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TECHNICAL MOTOBRICK WRENCHING In Remembrance of Inge K. => The Motobrick Workshop => Topic started by: Unstoppable_Brick on October 10, 2012, 11:45:07 PM

Title: HELP... My '85 makes sporadic ticking / bug zapper noises when engine is cold
Post by: Unstoppable_Brick on October 10, 2012, 11:45:07 PM
So like the title says.  My 1985 bug zapper...  I mean my '85 K100 makes a sporadic ticking / bug zapper noise when the engine is cold.  The noise comes from the engine's left side (valve cover/fuel and ignition side).  But it's too hard to pinpoint exactly where.  I use the word sporadic, cause it IS NOT the scheduled ticking noise of the fuel injection.  You could also say it's an erratic or irregular noise.  I also need to say that it happens 9 out of 10 starts while the engine is cold.  Outside temp doesn't seem to play a factor.  When the tick/zap noise occurs, it sounds like the RPM changes for a split second (like you turned the key off/on REALLY quick).  Since the RPM changes, I'd assume it's a fuel or ignition thing.  I can't think of what it could be, since it stops after a few miles of driving due to the engine warming.  I'm having a hard time isolating this faulty part that would function better when warmed up.

I need to give you a brief history.  This bike belonged to my Grandpa (before him it was my Dad's).  My Dad renewed the registration, inspection, and filled the tank.  To prepare for the season.  That was 8 YEARS AGO and at his age, he didn't feel comfortable getting back onto it.  He pass nearly a year ago.  My Dad signed it over to me and I spent Aug and Sept ordering lots of parts (battery, lights, tires, fuel pump and damper, etc.), cleaning, painting, servicing, converting into a naked, and "renewing" her.

I think it wouldn't hurt to get the injectors cleaned out, since the pump was clogged and bad.  Although I don't think that is the answer.  Fuel injector flow shouldn't change with warming up.  I can't imagine it's an internal mechanical engine issue.

Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions???  Please help!
Title: Re: HELP... My '85 makes sporadic ticking / bug zapper noises when engine is cold
Post by: Unstoppable_Brick on April 11, 2013, 11:06:28 AM
So awhile ago I figured out the noise was most noticeable when cold.  But I could still hear it while at a stoplight.  I did some snooping around the bike with it running in the driveway.  I was able to isolate the noise coil pack region.  So I took off the coil pack cover and checked things out.  I felt a tingle on my arm.  Sure enough, their was a crack on the backside of the front coil pack.  I got a used set of eBay for less than $45.00 with shipping.

PROBLEM SOLVED!!!  :bmwsmile
Title: Re: HELP... My '85 makes sporadic ticking / bug zapper noises when engine is cold
Post by: TimTyler on April 11, 2013, 12:43:48 PM
Thanks for the follow-up.

Glad you solved it.
Title: Re: HELP... My '85 makes sporadic ticking / bug zapper noises when engine is cold
Post by: turq on April 11, 2013, 07:43:52 PM
...bug zapper noise = coils Good to know.  Safe  rides!
Title: Re: HELP... My '85 makes sporadic ticking / bug zapper noises when engine is cold
Post by: Unstoppable_Brick on April 11, 2013, 09:46:15 PM
I know a bug zapper (really loud tick sound) is a weird analogy, but my cracked coil pack sounded like one.
Title: Re: HELP... My '85 makes sporadic ticking / bug zapper noises when engine is cold
Post by: Octarine on April 12, 2013, 12:45:08 AM
You might also check the spring on the inside of the valve cover. It dissapates static in the engine, if that popped off it might cause the tingle/zap and might even be a contributing factor to the coil going out.
Title: Re: HELP... My '85 makes sporadic ticking / bug zapper noises when engine is cold
Post by: Unstoppable_Brick on April 12, 2013, 06:25:27 AM
I'll check that out.  Thanks!