2003 Voyager noise

[JHD]

I would try adding some SeaFoam in the oil and see if it clears up. There is a recommended amount on the can when mixing with crankcase oil. Maybe you will have to flush and do a few more treatments to get that passage cleared. I also remember my dad using Marvel mystery Oil to quiet noisy lifters. It did seem to work. MMO could be another option as an additive.

[Lucasind]

A friend of mine had a 69 AMX with a 304 CI engine back in the 80's.
A lifter or two in that would start to tap and all we did was go thrash the hell out of it for about 20 minuets and it would clear right up

How about that,for a highly technical solution

[chevyman1]

A friend of mine had a 69 AMX with a 304 CI engine back in the 80's.
A lifter or two in that would start to tap and all we did was go thrash the hell out of it for about 20 minuets and it would clear right up

How about that,for a highly technical solution

Yea, and it worked every time

[ghostler]

I would try adding some SeaFoam in the oil and see if it clears up. There is a recommended amount on the can when mixing with crankcase oil. Maybe you will have to flush and do a few more treatments to get that passage cleared. I also remember my dad using Marvel mystery Oil to quiet noisy lifters. It did seem to work. MMO could be another option as an additive.

Next go around, I think I'm going to give MMO a shot.

[EFC7018]

I wonder how often one should add MMO or SF (Sergeant First class),little military humor, to the engine to help keep varnish,sludge down,Any thoughts.By the way,this has nothing to do with this post but I went to the auto parts store to take back a part,and this young kid who works there was having a cig.Nice kid and all,laughs alot ,but uh....lacks social graces.He wants to buy a crotch rocket, and when rolled up on the ol XII,he says,oh that is an old bike. ,then proceeds to tell me how he does not like the radio,fog lights,and chrome .So I say,well to each his own.Then he asks,is it at least comfortable ,and I say,like riding on your easy chair,oh he says,thats good.The funny thing is tha t if he feels the cafe racer,Kawasaki ninja,is not comfortable, he wants to buy a Virago and I am thinking wow from a Ninja to a Virago........BIG difference. I told the wife that I have gotten a lot of compliments on the bike,and he just shot 7 negatives at me Oh well,we are all not cookie cutter riders.

[EFC7018]

Sorry,hope you can make heads or tales of my post, I kind of got carried away with the smiles.

[ghostler]

Sorry,hope you can make heads or tales of my post, I kind of got carried away with the smiles.

Interesting story, don't blame you. Wife rode with me on my 2001 XII last Sunday for the first time,

[EFC7018]

Outstanding , I am sure it was a cool ride. My wife tells me how comfortable it was when we went on two small trips. 150 miles a piece. And that is one of the things I really love about the bike.......COMFORT

[wmeier]

I have a 2003 with the same issue. Quick history....I can ride 200 miles, no tapping. Shut it off, start it again, tapping is back. 200 miles later, it's gone. I have tried all the suggestions, seafoam, Carl's suggestion of Ford ATF (thought that fixed it, went about 500 miles before it started again). It drives me nuts. I eventually took it into a Kawi dealership. They listened and immediately said valves/lifters. I paid them a ton of money for them to tear the top end apart and then tell me no valve issues, no unusual wear. I recently started riding with a group of guys on various types of bikes. They ride every Wed night rain or shine, for last 28 years. One guy is a motorcycle mechanic that certifies motorcycle mechanics for their licences. He heard my bike and immediately said (I kind of forget) "cam chain tensioner" or "timing belt/chain adjuster". Something like that. When the snow starts to fly here, they still get together on Wednesday nights, but work on the bikes. He said no big deal, he will get rid of my tapping. I'll let you know when/if he does.

[EFC7018]

Hello,YES could you let em know? that would be great,I have just finished up the 500 mile ATF treatment, and I noticed that it started again, then did the usual,which was disappear.I listened once with a screw driver when this happened,and it did seem loudest on the cam chain tensioner,which is left side of bike, clutch side,middle bottom of the ,like second cylinder.It has 2 bolts that hold in place.I heard on another forum that it could be worn chain guides which the sound would then travel around the motor which it does seem to do.I dont mind trying to fix,but i dont want your experience of going through all that work only to hear,no valve problems,no tappet issues,here is a 800.00 bill though Yes let us know please,
Thanks

[Wahrsuul]

500 mile ATF treatment? So I should put in some ATF for 500 miles or so before an oil change? How much ATF, and do I need to drain an equivalent amount of oil beforehand?

[wmeier]

Yes 1 quart / liter Ford atf(has some detergent or something). Drain equal amount of oil first. After 600 miles / 1000Km drain all oil and change filter (both oil plugs) 3 qt 22 oz exactly.