Engine rattle

[Ront]

Hi I was riding my '86 fj1200  today that I've been working on all winter when the engine developed a loud rattle that increases with engine revs. Before this the bike ran like new with no engine noises. Can't hear rattle at idle. Sounds like top-end. Bike has 27,000 miles.  Any ideas or responses appreciated     Thanks

[FJmonkey]

Punctuation could use some work. Needed a few minutes to get the problem statement. So this noise started suddenly? Or did it build up as you rode along? No noise when at idle kind of rules out valves. In the last day or two a member posted up finding his cam bolts loose. Not that I am suggesting you need to pull the valve cover right now. More information would help. Is the sound more Left side or Right side? 

[movenon]

Exhaust header pipe ? 
George

[Ront]

Didn't know my punctuation was being judged.  Can't tell which side rattle is on. Could it be cam chain tensioner failed?

[FJmonkey]

Exhaust header pipe ? 
George

Single wall pipes on 86/87...

[FJmonkey]

Didn't know my punctuation was being judged.  Can't tell which side rattle is on. Could it be cam chain tensioner failed?

Not judged, you are asking for help/advise, making it more cryptic means more work for the generous (free) help you will get here. Help us help you. 

[movenon]

Exhaust header pipe ? 
George

Single wall pipes on 86/87...

You are correct.  His is an 86  .

George

[ribbert]

Exhaust header pipe ? 
George

This is a good suggestion and an easy one to eliminate. I have seen this a few times and read of it here as well. The header pipes can come loose (or the gaskets compress) and it presents itself not as an exhaust leak, but a rattle.
The header pipe "jumps" out from the head when it fires on that cylinder and snaps back in with a bang. It mimics a serious engine rattle very well.

Easy to check, just make sure the header bolts are all tight - NOT TOO TIGHT though.

Noel

[FJmonkey]

You are correct.  His is an 86  .
George

George, your heart is in the right place, keep the suggestions coming... Even a blind squirrel finds a nut now and again...  Nothing but love for you George, looking forward to seeing you soon at the rally...

[movenon]

You are correct.  His is an 86  .
George

George, your heart is in the right place, keep the suggestions coming... Even a blind squirrel finds a nut now and again...  Nothing but love for you George, looking forward to seeing you soon at the rally...

OK how about his chain .. Also looking forward to seeing you and everyone else.  Off the subject a bit,  but do you know anyone looking for a 89-90 shock link that wants to covert to dog bones?  One of the local wreckers here has one for 18.00.  Its on e bay but no bidders yet.

George

[FJmonkey]

OK how about his chain .. Also looking forward to seeing you and everyone else.  Off the subject a bit,  but do you know anyone looking for a 89-90 shock link that wants to covert to dog bones?  One of the local wreckers here has one for 18.00.  Its on e bay but no bidders yet.

George

I paid twice that for the 89' shock link in my garage. If you want your 84/87 to have dog bones, this is a good deal...

[movenon]

OK how about his chain .. Also looking forward to seeing you and everyone else.  Off the subject a bit,  but do you know anyone looking for a 89-90 shock link that wants to covert to dog bones?  One of the local wreckers here has one for 18.00.  Its on e bay but no bidders yet.

George

I paid twice that for the 89' shock link in my garage. If you want your 84/87 to have dog bones, this is a good deal...

Its the hard part to locate if anyone wants to do the conversion.
Have a good one
George

[Pat Conlon]

OK how about his chain .. Also looking forward to seeing you and everyone else.  Off the subject a bit,  but do you know anyone looking for a 89-90 shock link that wants to covert to dog bones?  One of the local wreckers here has one for 18.00.  Its on e bay but no bidders yet.

George

I paid twice that for the 89' shock link in my garage. If you want your 84/87 to have dog bones, this is a good deal...

George...buy it...do it now. They are rare as hen's teeth....seriously.
Someone who has a '84-87 and wants to convert to dog bones needs this link, actually called a "Relay Arm"
You will make someone's day....
I took me almost 3 months to find mine when I did my '84..... Damn inconvient.

[BSI]

OK how about his chain .. Also looking forward to seeing you and everyone else.  Off the subject a bit,  but do you know anyone looking for a 89-90 shock link that wants to covert to dog bones?  One of the local wreckers here has one for 18.00.  Its on e bay but no bidders yet.

George

I paid twice that for the 89' shock link in my garage. If you want your 84/87 to have dog bones, this is a good deal...

George...buy it...do it now. They are rare as hen's teeth....seriously.
Someone who has a '84-87 and wants to convert to dog bones needs this link, actually called a "Relay Arm"
You will make someone's day....
I took me almost 3 months to find mine when I did my '84..... Damn inconvient.

Pat...the last 2 times you suggested someone 'buy it'...well I did and was happy I followed your advice so here we go again and I'm on it...thanks 

[skymasteres]

This might sound stupid, but check your oil level. If it's really low the engine will rattle like crazy....