Need some expert advice

[dpazos]

Hi guys,

I have a 2004 M800 I purchased it earlier this year with 13.5K miles.  I don't have much history on the bike but by the cosmetics, it looks to have been well taken care of. Im new to Ducatis but I'll been wrenching for a longtime on cars.
I have since put 2K on the bike.  At 14.5K I did an oil change, belts and valves.  Both  the belts and valves look to have been done prior.  No surprises.
The bike is running really well but this tapping noise is driving me nuts. It is not there on startup, but as the bike warms up it starts tapping.  It is loudest between 130F-200F.  I have done the screwdriver/stethoscope and find it loudest on the cyl wall.  I don't suspect it's eminating from the valve train.
The sound has not gotten any worse in 2K, but its definitely not normal and I don't want to grenade the engine.  
I'm really stumped and I am thinking of tearing it down, but want to get some opinions on here first.
You can hear it here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8uCKpM3HRI&index=8&list=UUNVjOz42FPl3Yu_1rpxCI6A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2h4W7u9_wtI&list=UUNVjOz42FPl3Yu_1rpxCI6A

Thanks for the input and Happy Holidays/Merry Christmas!!

[Dirty Duc]

Does it change or go away when you pull the clutch lever?

[dpazos]

Thanks for the question. No difference with the clutch engaged or disengaged.  Also, it seems to go away under acceleration and comes back at idle, but it could be masked by the normal engine noises.

[stopintime]

Not an expert, sorry, but....

My 800 only sounds similar to that when it needs a throttle sync job. Someone better than me will have to chime in on how that could relate to the 'warm engine'.  Maybe an inspection of the clutch parts & gears....

Probably smart to prepare a few tools though 

Meanwhile: welcome and merry Christmas 

[dpazos]

So I did a little diagnosing.  I removed the spark  on each cylinder to try to see if it could be a wrist pin/ connecting rod issue.  There is no difference in sound with combustion or non combustion.  Also the frequency of the tapping is inline with the valve train not the rpms.  This is leading me back to the valve train. I checked the clearances again and they are on the money.  I thought possibly a helper spring but they seem to be intact.  Valve stems have no wiggle.  I'm stumped...

[Dirty Duc]

Check the layshaft pulleys...

[Howie]

I listened when you first posted, heard no unusual tapping.  After reading Dirty Duc's reply I listened again.  He may be on to something.  By the way, a wrist pin is a double tap.  Yep, no change when killing a cylinder rules out wrist pin/rod.

[dpazos]

Thanks guys.  Im going to pull off the timing covers tomorrow and check the torque and for any play in the layshaft bearings.

[Dirty Duc]

If the lock nut is loose, the woodruff keys could be beaten.  But it doesn't sound too bad at this point.

On the other hand, like howie said, it sounds kind of normal to me.

It's an easy check for peace of mind.

[dpazos]

Finally had some time to pull the covers off and the layshaft, camshafts and related tensioners all seem to be nice and tight.  I guess I'm going to go ahead and pull the valve covers and if I don't find anything, pull the head.  Im almost tempted to keep riding as it is...

[Speeddog]

If the noise arrived after you did the valves.... for the first time.... check your work.

[dpazos]

No, it was there before and after adjusting the valves. Just going to have to really look beyond the valve clearances.  Im suspecting maybe a helper spring.

[1.21GW]

Welcome to ducati.




(Sorry, I have nothing technical to offer.)

[Speeddog]

I'd check the oil pressure before opening it up.

[dpazos]

Welcome to ducati.




(Sorry, I have nothing technical to offer.)

Classic!