Tick Tick Tick

[TheBierGuy]

I have an 82 gs 650 that has 18k on it. Every time I start it when it is cold, there is a ticking on the upper left portion of the engine and it kind of sounds as if the sound is also coming out of the exhaust. Once the engine warms up, the ticking is gone. Any Ideas about what it is and what I should do about it?

[Guest]

Take off the tach cable and see if it still ticks.
My bike ticks me off sometimes. \\/

[49er]

I have an 82 gs 650 that has 18k on it. Every time I start it when it is cold, there is a ticking on the upper left portion of the engine and it kind of sounds as if the sound is also coming out of the exhaust. Once the engine warms up, the ticking is gone. Any Ideas about what it is and what I should do about it?

It's probably a slightly leaking exhaust flange gasket which seals with expansion once the engine has warmed up. Re-tighten all the flange bolts and see if it disappears. If you leave it like that, you will need to replace the flange gasket.

[tfb]

Yeah, I agree, it's probably an exhaust flange gasket that's leaking.

If it's not that, then here's another possibility. Are you sure it's not 118K? Reason I ask is, if it is 118K, then a previous owner has no doubt had a replacement camchain popped in at some stage.

That means that you have had a new chain put on (slightly) worm camshaft sprockets, which can lead to a ticking sound at different engine temps. or stages in the warmup. Nothing to worry about.

[TheBierGuy]

Cool, Thanks for all your help. I am new to this site and so far it has helped a lot. Thanks!