Chirping/squeaking noises from timing cover

[CoachDoc]

The 97 Std I purchased in Nov. with just over 40k on the odometer is running great, but I'd like some opinions about the noises I'm hearing seemingly from under the timing cover. PO supposedly changed the timing belts at 37k, and there is a note in his maint log that he adjusted the tension at 39+. I sometimes hear noises that sound like belt noise, high pitched and not too loud. I have 150k experience with 1500 Wings, but I've never heard these sounds before. That said, the Wing has a lot more material over the timing cover, which might plausibly mute any such noises. My thinking (wondering really) is the possibility of a belt tension issue, or maybe a squeaky bearing on the tensioner. Truly I am not even 100% sure it is timing belt related. Any thoughts? Anyone? Anyone?

[pancho]

You might want to remove the cover and do an inspection,, check the belt tension. Here is what the service manual says about it.

Push the belt lower run midway bemeen the pulleys wlth 2 kg
(4.4 Ib) farce. Adjust the tensioner position so that the belt
slack 1s 5-7 rnm (0.2-0.3 in).
Tighten the tensioner bolt of the driven pulley side first, then
tighten the drive pulley side bolt.
TORQUE: 25 N-m (2.6 kgforn, 19 lbf-ft)

[John Schmidt]

If the tensioners are too tight, those suckers will really sing to you at speed. I just loosen them enough so they move, let the spring do the adjusting for me, then tighten them down. I have no idea how many tens of thousands of miles I've put on Wings and the Valk using that method, never a problem.

[CoachDoc]

Thanks, Pancho and John. I'll check that tension. Any chance it could be a bearing?

[Patrick]

The back side of the idler can build up with belt material and cause that 'chirp'. If they are adjusted too tight, they'll 'sing' as stated. I set them a tad looser than Honda says, I prefer about 3/8", they stay a little quieter.

[old2soon]

When i replaced the belts on my Phatt Ghurl i used the method like John Schmidt described. The idler pulleys had some build up that i cleaned off before reassembley. Pay attentiom to the timing cover bolts-one of them needs sealent put back on it. It's in the manual. RIDE SAFE.

[Ricky-D]

A lot of those kind of noises come from leaking vacuum hoses.

So if your bike has not been desmogged

I would suggest to consider that it may be the hoses.

***

[Chrisj CMA]

You are on the right track to suspect the new belts.  It is very common to put them on too tight and they will make those noises you hear.  I would be very surprised if the pullys are damaged, just loosen the tensioners as was described already and let the springs pretty much set the tension. 

Its important as you set the tension to tighten the bolts that hold the tensioners perfectly so there is easy movement but not so loose as they wobble or you will not get an accurate setting.

[CoachDoc]

When i replaced the belts on my Phatt Ghurl i used the method like John Schmidt described. The idler pulleys had some build up that i cleaned off before reassembley. Pay attentiom to the timing cover bolts-one of them needs sealent put back on it. It's in the manual. RIDE SAFE.

 
I'm wondering what you used to clean the idler pulleys.

[CoachDoc]

A lot of those kind of noises come from leaking vacuum hoses.

So if your bike has not been desmogged

I would suggest to consider that it may be the hoses.

***

OK, so where would the noise be coming from if it was related to the vacuum hoses?

[Brian]

The noise that came from my bad tensioner bearing was a high pitch squeal. The bearing did have a slight bit of wobble and rough feeling when turned by hand. These can be rebuilt for under $25. The crap build up on the pulley can removed with fine emery paper or a little brake cleaner on a rag.  A good inspection is in order. Like the others said, the belts should not be super tight. I believe the slack or deflection in the belt is approximately 3/8 th's. The spring tension on the belt from the tensioner is sometimes enough to get the belt tension close. And yes, there is one cover bolt that requires sealant.

The belts can be bought thru NAPA and Amazon, they are Gates #275. NAPA and Goodyear part numbers have 275 as the last three digits.

Good luck.

[pancho]

When i replaced the belts on my Phatt Ghurl i used the method like John Schmidt described. The idler pulleys had some build up that i cleaned off before reassembley. Pay attentiom to the timing cover bolts-one of them needs sealent put back on it. It's in the manual. RIDE SAFE.

HA.....  Glad you brought that up...... I just went through that area on mine and did not seal that bolt.

[Oklahoma_Valk]

I'd do the obvious/cheapest maintenance first.....remove the timing cover and check for birds nests.

[old2soon]

When i replaced the belts on my Phatt Ghurl i used the method like John Schmidt described. The idler pulleys had some build up that i cleaned off before reassembley. Pay attentiom to the timing cover bolts-one of them needs sealent put back on it. It's in the manual. RIDE SAFE.

 
I'm wondering what you used to clean the idler pulleys.

   Good old red rag dampened with Brakleen. Outside the shop as dat chit WILL git ya high.  RIDE SAFE.