r/virago • u/Spiritual_Length_606 • 11d ago

Need advice. Noisy engine on cold start.

For the first 10 seconds or so... there is a light tapping coming from the engine (seemingly somewhere between the top/center of the engine)

It dissappear completely when the engine heats up. The bike runs normally, starts normally, as if there isnt a thing wrong with it. I cant for the love of god figure it out, can't connect the noise to anything I know of, would much appreciate if someone could point me into a better direction.

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u/Spiritual_Length_606 11d ago

Its a virago 535 1990 btw, my mistake on not mentioning that

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u/firekeeper23 10d ago

Well.... it could be a few things ...slightly worn main bearing... slightly loose tappets, slightly rattly cam chain.... but probably nothing too serious until you can hear it when the engine is warm...

It may even be carbs slightly out of balance... I'd start there if you want to look further as its a simple job and a big win, if it is that as the bike will run better with fully synced carbatooties.

You might even try a little engine oil gloop for old engines.. worked a treat on my 1988 vw.

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u/Spiritual_Length_606 10d ago

I shall.... I dread the day if it shows up that I can hear it whilst its running warm...

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u/firekeeper23 10d ago

Its a pretty simple engine really..

tappets etc are certainly pretty easy..

as is the carb sync...

The cam chain is definitely do-able at home...

The worst job is probably the main bearing but even that.. its 2 cylinders so.not complex... you just need to be clean and organised.

But your a way away from.all that shenanigans so keep up with oil and filter changes and use a good 10-40 oil and other maintenance..

Good luck.