[zx6razkal]

I bought a 1998 zx6r about a mounth ago 12000 miles. it was making a funny noise. I took it to the mechanics they replaced the cam chain tensioner, and the noise was gone but i can still hear a tapping noise at low revs and iddle. does anybody know what that noise could be?<img src=icon_smile_question.gif border=0 align=middle>

 

[Marine]

One thing I've noticed, is that it seems like everyone hears a sound that doesn't quite sound normal. =) But I have no idea what the "tapping" noise is. Where do you think you are hearing it from?: left, right, front, back?

If I lose, then you cheated.

 

[panhandlevandal]

Could be your valve clearance needs adjusted

 

[jsiegrist]

Could be your valves. but the common noise is going to be the fuel injectors. thats why you only hear it at idle and low rpm. if it were anything else it would get louder as you rev it. my suggestion as i posted in another form is to pop the hood of ur car fuel injected and put ur head close and listen. i know on my 91 mustang i can hear the injectors loud and clear and its the same noise i get from my bike.

 

[jsiegrist]

Could be your valves. but the common noise is going to be the fuel injectors. thats why you only hear it at idle and low rpm. if it were anything else it would get louder as you rev it. my suggestion as i posted in another form is to pop the hood of ur car fuel injected and put ur head close and listen. i know on my 91 mustang i can hear the injectors loud and clear and its the same noise i get from my bike.

 

[g0zer]

the 98 isnt injected im thinking.
im surprised they didnt suggest to replace the cam chain when they did the tensioner, especially since the bikes done 12000miles.
in my experience a worn cam chain develops a loud harmonic rattle at within a certain rev range. a light rattle at idle is imho not cam chain problem unless it happens again/gets louder as you move through the rev range.

is the sound affected by pulling the clutch in?

i agree with jseigrist, its probably valves.. your mechanics should have checked them for clearance when they did the tensioner as well.
they will rattle a bit at low revs anyways, you will know when they need to have new shims fitted when you cant start the bike cold but starts easily when hot. cos the valves with be slightly open (at TDC) when cold but will expand and close when the motor gets hot.

if your mechanics didnt check the cam chain for condition or the valve clearances i would find new ones.