Valve Noise.

[mracoustic]

I know there's a hundred questions on valves here, but I have had trouble finding a specific description of the noises they make and what they sound like when they need adjustment. I notice an intermittant ticking (If I had to describe it, it sounds like "ckink, chink, chink,") from the valves area. I also notice a loss of power at low rpm's. My carbs need to be redone so I don't know if the power loss is because of that or a symptom of the noise.
I know its probably a broad question with a lot of answers but any help is appreciated.

[MarkusN]

Unfortunately there is no clear acoustic indication when valve clearance has to be checked. (If at all, it would be the total absence of valve ticking.)

Valve ticking is of relatively high frequency (I have heard it compared to a sewing machine, and the description is good.) It is more noticeable when the engine is hot.

The noise you describe as intermittent can not be valve ticking; valves make their noise all the time. I assume it's axial play of the camshaft.

If you don't hear them ticking, that can mean that you have no clearance at all (cams constantly in contact with the shims; valves potentially not totally closing -> valve seats will burn.)

If valve clearance gets too wide,  valve ticking gets louder. Maybe somebody with a lot of experience with many GS engines can detect a loose valve that way, but for us mere laymen, no chance.

[scratch]

I also notice a loss of power at low rpm's. My carbs need to be redone so I don't know if the power loss is because of that or a symptom of the noise.

Two ways of looking at this:
First: Do the simple stuff first.  Elimination - Fix the carbs, if that fixes the problem, good.  If not, then you know to do a valve adjustment.

Second: However, fixing the carbs may cover up the problem, and valves should be checked regularily (the manufacturer suggests every 4000 miles).