Honda XR50 Engine Noise Investigation

[@arichy4201]

I’m so happy y’all are uploading more consistently now!!! Jennie’s garage is the best way to start my Saturday morning with a nice cup of coffee!

[@obckid3865]

Sunday morning at that✊🏽

[@nickrapsomanikis]

My guess is that the cam chain is worn. From my understanding, if you hear a ticking noise on idle and it goes away when you get off idle, it's the cam chain, If the ticking continues into mid revs, it's the valve clearance.

[@richToFEn1337]

This is my guess too usually noises like that come from chain slap of the timing chain against the guides or the cam trying to push open super loose valves

[@nonenone1249]

@@richToFEn1337 Spot on.

[@PiazzaWoodWorks]

I said this to them in the first video, I know for fact the crf50 cam chain tensioner is hydraulic, ran by the oil pressure. Hence why only rattles when idling. May need a good non synthetic oil, could help, if not a new chain isn’t too deer. I would assume the xr50 motors are too, The older z50 motors u can tension the cam chain manually. The gold bash plate will amplify the noises also.

[@ioannispats7931]

Cam chain 99%!

[@kiiiisu]

are u same expert that told carbs doest wear out? 🤣@@PiazzaWoodWorks

[@newvintage1554]

Camera girl "You'll know when it's funny when I laugh"🤣

[@randomnonsense_1]

That was the best part of the whole video. And I liked the video. 😁

[@patarmstrong3582]

I have a few of those 50 motors. The stock ones are typically quiet, while I have one with an 88cc bore, a race head and cam, and some other goodies, and it is appreciably noisier- like yours. Always a good idea to check valve lash first. I think the hotter cam profiles create a noisier valve train. Once you check lash, and know it is good the noise won't bother you as much .003 intake .005 exhaust seems close. Pretty sure you might have a cam in there if the lash checks out. I put a z40 cam in a lifan 125 and it makes a very similar valve train noise. Really wakes those bikes up to have a decent cam! My 88 runs about as well as the 125. Thanks for the recent uploads, I have enjoyed you two for a number of years. It's about time to seek out a makerspace and at least get some t shirts printed. Eventually, all the other KZbin channels I like sell the merch. I'd buy a few t shirts.

[@noyopacific]

Since the motor is air-cooled one could say that the clutch was full of coolant. Thanks for the video Jennie & Jake !

[@BlockCylinder]

Yeah, I'm really surprised that no one said that.

[@ZombFN]

I’ve been subbed for about 8-9 years now the dirtbike videos are the best especially that camper video from way back then loved that series

[@NikMartin-I-am]

That's valve train noise, either chain slap or rockers. Also, pick up a JIS bit for those screws, they're not actually Phillips, they're JIS, Japanese Industrial Standard

[@leslieaustin151]

Completely agree on both points - Jake, you need a set of JIS screwdrivers, only Philistines use Philips - it’s where the ‘Philips’ name comes from! (You can get JIS bits for that screwdriver handle). And I reckoned the noise was cam chain, even though the chain is on the other side of the engine. Really enjoy your stuff Jake, have done for years. Les in UK 🇬🇧

[@corporalclegg914]

I agree with Valve Train theory

[@dixoncider7256]

👍

[@johnsn10]

Wow 3 videos in less than a year! Love it

[@dixoncider7256]

😄

[@kd5byb]

Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore- While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my XR50's door. “’Tis some visitor,” I muttered, “tapping at my XR50's door- Only this and nothing more.” Apologies to Mr. Poe...

[@capn14]

I love this format that allows you to post more frequently. We like to see more of you guys, so whatever you need to do is fine with us.

[@jenniesgarage]

Glad you like the videos! Thanks for the comment.

[@cameronsienkiewicz6364]

The main reason I like watching channels like yours is, 1. you don’t constantly badger people to “like and subscribe” and 2. You aren’t constantly looking for more ways to get more followers by doing stupid and crazy stuff .. you just film what you enjoy doing already, and if people subscribe, they subscribe, if not it’s no big deal.. so many people have made made KZbin their full time job, and actively make money off it, whereas people like you just have the supplemental income.. it means we get less videos than other creators, but it’s real content, not just put out for the “wow factor” One KZbinr I used to love to watch was Westin Champlain.. his vids used to just be fixing broken vehicles and stuff he got from the insurance auctions , but he hopped on the band wagon of “let’s build the most insane vehicles ever JUST to get more views”.. if he wasn’t on KZbin, he probably wouldn’t be putting his time into building Cummins powered mustangs and 1500 horsepower hellcats etc.. don’t get me wrong, the things he builds are cool, but I’m not the type to watch vids like that

[@coachjeff493]

you are absolutely spot on mate ...... I have unsubscribed from so many channels lately as instead of just filming what they love doing, they start doing wacky stuff to get people to watch and forget about the people that came there for the stuff they originally did.

[@libertyforamericanow]

Subd for the camper, still here for the characteres. You guys are great!

[@uni-byte]

The Philips looking screws in Japanese motorcycles are not actually Philips. They are JIS. If you want to stop stripping those screws, get yourself a set of JIS socket bits and a set of JIS screw drivers. You will be amazed at the difference. Also, just to remind you. On the last Beaver video I suggested checking the cam chain tensioner (this is dead easy - do it first) and, if that doesn't solve the problem, adjust the valves. Replied that you thought that was a good idea. If I was a betting man, I'd give you odds that the noise will go away after adjusting the cam chain. 👍

[@jeffferguson899]

so glad you are making content again

[@devarskinnee8760]

Is that carb pop metal or aluminum? Not sure either.good to see you guys back at it.its been great to have you guys fixing things back up.jenn has such a pleasant laugh.later.were waiting.

[@slvrktman7824]

Camera Lady, forgot a cameo appearance on camera! Glad you guys are back!

[@brabbit2967]

One of the first channels I ever watched. So glad to see you all back on the regular

[@TechGorilla1987]

If you keep tossing these videos up and featuring the dulcet tones and fine features of Camera Girl, your channel will go far, young Padawan.

[@bramvermaat1453]

4th video in a week that is?! This is great.

[@kenforehand9667]

love the frequency of new videos! keep it up, y'all!!!

[@BigDogChopperRider]

I'm guessing (like many others) that it is timing chain slap. Can't wait to see if that's what it actually is. So glad you guys have been posting again. Thank you!

[@Carson_Garrett]

These regular uploads are awesome. Great work as always!

[@jenniesgarage]

Thank you!

[@tomdunn7147]

Camera girl is the best. Glad to see more content from Jennies garage, love it.

[@TravisDoesFirewood]

Can I just say, I enjoy your channel, and you and your partner. Stay safe!

[@jenniesgarage]

Glad you like the videos!

[@jpwipeout99]

I still learned something so the video isn’t pointless to me. Thank you

[@brentbates-r7t]

best couple on the line

[@toolshell]

Adjust the cam chain tension and adjust the valves. It’s a fairly easy process on all those horizontal Hondas. Also, get a couple JIS screwdrivers, it’ll make life much easier! Great seeing your videos regularly!

[@ivoman7]

I had a 49cc similar to this. (1969 Honda Monkey) It had a rattle like it as well. Didn't like it, and asked a mechanic about it, who fixed about 20 of these little bikes per month. He said it's perfectly normal. There's nothing wrong with the engine. It's the way they were designed. I went my way a little disappointed about that, but he was right. I drove it many years without problems.

[@scoobydoo5925]

So happy you guys are uploading regularly again! Love your content! You need some merch! I'd love a Jennies Garage Hoodie!

[@KoDKingVegeta]

4 videos in a month time!! Ur spoiling us!!!!

[@robertloomis6113]

Check the rocker arm to valve stem clearances. If they have too much clearance, they will be a loud tapping noise consistent with RPM.

[@bigkosty]

glad yall are back thanks for the great content!!!

[@mxc2272]

Carborator Boy STILL needs a haircut 🏁

[@Shedhunter2]

Nah, .. maybe just a trim.

[@alanlake5220]

Yes he is looking a bit wooley

[@geexskill]

I love the conclusion of the video! Thank's

[@yamahafan7330]

Hard to hear from the video but it sounds more like a timing chain rattle. Worth a shot anyway. Thanks for the content, great to see you two again. 🖒

[@jenniesgarage]

Glad you enjoy the videos, and thank you for the suggestion.

[@yamahafan7330]

@@jenniesgarage, no worries. 🖒

[@bertamusprime618]

Thank you for the up load! Keep up the great work.

[@joshadsett4835]

Thanks. Good to see you have some time to make content again Thanks

[@StrawDragon]

I love your chemistry with each other.. God bless

[@FissecatOriginals]

Also real glad yous are back, been missin ya for a while

[@majki2065]

Smashed the notification button as hard as i could !

[@okiemoto6114]

Long time no see! Love this channel!

[@dave1135]

Ive worked on several of these Honda's, thats a one way spargue clutch on the clutch drum, it as you said, freewheels one way, locks in the other. On the end of your clutch cover theres a nut and adjusting rod, its to set the automatic clutch adjustment. When its out of adjustment, the Sprague will bounce back and forth, making a rattling noise at idle. If it goes away in gear and with partial throttle, thats the issue. Do the factory clutch adjustment and that should fix it

[@ericrudy2504]

Love you Two! Always a fun and informative video!

[@jenniesgarage]

Thank you!

[@noahwomack3620]

Love the frequent videos! Keep it up!

[@Alexander_l322]

Yes! The videos are really cooking

[@bioshift1]

We enjoyed the video. I like that these videos are like your older ones. Also we get to see your treating yourself to new tools, Mr.Fancypance Mitutoyo caliper. 😅

[@jenniesgarage]

Glad you liked the video! I only take that caliper out on very special occasions.

[@Jimmahhh]

Love that youre posting a lot!

[@bren106]

That's a chain slap. And Japanese bikes use JIS screws not Philips, they have a different profile and you'll butcher them using the wrong driver.

[@hayden25795]

Hey have you checked the valve clearances on the rocker Arms? Thought I'd throw another possibility your way :)

[@ManveetDhaliwal-x4t]

I think it’s the rockers, they need to be adjusted

[@PuchMaxi]

Whoah, I got a notification this time! Neat

[@PuchMaxi]

Did Jake get new shoes??

[@ivanoxx]

I love the videos man, im crying

[@patrickkirwin5832]

I would have adjusted the valves and check the timing chain prior to pulling a case cover. but you do you and make content :)

[@SwedenLover090]

Camera woman was wery funny today. 😂

[@ShaunHensley]

Sounds like chain slap. Does it have a chain?

[@vwluis]

Over the internet it sounds like timing chain but not as rattly, could be the rubber/fibre part of the cam sprocket maybe?

[@musicbox4022]

Best channel on KZbin

[@wayne7521]

Wowser 😂another video ... Nice one guys !! Er little tip...have you ever tried the screwdriver method ? To act as a stethoscope, to listen to engine noise ?? Basically a long shafted screwdriver ... held against various Arreas of engine casing , and sound will travel up screw driver held near to the ear ?, Makes it easier to pinpoint sound issue And like a stethoscope, helps hear the body internals............ You can buy signed stethoscopes, but long screwdriver ,works as well as And should you still wish our opinion ... go one step further ... Get a cheap amplifier with wired mic , remove the foam cover from mic and secure mic to screwdriver shaft ... ta da ,poor man's digital stethoscope. Make sure mic fixed dang tight. Works a treat Sound will travel well specially through solid mediums Just be wary of screwy ghosts (insert laughter here)

[@jenniesgarage]

Good ideas, thanks!

[@wayne7521]

@@jenniesgarage just passing info from me finding fro a friend to a friend ....gotta grease them worldly cogs somehow .....and information and knowledge ,will always be rhe best currency

[@kngofbng]

I'm really enjoying the new uploads for two reasons: 1. New uploads. 2. Jake seems to be at a good state of mind and not embarrassing himself and his family in front of the internet out of clear mental confusion allied with a good heart to make promises he's not being able to keep and then rinse and repeat. Don't get me wrong, I see myself doing the same or worse trying to make sense of things I can't handle. Not judging. I'm just happy to see people happy and you guys deserve it. PS.: Kudos to camera girl for being an all around supportive and collaborative partner, apparently.

[@senorboardhead]

Damn rude to say Jacob embarrassed himself and his family. Not to me. And interesting to see you can know his state of mind - I thought only God could do that.

[@kngofbng]

@@senorboardheadAside from the fact that god who?, I do can tell someone's state of mind when I see him looking lost with his own thoughts, acting and speaking erratically and later cracking jokes, laughing, doing fun stuff, apparently having a good time while maintaining a welcome regular upload schedule to boot. Even if he's just faking it very hard for the camera, I prefer to see him able to do at least that than dropping in to ramble for a half hour about very deep but ultimately very unneeded for the channel matters. He was embarrassing himself and his family out of visibly good intentions, there's nothing rude about saying that. I watched and liked those videos and hoped deeply that he'd get over that bad state of mind that he himself said he was in because mental health matters a lot. My point is that I'm happy for both of them because he seems happy, I can't see how that can be bad.

[@CodeOptimism]

Maybe a waste of your time but not of ours! 🤣 Educational and entertaining. 😊

[@nos1000100]

I would think the valves may need an adjustment or the timing chain could be a little sloppy like the 3 wheeler was

[@Abeille30]

fair suspicion. On my bike i often encounter clutch damper trouble. Inside my clutch I have like 6 rubber pairs that hold the upper inside hub (whatever it's called); when used, around 100hours, the motor starts making some clicky sounds. A very easy test to confirm it, let it run idle and listen - then hold the clutch lever and see if the noise goes away. The motor sound better when the clutch is pulled (normal) but try to notice if you hear the clicks of the loose hub hitting the screw holder.

[@jenniesgarage]

Good idea about manipulating the clutch to isolate the noise.

[@aarongrabowski3775]

Does the diagram tell you how much noise it should make? 😂😂😂😂 that was a good one Jennie. Good to see you guess getting back to the video’s

[@daynmitchell7543]

Those must be new shoes, cause I’ve never seen them so clean

[@CoachMcCabe]

Almost all of my sound like that is tappet, valve lash. Have you checked that?

[@fourbyfourer]

I definitely hear the noise. Have you determined that the noise is in the bottom end for sure? Have you checked the valve clearance? I know they shouldn't need adjusting if the engine has low hours, but to me it sounds like valve noise.

[@RawTopShot]

So... Stretch the springs in the clutch. If you don't want to do it immediately, then reassemble and start the bike, pull the clutch in and the sound should disappear. With a Honda 500 dohc twin (PC26 + PC32) the clutch springs that take up backlash weaken (shorten) and the unit rattles. The cheap and effective fix (for those) is to weld on a washer to each spring end, effectively lengthening it back to factory spec. I don't know anything about that bike you have, but pay close attention to the springs in those three slots in the centre section of that clutch assembly, you might find they're loose in there.

[@lucasblazina5596]

Going off the audio from the video... Its pretty normal. I have worked on a few of the XR / CRF 50-70s over the years and they normally have a noticable clutch noise. Could be louder in person though.

[@mattycreek384]

Hey again! I miss the KDX

[@backwoodsmotocross3364]

Yeah i always wonder where his KDX 200 went

[@MarkM-ke6cn]

Noticed my 2004 XR400 has a similar rattle a few days ago...checking valve clearance and timing chain tension tomorrow.

[@jenniesgarage]

Hopefully that solves the issue. I have always liked XR400s.

[@MarkM-ke6cn]

My rattle was the timing chain...a quarter turn of the tension adjuster made it go away. Fingers crossed for your rattle to be an easy fix.

[@random_dude_99]

Never clicked on a video so fast.

[@kngofbng]

Instawatch always.

[@metaldog7128]

Sounds good to me 🤷🏻‍♂️ maybe only maybe valve adjustment? But it sounds pretty good to me

[@JB-eh2sd]

You’ll know it’s funny when I laugh, Bazinga 😂❤

[@whiskeythrottle333]

i can strenghten your theory that you had about everything being fine. I had a simmilar play in the outer cluch basket on an honda xr650r. I didn't like that. so i bought a brand new outer clutch basket and it turned out the play was exactly the same. I also thought I heard a wierd sound during idle and this play was the cause. But I'm more of a twostroke guy so I believe i should have compared the sound to my friends xr650r before going online and order parts I didnt need. or maybe check his outer clutch basket play if he would have allowed me to. I have 2 chinese crf50/xr50 replicas and to me, your engine sounded quite normal. If any ticking/rattling noise would get louder with the revs, it might be worth looking into. Small displacement aircooled fourstroke engines are not known for their peak performance, but their reliability. Lets say your engine is broken (destroyed cylinder or rod). A chinese replica engine is not very far behind in performance..... quality? maybe yes. New chinese 50cc xr50 replica (whole bike) is about 500-700 dollars so dont need to cancel any vaction plans. Parts are almost for free. Bought mine in 2008 and only checked the valves twice. Still have it and ride it on my lawn in the summertime. If they have fresh gas but hard to start, it might be a valve adjustment issue, or dirt in carburator. Very easy fix for you, but yours seem to be starting just fine so probably no need to check it.

[@jetjazz05]

2:23 - A wise man. The difference between toasted and not is often times a sense of something being off. I own a couple Saabs, all the variety that suffer from "ENGINE SLUDGE" which is typically carbon bits plugging the oil screen in the pickup tube. I was at a Walmart about 8 years ago and heard the faintest ticking, I made an appointment and had it taken to a Saab specialist. A couple days later they got back to me and said the pickup was maybe 1/2 to 3/4 blocked, he said "I've never had anyone bring it in when the tapping was so faint, I'm surprised you even heard it"... yeah lol. $200 worth of cleaning and fresh RTV vs a blown motor in 6 months... it's worth paying attention.

[@fizzy49cc]

Cheapest check is exhaust gasket. Followed by head gasket. Then head off to check valves are sealed, followed by cam chain & teeth. Then cam. Also check for a cracked ring, I think its exhaust related, but that might be just a video reproduction noise. Tough old design so probably something small. FYI was told to always check engine oil level as it doesn't hold much so condition & oil level is crucial. Good luck

[@jenniesgarage]

Thanks for the suggestions. It's true it probably sounds different in person. Doesn't sound like a leaky gasket, but I feel the other things you mention are good possibilities.

[@jonbagley1243]

I’ve heard plenty of these trail bikes with the same sound. Pretty common with these. There’s 3 things to take a look at before tearing down completely. (Cam chain slack, cam chain tensioner, valve clearance) if all is good then it’s either a wrist pin, crank bearings or worn out connecting rod. Ol’ boy could have flushed the bike out good for metal shavings if that were the case. I doubt it though.

[@hoffmanshaven]

That noise is the cam chain. Check the cam chain tension. Don't forget to adjust the valves after.

[@jenniesgarage]

Thanks for the suggestion.

[@timflemming4christ]

What a treat ❤

[@sneakysnickersnoopy]

Definitely sounds like the valves!

[@justinharris1299]

Might try to adjust the clutch. Also I know the older z50’s with aftermarket clutch’s have two different tooth count.

[@tedsampsonjr.1751]

Timing chain and or valves

[@johna6968]

I never thought clutch when I heard it.

[@twocvbloke]

Pro Tip; when the screws have the + but with a dot in one of the quadrants (I guess you can call it that), it's a JIS, or Japanese Industry Standard, screw head, and that's how they get ruined when people use a philips screwdriver, cos the JIS screwdrivers are a different profile to philips, and being a Honda, it's full of JIS... :P

[@wurthmannd024]

also, The hair is giving my Danny Tanner vibes. love it 😁

[@jenniesgarage]

LOL as a kid I loved watching that show on friday nights.

[@wurthmannd024]

@@jenniesgarage same!

[@thatonerepairguy4784]

It’s common on them on the planetary gear is catching the case the rivits work themselves loose

[@constant333]

tottally fine its the clutch assembly with thiss engines

[@SuperHurdman]

I smell a ShSTA Video coming up In the future! Are you seeing many Chem trails down your way? God Bless! Marc from Canada...

[@550hpW900L]

Hard to pick it up but id lean towards valves needing adjusted. Possible exhaust leak at the head? Alice says hi lol

[@tinathellama6940]

Haven’t watched the whole video yet but I’m curious as to if the noise is as noticeable without the skid plate installed. Skid plates, especially aluminum, tend to amplify engine sounds towards the rider. Can make you think a normal noise is an abnormal noise.

[@jameskwak3198]

Valve lash fast and easy to check good luck

[@jenniesgarage]

Thanks for your idea about the noise

[@HuskySMS4]

When we gonna see that beautiful pampera??

[@StrawDragon]

Still watching the video, but why did you not check the rockers first? if you said it is coming from this side?

[@danbeckstead2020]

Normal ticking coming from the valves. I agree your motor doesn't have much wear. As your valves get worn in that ticking goes away some

[@morganweast4228]

You'll know it's funny when I laugh. Champion

[@ridersanonymous4756]

The noise is normal I had 2 of those bikes that i bought brand new, sounded like gravel in the gearbox since the first day i bought them till 2 years after i solid them. Never had a issue with the bikes always ran solid.

[@jm-ux5dk]

Sounds like the valves need adjusting and possibly the cam chain.

[@rickgaine3476]

When investigating a noise in an engine, knock is a 4 letter word.

[@RockAnAhardSpot]

Technically, there is coolant in that motor case man, because it is air cooled. Please tell that dad joke to camera girl. I'd like to know that I made her laugh. Today is my birthday. :o) this ones great! i have one of these out back that I got for 50 dollars.

[@jenniesgarage]

You are right, it is full of coolant! Happy birthday!

[@joeljoel6236]

Before you go digging that deep it may be useful to check the valve clearances and the cam chain tensioner..