1985 Nighthawk 700 left side valve tick (hydraulic tappets?)

[wahvtec]

Just finished my carbs and cranked this bike for the first time in a few years. Idles great and revs etc, but there is a tick that seems to be coming from the left side valve train (cylinder 1 likely). This is my first bike with hydraulic tappets so valve adjustment is kind of out of the scenario. Since the top end is likely just getting oil after a few dry years is there a procedure to prime it and see if it goes away? Or am I looking at removing the cams and bleeding tappets manually? What would you try for now before pulling the valve cover? I've only ran the bike 1 minute total while checking oil to minimize potential damage until I know more. Thanks in advance for all your knowledge.

(working on video upload now)

 

[mydlyfkryzis]

The procedure to prime it is to remove the cams and bleed it. Should be the same procedure as my 91' 750 Nighthawk

 

[wahvtec]

https://youtu.be/_ynrpsS4nEw

Here's a short video to see if that sound seems similar to what yours was like. Thank you for the info. I did a little more research and the only part that concerns me is that I can only find that bleeding tool for sale in europe and shipping is bonkers. Did you use that tool, or improvise?

update* after hours of searching I only found the tool in one place and pulled the trigger for $74. I kinda like buying weird tools. found it at cmsnl.com incase someone stumbles on this and needs one.

 

[mydlyfkryzis]

Haven't had to do it....It went away very shortly. Was only after PO had stored it. Went away on warm up, and stayed away.....

If bleeding doesn't help, replacement is the next step....Being that old, I might suggest replacing it with a tappet already bled.

 

[wahvtec]

Would you advise maybe idling till warm up since i havent yet, to see if it will be re oiled once its warm and thinner? Or is that too risky. Other than the tick seems to be running great.

 

[mydlyfkryzis]

If it is a light tick, yes, let it warm up.....Keep RPM and load down for now. Over time, you will hammer the top of the valve, and wear the follower, but for a short time, no harm should be done.

 

[wahvtec]

Sounds good, I will get the fan on it tomorrow and idle it for a few minutes before I commit to removing the cams. Looks like new tappets are around $40-$50 so shouldn't be too bad even worst case scenario. Thanks again