Rattle, valve train noise?

[Benjamin96]

I have a 2005 Buell Xb9sx and ever since I bout it last year, it’s had this rattle that’s especially noticeable on the right side of the bike. It had 21k miles when I bought it and it’s now at 25k. I’ve adjusted the primary chain and that didn’t help the noise. Is there anything else it could be? I’ve read that the valves are not adjustable and that’s what I thought it was. I’ve heard other peoples buells run online and they don’t have the noise mine does. Does anyone have an idea of what this could be? I’d like to get it fixed before the warmer weather comes. Thanks!

 

[Cooter]

A primary chain will make a whirring noise when unadjusted or especially if its too tight (and too tight is VERY bad).
Buell XB engines have hydraulic roller lifters so they need no break-in and should make no noise at all for the life of the bike.

It does have a lifter ticking type sound though. I'd guess exhaust leak. Check the exhaust flanges and gaskets. At cold start (so the head pipes aren't blazing hot) use a light rag or blow a stream of smoke at them to see if it's pumping air out of those flanges or has any broken studs.

 

[Pieters86]

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could a worn oil pump drive gear also cause this noise? Or can't you hear them even when they are about to break?

 

[Cooter]

being a soft gear, I wouldn't think you'd hear anything, much less a 'ticking' type of noise.

 

[Barrett]

Sir: That is a specific XB/XL top-end noise generally associated with valve-train clatter. Highly unlikely it is piston rattle from clearance issues...exhaust related....bottom-end related. Noise and clatter emanating from those areas sounds quite different. Suggestions:
Accurately check oil pressure using method outlined in SM. Oil pressure WARNING light extinguishes above approx 6PSI so not an accurate indicator.

Try the simple process of valve-train ATF flush and run procedure along with fresh quality NON-synthetic 20W50 oil and filter. Then see what you have. This tried-and-true method will often eliminate these lifter/rocker/cam related noises.

You mentioned oil pump driven gears. Both can be checked visually without removing entire right side engine cam cover.

 

[Benjamin96]

Sir: That is a specific XB/XL top-end noise generally associated with valve-train clatter. Highly unlikely it is piston rattle from clearance issues...exhaust related....bottom-end related. Noise and clatter emanating from those areas sounds quite different. Suggestions:
Accurately check oil pressure using method outlined in SM. Oil pressure WARNING light extinguishes above approx 6PSI so not an accurate indicator.

Try the simple process of valve-train ATF flush and run procedure along with fresh quality NON-synthetic 20W50 oil and filter. Then see what you have. This tried-and-true method will often eliminate these lifter/rocker/cam related noises.

You mentioned oil pump driven gears. Both can be checked visually without removing entire right side engine cam cover.

Is there any guide on a atf flush on these bikes? I haven’t ever tried that before and wouldn’t want to do it wrong.

 

[Cooter]

No offense but theres NO way modern oils left that much deposits in just 25k miles to cause a sticky lifter that a high risk ATF flush would 'fix'.

Stop watching Pole Barn Garage and check your bike for an...

exhaust leak.

 

[Barrett]

No offense but theres NO way modern oils left that much deposits in just 25k miles to cause a sticky lifter that a high risk ATF flush would 'fix'.

Stop watching Pole Barn Garage and check your bike for an...

Shaughn: Appears I said something to upset you and if that's the case, I apologize. My suggestion to this guy was based on his vid and what sounds to me like a lifter problem causing valve tap/tick via too much valve clearance. I've done the old guy "trans fluid" flush trick on several XB's and Sportsters thru the decades and often times it works. That's the only reason I suggested it to him.

 

[Cooter]

Oh no John, I was responding to the OP. Everyone here, including me! appreciates your advise Thank you for offering it up!

It seemed the OP was only trying the 'magic fix' on such a young engine because its the easiest thing to do, and didn't understand the reason, the process, or the risks, the way we do.

Sorry for the misunderstanding!