XS400 Knock Noise

[SupsChad]

1982 xs400s Heritage

Alright so I made a thread about this a couple weeks ago and asked for some suggestions on what the noise could be. I finally got the top end fully taken apart as I have been busy since then. This is the video of the noise for reference. So while the pistons have been off, I pulled on both piston connecting rods and there is no up and down play that I can feel. There is slight side to side play but within spec. The top of the pistons after I got rid of the carbon build up appeared to be fine, as in I don't believe they were hitting the valves or top of the case. The only thing of note is that at the bottom of the right connecting rod, there is a slight blue color. I cant tell if this is concerning or not. The other thing is that I took the pistons off and looked at the piston pins and again, the right piston pin has blue coloring on it. Neither of them have any grooving I could feel with my nail but should I replace them? When the pistons where on they didn't have any up/down play but a little side to side. The only other possibility I can think of is that the rocker arms are loose but how do I check? Cant find anything in the manual.
I already plan on buying a new ring set as I broke one while taking them off.

 

[Drewcifer]

If that isn't your tappet adjusters hitting the tops of the caps that hold them in, then I'd look into the tightening of your timing chain adjustment. If it's off, you'll have an asynchronous ignition issue, and yes, heat buildup, and blueing, on the one side that's not letting enough exhaust out.

Check your exhaust valve side compression. You can send compressed air through a fitting into the cylinder (very low psi) and listen, (Google it) and you'll hear air leaking if your valves aren't seated/timed right.

 

[SupsChad]

Ok i

If that isn't your tappet adjusters hitting the tops of the caps that hold them in, then I'd look into the tightening of your timing chain adjustment. If it's off, you'll have an asynchronous ignition issue, and yes, heat buildup, and blueing, on the one side that's not letting enough exhaust out.

Check your exhaust valve side compression. You can send compressed air through a fitting into the cylinder (very low psi) and listen, (Google it) and you'll hear air leaking if your valves aren't seated/timed right.

ll do that when I can, thank you

 

[SupsChad]

If that isn't your tappet adjusters hitting the tops of the caps that hold them in, then I'd look into the tightening of your timing chain adjustment. If it's off, you'll have an asynchronous ignition issue, and yes, heat buildup, and blueing, on the one side that's not letting enough exhaust out.

Check your exhaust valve side compression. You can send compressed air through a fitting into the cylinder (very low psi) and listen, (Google it) and you'll hear air leaking if your valves aren't seated/timed right.

So first just some clarification. When you said "tappet adjusters" are you referring to the little screw thing (Number 11 on the photo) hitting the silver caps on the outside of the cylinder head (Number 15 on second photo). Second my bike is a 1982 xs400 SJ model and is a SOHC. There is no way to adjust the timing chain as its just 2 curved rubber pieces that keep tension on it (third photo).

 

[tstidham]

As a former engine machinist, I would not be concerned about the bluing on the crankshaft. I'd imagine you'd also see some bluing on the other crank pin as well (though it may be very faint) as just part of the crankshaft forging and machining processes. If that connecting rod bearing had an issue that could cause enough heat to blue the crankshaft, you would have very noticeable play in that assembly. That would take a spun bearing and the bluing would also be on the con rod as well. Since you have the pistons out and the cylinder sleeves available, measure them and check specs. The noise could have just been some piston slap if they are running a little loose in the bores. Could also be a piston pin to con rod play noise too, check if the piston pins wobbly in the con rod small ends.

 

[Drewcifer]

Silly me:

Why not post the issues as video on youtube and link here?

Maybe we can solve it with some more direct observation.

 

[SupsChad]

Silly me:

Why not post the issues as video on youtube and link here?

Maybe we can solve it with some more direct observation.

I do have a link to it at the top. "This is the video of the noise for reference. So while the pistons have been off, I pulled on both piston connecting rods and there is no up and down play that I can feel."

 

[SupsChad]

As a former engine machinist, I would not be concerned about the bluing on the crankshaft. I'd imagine you'd also see some bluing on the other crank pin as well (though it may be very faint) as just part of the crankshaft forging and machining processes. If that connecting rod bearing had an issue that could cause enough heat to blue the crankshaft, you would have very noticeable play in that assembly. That would take a spun bearing and the bluing would also be on the con rod as well. Since you have the pistons out and the cylinder sleeves available, measure them and check specs. The noise could have just been some piston slap if they are running a little loose in the bores. Could also be a piston pin to con rod play noise too, check if the piston pins wobbly in the con rod small ends.

Ill be doing that soon. Just finished ordering all the seals/gaskets I need as for all I know they are 40 years old and I would rather just replace them now cause Im repainting the engine. But thank you for the info.

 

[epaskus]

Got my 82 xs400 heritage special running today and have the exact same issue. Valves are adjusted correctly. Auto tensioner on cam is working properly. I noticed an exhaust leak but the sound got worse as the engine got up to temp. Anyway, did you ever determine the cause of the noise? Thanks