my nc29 has recently started drinking quite a bit of oil and in the last couple of weeks a rattling noise has started to appear which seems to be coming from the front of the engine and it's starting to worry me slightly. Unfortunately due to the credit crunch I haven;t been working for the last 6 months so getting any work done on the bike is out of the question. the only plus side to this is that the bike isn't covering 30miles per week anymore as I don't really need to go anywhere. As opposed to the 250mile per week round trip to work I was doing last summer. Has anyone got any idea of what might be causing this rattling? Since it started I dont really like using the bike. Obviously if anyone needs any more info on the rattle to help diagnose a problem just let me know.

thanks

michael.

Is it a regular rattle? Is it random just rattling?

Loose plugs, loost exhausts or bolts - check the easy things first.

how much oil is it drinking?

Why not take the rocker cover off and have a look - don't fiddle unless you know whats what but if something is awry in there you might spot it..

My NC23 developed a very slight rattle last year. One of the bolts on the cam cover had worked loose. Re-torqued it and the noise was gone.

CMSMJ1 wrote:Is it a regular rattle? Is it random just rattling?

Loose plugs, loost exhausts or bolts - check the easy things first.

how much oil is it drinking?

Why not take the rocker cover off and have a look - don't fiddle unless you know whats what but if something is awry in there you might spot it..

the rattling noise only starts to appear after I have warmed the bike up and run it for a few miles which is indicating to me (in my very limited capacity of knowledge) that is coming from inside the engine. Also with regard to the oil, I am probably having to top it up with about a half a litre every 6 months. I am hoping that it really isn't something serious..

As for taking the rocker cover off, I honestly wouldn't have a clue what I am looking for.

there is another thread about a same thing.
mine has started to do the same. i done the shims, refitted rocker head, oil change, etc but its still there.
sounds like an old ford fiesta

have you checked your headers for small leaks if its got a small leak it could make this noise

what are headers? are they the bit of the exhaust that comes out of the engine?
sorry to come across too dumb lol.
cheers

yes mate had a noise on mine thought it was comin from engine then found a small leak on exhaust headers only small so didnt sound like the normal hole in exhaust when it blows

because you say the noise only happens when the bike is heated up then it could be the valve clearances needing done........i would first check all fixings and the exhaust just to rule them out first.

as for the oil,unless you are getting excess smoke from the exhaust and the plugs are not showing signs of excessive oil in the cylinders then i wouldn't worry about it........but also check and make sure there is no leaks whatsoever,but to only top up every 6mnths then i doubt it.


william