2003 Voyager noise

[EFC7018]

Hello I am new to this forum. I have a question about my 2003 Voyager.
After I have been riding , sometimes, not all time , I get this ticking or tapping sound that seems to be the loudest at the cam chain tensioner . It seems to do it only after I have ridden awhile, I shut the bike off , start up, then it appears, for a bit, then goes away. I thought it was Tappets, but it seems to be sometimes on left, then right. I think it is traveling around , the sound , the motor. Never does it first start up. Here is what I have done:

1.Rottela T 3 quarts 22 ounces

2. New filter regular oil change.

3. It has 54000 miles runs great, no issues

4. Another forum suggested worn cam chain guides. I thought maybe a cam chain tensioner, never changed, and I bought the bike used, it was well taken care of.

Any thoughts
Thank you

[voyager55]

My 2003 has ticked since new. As long as it's running fine and everything is adjusted properly, I wouldn't worry about it

[grumpin]

Welcome!

[Lucasind]

.....Welcome (first) ......when you stated"loudest at cam chain tensioner"... how did you determine this (stethoscope,rubber hose, long screw driver ?)more info. needed. If you feel that the tensioner is at fault, they cost little ,even new, and take only minutes to replace. please read up on it before you do it ,if first time.............................tony

[EFC7018]

Hello, thank you for the feedback and welcoming! I determined this with the ol screwdriver to the ear.I think the sound was louder there,if you use the screwdriver at various points I heard noises but probably normal bearing sounds etc.Yes the ticking was loudest there,and I am thinking that the sound will travel around the engine.I grew up with bikes,and am not afraid to work on them,had to replace the oilfilter holder on this bike after I rode over a buried pipe in the yard.That is when I learned the value of Progressive shocks lol!Which after I got that bracket replaced,ordered progressive shocks.Like I said, that is my story,the bike is in great shape, runs wonderful, and this happens time to time,but it bugs me like something bad is going to happen.


Thank you

[EFC7018]

Any other thoughts?


Thanks

[doug of so fla]

If it is a tapping and not a rattle it could be that you have a loose part as a valve guide loose or the most common would be a plugged or dry hydraulic lifter, lifter looses fluid causing tapping some time if the oil has a chance to foam, (overfilling) the lifter will not get enough fluid in it, or if it got varnished and fluid cannot get in it. Some have tried ATF or Seafoam in the oil to clear up lifter, would not hurt to try it. Carl Leo has had experience with this noise and could give you some good advice.

[EFC7018]

Thanks a lot, yes it is a tapping, not a rattle ,and seems to clear up when it does this, when I follow what the manual says, rev bike for about a minute,steady, then several quick bursts. It then may be slight, but not like it was. I notice that it does not seem to do this right off the bat, after it has set awhile. I did not start the bike for 3 weeks, started up good , did not notice noise, then all of a sudden came back, then left. I thought of foaming oil , but I have added good oil, 3 quarts, 22 ounces. It has done this once and awhile since I have had the bike for a year. I have tried seafoam in crank for about 30 or so miles, maybe not long enough, or enough seafoam.

Thanks I will try to contact Leo

[doug of so fla]

Just a reminder:: 3qts + 22oz, after draining BOTH drain plugs and the filter. Lots of newbie's lately so just to make sure everyone knows to drain the second drain plug towards the front of engine. Other wise too much oil and it will cause leak and foam up....

[EFC7018]

Thanks, did that,after I had to remove the oil pan a year ago,I discovered the fact that there is 2 oil plugs,so thanks new it already,plus I did do what you said,and for the record,I had this noise before I had to remove the oil pan.Thanks

[EFC7018]

It might come down to me removing the valve cover,and checking the Tappets.If there was,is, any varnish, I would think that it would be gone by now.I know Tappets can go bad,they are mechanical afterall,but we shall see.

Thanks

[doug of so fla]

Valve cover does not come off unless engine is out It can be done but won"t go back together correctly will leak. Try ATF or Seafoam for about 500mi to 1000mi. 30 miles not enough imho..

[voyager55]

Seafoam is great. Marvel Mystery oil is to.
IMO I don't think anything is wrong. Like I stated my 2003 has made so many different noises over the years I don't even pay attention anymore. I say as long as it runs fine, just drive it

[Jeff Gordon]

I have recently had this on my 92. The first time was out with a big group of riders, we pushed hard occasionally and i first thought I'd hurt my old girl. Then a few days later on a cool evening ride it started to tap again, but louder. I thought i was done for, started to slow done and it disappeared? Hasnt happened since. I know i have way too much oil in my bike after reading 3 quarts, 22 ounces, i have always filled the crankcase until the sight glass was full.......i wondered if the engine was almost having a bubble bath inside?

[EFC7018]

Great input Thanks,I will put the seafoam in and let her go.The bike really runs good,even when this has happened,it is smooth and powerful.

Thanks again

[EFC7018]

By the way, how much Seafoam , and do I need to drain some oil to
allow for Seafoam?


Thanks

[chicagorandy]

I just did mine and deducted as many ounces of oil for as much MMO I put in the crankcase.

I added 6oz of MMO so I took out a total of 16oz (10 + 6 more) from the gallon jug of Rotella T 15W-40

[doug of so fla]

Easiest way to tell on how to use it is read directions on can!! lol!! I think it is 1-1/2 oz per qt oil. It has very good directions on can , read all of them. I would just add to oil. you are not adding that much as to overfill and some will evaporate anyway. If you are getting a tapping or knock like a rod knocking, that is kinda like what I have heard and just slowing the rpm's down to 1000 to 2000 rpms and keep rpm's steady for awhile, either on road or in neutral usually will let the lifter refill with oil and hopefully keep it full and knock will go away. If it persists try to clean system like you are. If gets worse you maybe need to get someone to help find out what it is actually doing. Seafoam and Marvel Mystery oil have been around a long time and have proven themselves as good products, and I am one who is very skeptical of most all additives.

[EFC7018]

Great Advice!Thanks I will add Seafoam, andet her go for 500 miles or so .
It is definitely tapping , no knocking, I will try we shall see. The good thing is that it does not do it all the time, we shall see. I post results

Thanks

[gery]

Guys explain to me - what is seafoam?

gery