Tick, tick, tick

[Xtracho]

While sitting at a red light the other day I noticed a light, almost imperceptible "tick,tick,tick" coming from inside the right valve cover. It's so slight that you really have to listen to hear it, but it's there. Lifter maybe?

[fordmano]

Is the bike desmoged?

Possibly pare valves ticking.

Possibly Exhaust leak?

[9Ball]

PAIR valves most likely.  Loose exhaust header nuts will cause similar noises.

[Mallett]

I had that tick....tighten the exhaust header nuts.....it's gone...

[Joevalk]

Tick tick tick is better than a clunk clunk clunk   try the header boltz 

[Gavin_Sons]

Pair valve, mide does it at idle and its annoying.

[Xtracho]

Will have to determine if she is desmogged or not and will tighten header bolts. Sorry to be so stupid, but what are PAIR valves? Thanks!

[Hoser]

Part of the crap that disappears when you desmog, if you do a complete desmog.  Hoser 

[Xtracho]

Thanks Hoser!

[John Schmidt]

Easy does it on tightening the header nuts, those studs have a habit of snapping off. Don't use a torque wrench, just snug them with a small box end wrench. Re. lifters....these engines don't have them.

[Patrick]

Yep, the last thing to look at is valve lash. Like the boys said, exhaust retainer nuts [ 7 lb/ft, very easy with them], Pair valve assembly[ in the valley between the carburetors] and even the intake vacuum lines and caps.
An exhaust leak can be a real PITA to correct, sometimes they just don't want to seal.
But, all this said, when you get the chance, run the engine and listen carefully for the noise and try to really locate it. A stethoscope, screwdriver, dowel, tube can be used to help with this.
If it really appears to be coming from inside a valve cover, then a valve adjustment is in order. But, try the other stuff first.

[YoungPUP]

Follow the small chrome tubes from the back top of the heads to in ubder the carbs.  Should be attached to a small metal box, those boxes are the pair valves.  no small chrome tubes and no metal boxes, then someone may have already done the desomg.   Could be a vacuum leak on the back of one of the carb intake tubes.  As for the header bolts, use a gentle touch.  6ft/lbs = leaky
7ft/lbs = tight  8ft/lbs = broken.  They break if you look at them funny, so don't get crazy...

[Xtracho]

Just an update on this. Been a while. Got around to adjusting the valves this morning. Beautiful morning to do it. All were good except the #5 intake. It was a little slack as the .006 feeler gauge would pass right thru without any resistance. Adjusted that, buttoned everything back up, and took her for a ride. Tick, tick tick is gone. Good on me!