www.zxrworld.co.uk

hi can anyone help i have a zxr 400 l model with 50.0000 miles on clock i know its alot but its only a j reg my first bigger bike ...bike pulls and rides well but the engine has a loud rattle much like an old ford fiesta with tappet rattle ..i have been told that the shims need doin ..but a mechanic also told me if i had them done ,with it being such an old bike that it may not quieten it down at all ..i have been using the bike daily for around 2 weeks and i tthink its gettin worse would be great if someone could give me an answer on this asap thanks paulg....

Noises coming from the upper part of the engine should be due to valves shims that need to be adjusted, since this is a normal maintenance operation you should do it before to look for something else. These engines are somehow noisy but from the cam timing and clutch rather than from the valves themselves (except if you have a failing valve)

While doing the shims, since the cams need to be wiped out, you should control the position of the chain tensionner while taking it out: take its spring away before to take the tensionner out so you will be able to know its position, and thus the wear of your cam-chain.
If you find the tensionner blocked, thus you found the reason of your noise, you just have to unlock it and try it again... if it fails again you may need to change it

A weaked chain is more noisy around 4000rpm, but not anymore after 5000rpm as noise frequency get higher and is not hearable anymore...

thanks you ve been a great help any idea what a reasonable price to have work done. and is it ok too ride still thanks paulg

Sorry Kawaman but you CAN adjust the shims and valve clearances without removing the cam shafts While not wishing to appear rude you would do well to not give advice on a subject which you clearly know little about

cargo wrote:Sorry Kawaman but you CAN adjust the shims and valve clearances without removing the cam shafts While not wishing to appear rude you would do well to not give advice on a subject which you clearly know little about

OK so 400 valves works with rockers between cam and valve.
But I understand that I should better return to my 750 forum... you might be right, so long chaps I won't disturb Britts nor 400 anymore

With that kind of mileage it could be a lot more than just the valve clearances needing checked /adjusted.
Could be worn rockers

Or even camchain or tensioner thats making the noise.

It might even be nothing to worry about at all becasue it is impossible to be sure without hearing it in the flesh or opening it up and looking

replaced cam chain tensinor yesterday and now is perfect thanks for all your help paul g

Great news well done..................however

Out of idle curosity would you care to describe the procedure you used to fit the new tensioner ?................... it's a pet topic of mine.

Thats a wicked trap you set there, Cargo.

never mind the wicked mess it'll make of his engine IF he's done it wrong......................

dont worry im not stupid went to see a bike mechanic who only deals with zxr s in norwich 5 weeks later shes still pullin strong and soundin sweet love it !!!!!