Gen 1, suspect CCT, taps/knocks when cold then goes away. Help?

My gen 1 has a pretty obvious knock/tap that goes away as the motor warms. Purrs like a kitten when up to temp.

83 VF750F

I know the carbs are a bit out of sync, but I am suspecting this is the cam chain tensioner.

I see the bracket assy has been through like 7 revisions, is still available and costs around 60 bucks. What say ye? Likely the problem?

I asked my mechanic cousin, but he's Suzuki / Guzzi guy. He had recollections of this issue and thought the bracket was likely the suspect. Should I order up a set? Do I need the tensioner slide itself?

The bike only has 8700 miles on it, and is pretty much pristine.

The PN is 14510-MB0-874.

 

I would say the tensioner is a possibility. I would get a stethoscope and pinpoint which head is making the noise before moving further.

If you want to check the tensioner then remove the valve cover and use the starter to turn the motor over with the ignition in the off position. If the tensioner is bad the chain will slap the guide that is right above it and you will be able to visibly see that. If you dont see the chain slapping that guide then your tensioner is doing its job and the noise is coming from somewhere else.

The times i've replaced tensioners in first gens I only replaced the arm and bracket. Here is a link to a 750 scematic and part number 15 and 16 is what you would most likely need to replace if the tensioner is bad. http://www.bikebandit.com/houseofmotorcycles/1984-honda-vf750f-v45-interceptor/o/m2775#sch13194

What year/model do you have?

 

Hey Hank where did u find the info on the revisions for this part? I just ordered a set myself. as far as your knock what makes u think it is the bracket? I only ask because I am still learning about these bikes myself and I am always looking for useful info. sorry I cant be of any help with your problem. I am changing mine along with reground cams and rockers. my bike has 30,000 miles. anyway someone on here will be able to answer you question. good luck Hank.

 

I just ordered these parts and if u look at the page u will notice that there is no space for those parts individually. u have to order it as a complete piece which I believe is #3.

 

Well I suspect the its something with the CCT from research here and a talk w/ my mechanic cousin. Then I assumed its that #3 bracket assy, which actually contains parts 15 and 16. I was looking here.

OEM Parts Honda 750 INTERCEPTOR (VF750F) 1983 CAM CHAIN - TENSIONER - Cheap Cycle Parts

I edited my first post. Its an 83 750.

 

Curious did you also have a knock when cold that goes away? I found an old thread with that exact symptom and the advice then was CCT.

Oh and I just saw on my cheap cycle parts link above that the bracket had been revised 7 times which makes me suspect it has its share of issues.

 

If the tensioner is bad you will have to take the cams out to replace it so grab a Honda factory service manual off Ebay if you dont already have one. I would advise against using a Clymer

 

Yes I have a FSM. I set the valves last weekend, and the cams are healthy as can be, but never really looked over the cam chain tension.

 

I never heard a knock. but could of been because the ticking sound coming from my bad cams was too loud drowned it out. lol.

 

Found out my wife has a stethoscope, and used that tonight. The racket is coming from the rear head. Cams are good, so I went ahead and ordered the "#3" bracket assy.
I listened to the crankshaft area on the right side and all I could hear was a soothing whirring sound, so that made me feel better!

 

Oh and as an FYI, ronayers has the bracket for $55. Also got a new petcock for $32, which is quite a bit cheaper than anywhere else i've seen.

 

Got my CCT today. Ronayers was cheap, but damn slooooowwwww... nearly 2 weeks from order to receipt. Got the installation partially done. Only the exhaust camshaft needs to be removed to do it BTW.

The original one was clearly sacked. The chain wasn't very tight at any point and after I removed the CCT it was obvious the locking pawl on the rod was pretty much not doing a damn thing.

The new one is a totally different design. Hopefully rev 7 (or was it 8) does the trick

Should have it done tomorrow night and fired up for a "test listen".

 

Sweet, let us know if this was the problem!

 

Knocky tappy demon exorcised!

 

Nice! Congrats!