Scramboy
Well-Known Member
Im sure its the oil grade.
Rattle At Startup
- Thread starter Scramboy
- Start date
Help Support Triumph Motorcycle Forum:
I though that as well so dropped the oil.....only 100mls on it....fully synthetic and put the next grade up of semi synthetic in....the engine sounded exactly the same.
That was an expensive experiment.
I suspect “removed cover” is the key. The noise is not gone just masked, but, do whatever makes it bearable. LoL.
Try what you can, but some noises in engines are not going to kill it. Certainly won’t hurt going the oil route. Let us know if there’s any difference if you try it. As for why, no real proof, but a suspicion. The new engine when first fires up takes a slight bit of wear as things seat. The oil change with whatever detergents were in the oil flush it out. That’s my guess.
My '22 Scrambler sounds just about the same, and even with the Free Spirit cat delete and partial snorkelectomy. I wouldn't let that noise bother me but have read reports of heavy "clunk" engaging 1st gear when cold, now, that I don't care for and requires a bit of a warm up to lessen the clunk.
There is an offset cam that sits on top of the cylinder head assembly that allows for increased fuel flow until the temperature rises and the offset cam retracts by way of interior coil assembly.
Scramboy
Well-Known Member
And you say that's the thing that's rattling?
Off set cam....any idea what that device is called....is it fitted to water-cooled 900 and 1200 engines or just the earlier water cooled.
Triumphs Factory engineer came to my lacal dealer a few weeks ago to take a listen to mine.
Its very prominent at cold start but she say she didn't hear anything??
Also took it for a test ride.....I got next to no feed back.....had to ask questioned of the.....seem she said my bike is a fine example and sound normal for a T100 water cooled.
I was so disappointed with her finding.
When I went to collect the bike the next day....one of there mechanics had a listen.....he heard it right away....all he could say.....they all sound different.
Re the oil I was told the use a straight SAE 30 installed at the factory for running in.
Quite a few people have said like you and I Scramboy.....first heard it after its first oil change.
Upto now I have been in contact with 8 or 9 owners with this cold start rattle that goes as the motor warms.
I did at one time suspect the chain tensioner....I dont now.
What I am suspecting it one or more valve rocker arms sliding back and to on the rocker shafts....when I had the rocker cover off my engine I noticed that the have a bit of side to side free play....the noise made as they hit the alloy head sound just the same as the cold start noise I hear.
Of course they need a bit of free play due expansion....but maybe some have slight to much free play.
Being mounted in the cylinder head.....which heats up very quickly being alloy....that free play could be quickly taken up.
The free play I noticed was not huge....wish I had measured it....but from memory maybe 5 thou inch.
I didnt think to much about it when the rocker cover was off....getting it off is a PITA.
Wonder how the engine would get on with some STP in it as a thickener??? maybe just before an oil change as an experiment.
I am sure Triumph will be aware of this problem.and choose to ignore it.
If it is rocker shafts it would prob mean a new cylinder head....mega bucks.
Nick. in the UK.
Scramboy
Well-Known Member
I have a guy that took the video to head office, still awaiting a reply. I feel its the normal typical company turning a blind eye to it due to costs. Its amazing how many dealers go tone or knock deaf when confronted with the concern.
No loyalty with this brand I'm afraid.
No loyalty with this brand I'm afraid.
They do keep telling me...even though my warranty has now run out......seeing I logged my concern before that date the will honour it if it develops.
I have heard they are good like that.....still rather know what it is to put my mind at rest.
I still have to oil I dropped at the first oil chance....did it myself at 500mls due covid.
Sales man told me get it out at 500mls as it running in oil straight SAE 30....After that oil change I heard the noise.
Going to take a look at that oil tomorrow.
So in what was is SAE30 different to the Castrol fully synthetic that Triumph recommend.
Any idea of a test to the old oil I took out.
Nick.
Just a though....maybe after the next oil change I may put in some SAE 30 oil for a few days and see how the tapping is....like its supposed to have in it from tne factory to run in with.
Wont work the motor hard....
Could explain my rocker shaft tapping against the head idea....the thick SAE 30 could be acting as a cushion....
Of course I would drop it before using the bike in anger.
Last edited:
Sorry for the late response....could not find a straight SAE30 mono grade where the makers would say if it was ok to use with the type of clutch I have in my T100.
So decided against that idea.....but I did buy some Castrol 20w50 semi synthetic motor cycle oil.....the same type they recommend in the hand book.....but of course the say use 10w/40.
Only rode the bike on one very short ride....so have not had time to tell if its made any difference...started it a few times in my garage.....the noise I still hear....but less pronounced and seems to disappear sooner....not 100% sure of that yet....needs some more riding.
Will report back when I have used the bike some more....weather not good at present.
Scramboy....you found out any more?
Please keep me informed....how many times has your dealer looked at it....mine has been to 2 and also the factory engineer came to a dealer to look at it.
My email is nickjaxe at ntlworld.com
