engine noise on startup

[algregink]

just got a 96 xj600 and as soon as you start it there's a what seems to be a top end rattle that goes after the bike has been running for a while, any ideas

[bobh]

Welcome to the Club!

You'll probably get an avalanche of replies to the effect that "They all do that, Sir."

There are two main sources of rattle with the 600 engine - the tappets, particularly the exhaust ones, which are set fairly wide to allow for plenty of expansion (this being an air-cooled engine), and the clutch.

In general, noisy valves are better than quiet ones - if the clearances are too small it can lead to valve burn-out. But if they are all adjusted to the lower end of the tolerance range the engine can be reasonably quiet.

Clutch rattle is discussed most weeks, so there's plenty of info on here if you care to look back for it! Again, it's not life-threatening. Check if the noise reduces when you pull the clutch lever in.

Another source of what can sound like a rattle is a leaky exhaust downpipe or the joint at the cylinder head - easy enough to check for.

The main thing is - if it sounds OK when it's hot, it almost certainly is OK.

[algregink]

thanks very much will go and have a look ;D ;D