Noisy top end

[Keny73tj]

Hi everyone, my bikes making a tappety noise from the top end so I think it's time I stopped putting it off and sorted it out. I've never checked valve clearances or cam chains and tensioners done before but I'm sure with a bit of help from you guys I can do it. So I was after a few tips on checking the chain, tensioner and cams and anything else you would do to make the job go easier. I'm not a total retard with the spanners it's more the timing side of it that concerns me! Tappety noise is getting louder and I'm sure the induction noise has changed, only way I can describe it is it's like a "put put put" noise in there somewhere more noticeable at around 5000. Bike is a 89 3tj1, 22000 miles on clock however these where changed when it entered the country in 95 so I don't know the true mileage.
Thanks all

[Evilchicken0]

Do you have a friendly garage that could have a listen, they may be able toake a diagnosis and save you a bit of time and frustration.
A tinkling top is usually a loose cam chain. It might have stretched or the tensioner isn't a tensioner no more.
Anyway try to get looked at then we'll know more of what to advise.

[Mang]

Most of you know what I am like now so if it was mine I would not hesitate to rip it apart - if my memory serves me right somewhere in my build thread "Won't start" Boris put a good innings in on head removal and what and how to check stuff. It's what I used and I am a numpty when it comes to things mechanical, so thank you again Boris.

[dobbslc]

The put put put noise could be one cylinder not firing every time.
Could just be a plug or maybe the valves need adjustment, if the clearances are tight it will loose compression and misfire.
The cam chain tensioner is an easy job if it's worn.

[hunter]

The put put put noise could be one cylinder not firing every time.
Could just be a plug or maybe the valves need adjustment, if the clearances are tight it will loose compression and misfire.
The cam chain tensioner is an easy job if it's worn.

Put Put.It could also be an exhaust leak.

[Evilchicken0]

Which is why we need it dyognosed before we give him lots of jobs to do

[maccas]

I'm with exhaust leak too. The headers are prone to rotting through.

Dan

[Keny73tj]

Hi guys and girls, I'm checking valve clearances on 3tj but I cant find marks to set to tdc. Can anyone point me in right direction? Bikes in bits and need it for work so a fast response would be very much appreciated
Thanks

[Evilchicken0]

The timing marks are on the flywheel / generator. They line up with the front crank case joint, so 9 o'clock as you look at the generator.

[Keny73tj]

Thanks Boris, I found them just after posting. I bought a new cam chain and tensioner to do the job but not sure if I needed the chain so haven't changed it! Took cam cover off and the top guide, there was about 5 mm slack when pushing the Chain down between cam wheels which I thought seemed ok but I'm no expert, anyway I changed the tensioner and it now has about 2-3mm slack. When I changed it I took out the bolt at the back to allow the ratchet mech to release, bolted the body to block and then inserted spring and put bolt back in, is this the correct way?? Also found a small hole hidden away on one of the down pipes so welded that up which has stopped the put put sound :) and a ticking sound when idling and the flat spot at 5k has got better too. I'm sure there is still a bit of a rattle though! Do they rattle a little normally?
Thanks for any help