78 cx500 Ticking noise driving me crazy

[downtown809]

So i have the front off of the 78 cx500 in order to see what is the ticking noise. I found some crap in the crank case but nothing conclusive. I was hoping it was a stretched oil pump chain but that was not the case. The valve adjustment is spot on. I can't reach the rods to see if they are loose. Is there something else I might check before I tear the engine out? And because we all love pictures:

 

[cxman]

check the oil for metal particles

but it is probably the fan blade they can separate between the plastic and aluminum hub and then make all kinds of noise as

they clatter around they will sound just like the rod bearings are gone

 

[downtown809]

Thanks Cxman, I do have that issue, I can hear it as I ride down the road but I had a bad follower. Remember the water pump drive had busted off and I swapped out cams? There was a bad lobe on that cam that took out the follower. What is the secret to replacing the mechanical seal? I replaced the one on the fan but the other is being a bugger, it seams like it is just a little bigger than the one that came out.

 

[cxman]

http://globalcxglvtwins.forumlaunch.net/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=516&p=2585#p2585

 

[downtown809]

http://globalcxglvtwins.forumlaunch.net/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=516&p=2585#p2585

Yes, that looks like a great idea. Thanks again Murray.

 

[downtown809]

http://globalcxglvtwins.forumlaunch.net/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=516&p=2585#p2585

You the man, that was so slick. I couldn't find 80 grit as it is Sunday but 120 did the job just fine. Thank you..