Hey all - I have a 2004 GS500F with about 15k miles on the clock that I bought used last December. My engine developed an annoying ticking noise so I've started to investigate it. I checked the valves, and they're in spec, so from some basic research I'm curious if it might be a cam chain tensioner issue. Thing is, don't want to get in too deep since it's not really my skillset, but I did want to check on here to see if anyone happened to recognize the noise. I didn't take a video before I opened her up, but this YouTube video has the absolute identical sound that mine is making.

Any help or guidance would be super appreciated - dreading getting it back together and taking it in only to spend a bunch to have someone figure out the issue (Bay Area pricing is fun).

Have you pinpointed where its coming from yet?
Aaron

I don't think I can provide any more insight into the location to be honest, aside from what's shown in the vid.


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You've measured the valve clearances then?
Have you measured the camchain wear?
Just, if you have the SLIGHTEST suspicion about the camchain tensioner, just replace it immediately, don't think twice.
They aren't expensive, but could save you a heap of money in top end damage if yours is suss.
Someone who knows what they're doing can replace the camchain without too much trouble as well.

That video sounds like a healthy GS500 engine to me. What are we supposed to be hearing?

Quote from: Bluesmudge on August 26, 2019, 07:52:01 AM
That video sounds like a healthy GS500 engine to me. What are we supposed to be hearing?

Agreed, all I can hear in that video is the bassy exhaust and the crispy top-end. Sounds just like my own. You said it developed, so presumably whatever it is isn't being picked up by the mic - or perhaps you're like me and get worried when you notice a sound that was actually always there.

Quote from: Kookas on August 27, 2019, 01:48:47 PM
or perhaps you're like me and get worried when you notice a sound that was actually always there.

That is likely the case. A healthy GS makes lots of different clacky and ticky noises and sounds different depending on the temperature.

Yeah but it's a really annoying metal on metal sound, like rubbing a few washers together really fast or something and it definitely hasn't always had it. Anyhow just got it back together and something isn't right so that's something else to dive into. Idle is super low and then with choke it's not much higher and a little throttle makes it go up pretty high and stay.


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Going to dive into the above issues soon. Any suggestions?


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fun with carbs yay

Found out I didn't connect the vacuum hose at the frame petcock... gotta love it. However, I do have an oil leak coming from dead center middle of the engine (see photo)...


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Retorquing the 8 cylinder head bolts is a good idea to do regularly. Mine got better each time I did it and now it's always dry.