Chattering Noise

I've got a 86 700F and since I bought it, it's always had a distinct chattering noise comming from the upper engine. I havn't really worried about it much because the bike runs great, start's right up, no smoke and doesn't burn any oil... I keep hearing about a oiling issues on the 1st gen... could this be what I'm hearing or is it the chatter off of the gear driven cams.? I've had gear drives in V8 hot rods before that sounded similar. The bike has about 26,000 miles on it and has been well maintained... I just did an oil change and didn't notice anything unusual.
I'm just wondering if it's a normal sound for the V4 or if this is something I should be worried about. It hasn't gotten any louder or worse over the last 2,000 miles that I've owned the bike.
Thanks guys:smile:

Also has anyone ever tried Lucas Oil Additive in their bike, and is it a good idea?

 

Every time I hear the noise you are explaining my chain is usually dry & loose. The noise always goes away after lubing & or adjusting the chain. Just a simple easy thing to check before digging deeper. I have been using Lucas for the last 10,000 miles or so as far good or bad for the bike??? As a diesel mechanic I've pulled several 500K+ engines down the ones w/ Lucas are alway extremely clean & show little wear

 

Good to know about the Lucas. How much do you add in lue of the oil. You mentioned the chain. That makes since, since my chain is well beyond the replace mark... I've already got the chain, front and rear sprockets, and a new front tire... Maybe it'll go away after I swap out the chain, it just seemed like it was more around the valves but it's hard to tell because of how loose the chain is and the roar of the exhaust.
Thanks

 

Rule of thumb w/ Lucas is 25%, up to 50% for extremely tired engines. I think I add around a quart maybe a little less, I usually buy gallon jugs they are cheaper in the long run. Most of the diesels add 1 gal of lucas to 9 gals of oil so the mix ratio is really up to you.

I was certain my chain noise was coming from the top end of the motor as well but was proven wrong.

 

Pontiac

I've gotta say, valves would have been my first thought. Hopefully it'll turn out to be your chain, but if it isn't, have a look at the valves.

If it's any consolation, they're not that hard to check/adjust once you've got access to them - and even that's not particularly difficult. Fortunately, there's no medding about with shims - it's simply adjuster screws and lock nuts.

Good luck with it.

Neil