VFR800 intermitent rattle/chain rattle

Discussion in 'Mechanics Garage' started by Cake800, Jul 28, 2019.

  1. Cake800

    Cake800 New Member

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    Hi this is my first ever v4 engine its a honda vfr800fi 2000 , and ive noticed very recently a chain rattle like sound when decelerating, and also a strange intermitent noise which id say sounds almost like when u lift your visor up (the plastic rachet sound) but more of a tinny/metalic sound. its completly random when it does it clutch in our out makes no difference and it only last for half a second and its at completly random moments, i think i did notice a tiny dip in the rev's when it does it but it comes and goes so fast its hard to notice or check anything.
    it only does these noise's once its warmed up 60 or above and only at idle the bike apart from the noise's runs perfectly no stuters or jults in power and starts up everytime with no issues.

    My first thought was cam chain tensioner but found the vfr800 doesnt have one on this model, and ive searched google for hours but no one seems to have the same issue, any help would be awesome as at the moment my budget doesnt excist.
     
  2. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    it usually helps to state the accumulated mileage on the bike :uk:

    get it up on the centerstand to check the drive chain for too-loose spots along its run while turning wheel.
     
  3. skimad4x4

    skimad4x4 "Official" VFRWorld Greeter

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    +1 on the above. If your chain is far too loose it will start rubbing against things making and possibly scraping noises (potentially expensive ones). So check this as soon as possible.
     
  4. FJ12rydertoo

    FJ12rydertoo Member

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    I would definitely check the chain, but if it makes a noise with the clutch in there has to be other issues.
    It's very difficult to locate an intermittent problem/noise like yours. Maybe the snorkel opening
    and closing?
     
  5. Cake800

    Cake800 New Member

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    Hi the bikes at 53k miles now the chain seems fine and doesnt seem to have to much slack, it happened again regarding the ratchet noise it sounded like it was directly under the fuel tank.
     
  6. mofo

    mofo New Member

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    Cam chain tensioner? Is this the year with the chain-driven cams?
     
  7. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    so that has to be the second or third chain cuz they don't last much over 20k miles b4 they go wonky.
     
  8. FJ12rydertoo

    FJ12rydertoo Member

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    The snorkel is on the air box under the tank, maybe it's flapping around? You might give it a check, would only take
    a couple of minutes to lift the tank and disconnect the vacuum line and plug it ans see if it stops.
     
  9. Cake800

    Cake800 New Member

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    When i bought the bike about 3 months ago it had just had new chain and sprokets fitted. il plug the vacuum line tomorrow and take it out for a ride and see if it stops. if it is that thats doing it can i just leave it plugged or is it something i should really get sorted?

    And yes mofo no cam chain (its a first for me)
     
  10. FJ12rydertoo

    FJ12rydertoo Member

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    I unplugged mine long ago with no ill effects. There's a guy who will argue that Honda put it on there
    for a reason, but I just consider it noise abatement and took it out of the system. Didn't remove it, just
    plugged the vacuum line.
     
  11. Cake800

    Cake800 New Member

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    ok cool il give it ago tomorrow and let you know how it goes.
     
  12. Cake800

    Cake800 New Member

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    just so i dont plug the wrong thing am i plugging the actually hose in the red circle on the arrow end?


    [​IMG]
     
  13. Terry Smith

    Terry Smith Member

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    The plastic ratchety sound under the tank occurs when the clutch switch at the lever gets a bit dirty and makes intermittent contact when the lever is pulled in while sitting in gear at a stop. That causes the electric solenoid that drives the vacuum for the flapper to rapidly open and close causing the noise. Clean the microswitch with contact cleaner or replace it, not an expensive item.

    For reasons known only to Honda, the flapper valve on the airbox is held open at any engine speed in neutral, and is kept closed in gear below 5500rpm, except when the clutch lever is pulled in. (Actually I'm sure that is just a by-product of the wiring layout that allows the starter motor to run in when the bike is in gear as long as the clutch lever is pulled in).
     
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  14. FJ12rydertoo

    FJ12rydertoo Member

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    I just unplugged the hose from the "Variable Air Intake Diaphragm", and plugged the hose so I
    wouldn't have a vacuum leak.
     
  15. FJ12rydertoo

    FJ12rydertoo Member

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    Very interesting.
     
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  16. Terry Smith

    Terry Smith Member

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    It is possible to test the flapper operation at a standstill on the centrestand in neutral, just pull off the neutral switch wire (located on the clutch cover) and the bike will behave as if it is gear. You can then run the engine with the tank lifted and observe the flapper opening/closing as the revs pass through the 5500rpm zone. You should also be able to pop the clutch lever in/out and re-create the ratchety sound at idle.
     
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  17. Cake800

    Cake800 New Member

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    I think this could be the problem i didnt noticve untill 2 days ago the bike will no longer start in gear, i think il try cleaning the switch first if the lovly enlgish weather lets me that is.
     
  18. Wiggo

    Wiggo New Member

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    Oooh, just a minute!

    Are you saying that the bike should start in gear with the sidestand up as long as the clutch is pulled in? If mine stalls, I have to put it into neutral to restart. I just assumed it was a Honda thing.
     
  19. Cake800

    Cake800 New Member

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    it belive it should just before this noise started mine used to start in gear with the side stand up.
     
  20. Darth Vader

    Darth Vader New Member

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    No, you want the pipe connected to the " variable air intake diaphragm " its on top of the airbox a round gold thing.
    Nice bike by the way
     
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