1985 Virago Engine Noise

 

I just bought a 1985 Virago that has 8,000 miles on it, so it has sat many
years not being used. I have got it running pretty good, oil change, fuel
system cleaning, etc, but I have two nagging issues that I am not sure what
is happening. First, it back fires a lot when idling, but has power to spare
when I get on it. Second problem happens when engine gets warm, there is a
"clicking/rattling" sound as the RPMs get over 3,000. I am in El Paso, so
temps are now in the 90s. Morning cool weather, the rattle is very rare, but
afternoon heat it gets real loud. Wouldn't valve clearance issues be a
constant noise, meaning even when cold engine? Could the cam chain be the
issue here?  Any ideas of where to go would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks  Dan

 

Dan wrote:

Hi Dan,

I'm from cold region, I mean from Finland, sorry about that, but ... :)

I have 1990 Virago which had same problem when air was cold. Thing is
that the mixture of air/gas is too thin (I think too much air). U should
adjust (synchronisation) your carbs so that this phenomenon disappears.

I had those backfires also (which was actually nice :)) but now after
synch my Virago goes smoothly.

That other problem is something else, I think.

But anyway, greetings from Finland.

BR: EE

 

Thanks for the reply. I will sync the carbs and see what happens. The other
issue I really think I may have a stuck Cam Chain tensioner, or real sloppy
valve clearance. I am planning on doing the work in the next couple of days,
we'll see what happens.

Been many places around the world, but not Finland. Greetings from Texas and
enjoy riding...

Dan

 

On Wed, 03 May 2006 16:36:16 GMT, Dan said:


I had a V-Star 1100. Those engines are inherently noisy, and the get
noisier the hotter it gets.

HTH.

--
"I refuse to answer that question on the grounds
that I don't know the answer."
- Douglas Adams

 



The idle backfire and rattle when you get on it sounds like you could have a
lean run condition but the cam chain being sloppy could also be an issue or
part of the overall. I saw in another post that you were going to do the
carb work, check the chain and adjust the valves. That should eliminate any
issues. Didn't they have some kind of air bleed on the 85's for emission
stuff? If so, the valve for that could be the culprit as well.
Sounds as if you are on the right track anyway.