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PopJack · 10-01-2007

OK first Hello. I am a re-entry rider who bought an '02 1500 Nomad FI. It was well used with 25k on it, but runs wonderfully. The bike is more fun than I remember and I'm really enjoying it.

I have also enjoyed this forum and tried to lurk a little. That said I'd like to ask about engine noise (gasp.... an newbie asking about engine noise!). I hope this question is different enough to warrant a thread.

I have what sounds like valve ticking. I used a stick and it's definitely coming from the rocker cover area. I changed the oil to Kawa 10-40 and added a little Sea Foam to loosen up any stuck valves (probably "cage thinking"). The ticking seems louder.

Question 1: Can I be damaging the bike by riding it with a tick? The performance is wonderful and there are no other issues.
Question 2: Any oil suggestions for replacement? Will Thicker oil help? Synthetic?
Question 3: Can a mechanically talented old fart who knows car engines pretty well work on one of these with a shop manual, or are they the domain of factory trained and equipped techie-types?

Thanks for your replies.
PopJack the Newbie.

10-01-2007	#1 (permalink)
PopJack Newbie Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: East Tennessee Posts: 18	Gasp!! A Newbie Noise Question! OK first Hello. I am a re-entry rider who bought an '02 1500 Nomad FI. It was well used with 25k on it, but runs wonderfully. The bike is more fun than I remember and I'm really enjoying it. I have also enjoyed this forum and tried to lurk a little. That said I'd like to ask about engine noise (gasp.... an newbie asking about engine noise!). I hope this question is different enough to warrant a thread. I have what sounds like valve ticking. I used a stick and it's definitely coming from the rocker cover area. I changed the oil to Kawa 10-40 and added a little Sea Foam to loosen up any stuck valves (probably "cage thinking"). The ticking seems louder. Question 1: Can I be damaging the bike by riding it with a tick? The performance is wonderful and there are no other issues. Question 2: Any oil suggestions for replacement? Will Thicker oil help? Synthetic? Question 3: Can a mechanically talented old fart who knows car engines pretty well work on one of these with a shop manual, or are they the domain of factory trained and equipped techie-types? Thanks for your replies. PopJack the Newbie.