down oh no i got to keep on moving    Report

07-11-2009, 10:55 PM NightBiker07 Joined on 04-20-2009 Toledo, OH Posts 506 Re: That answers that. about how loud was the ticking? my motor has a slight tick at low-mid rpm, and it is consistent with engine RPM, but it isnt even the a tiny bit noticable after about 3500 rpm. im just thinking the noise i hear is because these motors are noisy all over. 80 CX 500 2000 CR 250 DIRT BIKE!!!!!!!!!!    Report

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