Lazy cam follower

Looks like the source of all the tapping was a lazy cam follower.
All the valve train gear is in remarkably great condition given the age/mileage of the engine.

We've checked all the rockers, lifters, push rods valve seats, guide and the camshaft and nothing is overly worn. Decided to clean out and refit the followers.

Restarted it last night - god awful clatter for about 10 seconds then the followers pumped up with oil pressure and things were much better. I used a mechanics stethoscope to have a listen to the rocker covers and there's a massive difference. The engine is quite and all I can hear is the faint (normal) tapping of the valves. Oil pressure is much better now too. There is still a minor tapping which I think is an exhaust manifold - got a set on order.

The reassembly went well with the exception of one water hose that was a bit loose causing a minor water leak.

Tonight I'm going to replace the oil pressure sender and do a full oil change. Also going to try and get the motorbike up and running and ready for sale.

What lies beneath

...the rocker covers?

Today I set about looking under the rocker covers to try and track down a tapping noise.

So far I've managed to get the passenger side cover off (I'll post some pictures later).

I've started on the drivers side but that's quite a bit more involved.

The passenger side looks good - no rocker arms are missing any pads and the engine looks clean and very well cared for despite it's high miles.

I'm hoping the drivers side is the same - which would point towards my failure to identify a blowing exhaust gasket - that would be considerably cheaper than new camshaft, tappets, lifters, rockers etc.

Photos to follow...

Winter tasks

I am planning to take the car off of the road for the winter. This is not because I'm precious about it being damaged in the winter, or that I'm scared about driving it on slippery roads but simply because it needs some work and winter is the best time for me to do it from a finance and time perspective. (Road fund license is about to expire so now is a good time!)

I've noticed a constant tapping at idle and when driving - this has been looked at by at least 3 people now and each has even me conflicting advice. I suspect the Camshaft and lifters, but I'd rather it was just an exhaust manifold problem.

According to my research the noise could be any of a number of things.

1. Hydraulic lifter problem
2. Rocker seat(s) missing
3. Exhaust manifold leak
4. High-tension arcing
5. Camshaft/Valve train problems

I've also got a 'knocking' noise coming from the rear whenever I pull alway, again this could be a number of things.

1. Exhaust mounts
2. Diff mounts
3. Loose propshaft bolts
4. Rear ARB drop links
   

Finally there is an minor oil leak - but I suspect it's something inaccessible it could the source.

1. Rear rocker cover gasket failure
2. Head gasket leak
3. Core plug(s) leak
4. Sump plug leak

All these are going to require some time and effort and undoubtedly money to fix.

I'm also looking to:

1. replace rocker covers with some nice refurbished ones
2. Replace anti-roll bar drop links with some of Steve Heaths' replacements
3. Sell my motorbike to fund a respray and parts
4. Sell lots of old electronic (hifi etc) that I don't need
5. Finish tidying up the interior
6. Look at tidying up the hood

Lot and lots to do but very enjoyable.