Ticking in cylinder head???

[KillrBAT]

My 99 Valk has a slight ticking sound coming from the left side cylinder head that can be heard during initial startup. I can't tell if it's a lifter tick or an exhaust leak. Is anything like this common?

[RainMaker]

You might check the vacuum lines. I seem to recall that I once had a ticking sound and the vacuum line was the culprit.

[Gryphon Rider]

The most likely cause of ticking at idle it the PAIR valve system.  This is normal.  The best thing is to find another Valkyrie rider in your area and compare ticking.

[KillrBAT]

Well, it didn't seem like anything real critical. The bike runs perfectly. I was just wondering if this is something I need to be concerned about?

[twdurdentwd]

You can wait till bike cools all the way, then start it and run your fingers next to exhaust headers to feel for a puff of air for every fire...that's how I identified my issue

[Attic Rat]

Probably and exhaust leak there isn't any lifters . The rocker arm runs on the cam

[Kunkies]

KillrBat, I also have a "ticking" sound coming from #4.  Initially, I thought it was simply a valve adjustment, yet after reading this maybe not so.  Last time I had my valves check about 8K ago NO adjustments were required.

2000 GL1500CT in fast black

[BobB]

When it comes to identifying the location of noises, a Mechanic's Stethoscope really helps.  Only $4 at Harbor Freight.  Of course a long screw driver with the end of the handle up to your ear will suffice. 
I have no association with Harbor Freight (other than a client), or any source for stethoscopes or screw drivers (other than a collector).

[Whooray]

IF your Valk was de smogged it might be leaking through one of the plugs where the tube was plugged. I had plugged mine with JB weld and had a serious tick and found that it was leaking out the cap underneath #4 cyl. the JB weld seem to give out.

[Ricky-D]

A mechanic's stethoscope helps in many ways when searching out a mechanical noise,

but a noise by itself, the source, can more easily be located using a length of garden hose.

Using the hose keeps out extra extraneous noises that can confuse the issue.

***

[tmond]

I had the same issue last year. It was an exhaust leak. Replaced all the gaskets on that side and never heard it since.

[.]

Rather than start a new thread I'll tag along on this one.

I have a 2000 STD (fast black and chrome) that has a ticking sound on the right hand side. If I lean down over the tank when I'm sitting on it at idle, the sound gets very pronounced but cannot be heard at all if I lean over toward the left. I can hear it under acceleration up to highway speeds and while cruising but it disappears on decel. I tightened the bolts that connect the exhaust to the engine just a little (with no torque wrench I didn't want to risk over tightening anything) and it is a bit less pronounced but still there. I have a mechanics stethoscope I've tried in every location I can think of and all of the engine sounds I can detect with it are smooth as butter.

As near as I can tell, the sound is coming from somewhere around the back side of the engine but, now that I've tightened the exhaust pipe bolts, it seems to be coming from somewhere around the top of the motor rather than the bottom.

I'm stumped. It runs fine. The gas mileage is right around 30 mpg (where it's always been). It has plenty of power and feels really smooth. But the ticking is driving me crazy. I'll eventually take it to the mechanic but if anyone here has a good idea what I might try myself from what I've described I'm willing to give it a shot.

Thanks.

Edit-I forgot to mention the mileage is 53,000 miles.

[Ricky-D]

It's usually better to always start a new thread,

as opposed to hijacking someone else's thread.

***

[Gary]

a noise by itself, the source, can more easily be located using a length of garden hose.

Using the hose keeps out extra extraneous noises that can confuse the issue.

***

   I used a piece of tubing on a fairly recent ticking on my 97. Thought sure it was an exhaust leak or valve needing adjustment. Couldn't completely pinpoint it with my screwdriver. I dug out a piece of some clear tubing I had and found it coming from a sparkler boot that wasn't cleanly connected. Snapped into place for a clean link, ticking gone.

I've got the Kury plug valance on the 97 that you have to play with a bit when re-installing and it may have dislodged it then??? Either way, the inconsistent ticking gone!  That was a first for me on that one.

[.]

It's usually better to always start a new thread,

as opposed to hijacking someone else's thread.

***

Sorry. Since it was the same issue I thought it might be better to ask the question here. No worries. I'll figure it out sooner or later.