Cam chain rattle 2002 Vtec VFR

My '02 has about 22k on the clock and I've got some cam chain rattle. It's not seriously loud, if I have earplugs in I can't hear it and it's only really present when decelerating around 4500-3500 RPMs. My mechanic says it's nothing to worry about, mechanic has ridden and heard it.

Is this fairly common for this bike or should I plan on having some work done sooner rather than later?

 

I think it is fairly common. It is not going to hurt anything. I think it is easy to replace if you want.. Try changing the oil to different weight and see if it helps!!

 

I agree with white_335i on trying a different oil. My CCT makes a horrible racket when I run Mobil 1 4T 10W 40. Just switching to conventional valvoline motorcycle 10W 40 quieted it considerably, although it is still there. I'll be trying Amsoil 10W 30 next time.

 

I either threw or broke the cam chain this morning. The bike is in the shop right now, I won't know exactly what's up until Tuesday or so. If I'm lucky there wasn't any valve/piston love going on, if not I may be in for a new engine.

 

I'd be interested in knowing exactly what they find. I can't say I've heard of this type of problem at 22K miles. Good luck and I hope it is not as serious as it sounds.

 

Sorry to hear about this. Hope this is nothing major. Keep us posted!!

 

I have a 2004 with 45000 miles and for the last 6 months I had the cam chain noise. It got really loud and I finally decided to change the tensioners. The noise was coming from the rear one. When I had to wind down the rear one to release the tension it was not as tight as the new one. I think that the spring on the tension gets weak with age. After the new tensioners I have no noise and I didn't change the oil when I did this. I run Mobil One 4T.

 

Cam chain came off the cam completely and wrapped around the crank. Engine is toast, I'd rebuild/replace it but I'm in a time and money crunch. My grandpa and I had a big trip planned in June, the trip with him is something we've talked about since I was like 12 or 13. It's more important that I make the trip than have the VFR, so I'm parting it out. I'll be buying my Grandpa's 2nd bike a 2009 Kawasaki Concourse 1400. Hopefully one day I'll own another VFR, it was one of the best bikes I've ever ridden and I'm going to miss it.

Parting out thread is here for an entire '02 VFR: Parting out a 2002 red VFR/abs - VFRworld Classifieds

 

Damn, that sucks beyond words! On the plus side, the Kaw is a beast from what I have heard. Our state patrol ditched their Harleys for the Concourse and there aint nothing outrunning them any more. Best of luck!

 

Wow. I still can't believe that happened at just 22K miles. That is the correct mileage? Anyhow, I agree that the Concourse is a great bike. At least you've got that to fall back on.