Motorcycle Repair: loud ticking from Honda vt1100 ace c2, honda vt1100, email addresss

Question
I have a loud ticking from the rear upper part of the engine on my vt1100 ace c2 1999, the noise gets louder with acceleration and when using engine breaking, i have been told it could be tappet noise or cam chain adjustment, but both of these are non adjustable, the tappets are hydraulic and the cam chain adjuster is not accessable without removing the engine, is there any way i can solve this problem without removing the engine? i have changed the engine oil and it has the correct level. the noise is not aparent at start up but within a few seconds it starts. the only thing i have replaced is a new horn. milage is 25,000.
the bike is an import into the uk and therefore i have been unable to find any mechanics who have worked on one over here.

thanks for your help in advance
Darren


Answer
Hi Darren,

The engine will need to be inspected.

One or more of the hydraulic valve adjusters may be defective or failing, or there may be other problems.

I would need to perform a few checks to accurately diagnose the problem.

Perform cylinder compression and leak-down tests to check sealing properties of the combustion chambers.

The mechanics should be able to work on the UK model.

You'll have to pull the engine for tear-down inspection.

Proper oil level and clean oil is important with hydraulic adjusters.  You've already performed the oil service, good thinking. Now check cylinder as described above.

Read spark plugs to learn more about the engine. Visit NGK's website: "www.ngk.com/sparkplug411.asp" and look on the left menu under "Plug Problems" to view plug images. Compare your plugs to those in the images.

Another plug reading resource: "www.eric-gorr.com/techarticles/sparkplugs.html"


Do you have the service manual?

Visit: "www.bikebandit.com" to see michrofiche parts views.

I return tech information files via email. There was no email addresss with your question as requested.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively