When accelerating your motorcycle, do you hear a whistling sound? This is most definitely one of the most common problems with many vehicles. In this article, we are going to highlight the most likely causes of this problem. It is not always easy to know where hissing sound is coming from and therefore it is important to know the different possible causes.
Why is my motorcycle engine hissing?
Do not panic ! If your engine makes noise, it is above all that it is running ... A noise is not necessarily the symptom of a serious problem or of wear and tear on your vehicle. If your motorcycle's engine starts to hiss, there are several possible causes. Either way, you need to take care of your engine on a daily basis to catch any problem before it gets too big. Different whistles can be detected and they are often a sign of very specific concerns.
Whistling towards the front of the engine of motorcycle
If you perceive that the hissing sound is coming from the front of the engine, it is most likely that the timing chain is wearing out and stretching. Thus, it ends up rubbing against the crankcase. The timing chain is a wearing part and it is important to replace it quite frequently. If the timing chain can slacken, it can still be adjusted as long as it is not too worn or damaged. A damaged timing chain will indeed cause an engine whistling to the left or to the right depending on the side where it is implemented in the engine. This will give the impression that there is a problem with the engine and that it is not running very smoothly.
Be careful not to wait too long to intervene! The timing chain can eventually jump over the teeth of the sprockets and snap suddenly. This would therefore cause an unwanted encounter between the moving pistons and the valves.
Whistling towards the rear of the engine of motorcycle
When you are riding, your motorcycle may make small whistles that change in intensity with speed. It is then necessary to check your oil level and have your gearbox checked by a specialist. If the investigation does not bear fruit, it is probably a pinion or a bearing that must be worn. You will then have to open the box to replace the part that is causing the problem.
How do I check that there is a problem with the motorcycle's timing chain?
To check the condition of your motorcycle's timing chain yourself, you must open the cylinder head cover and measure the length of the chain. This is measured over 20 links and must correspond to the indication given by the Revue Moto Technique. You can also take the opportunity to watch the wear of the pads in the engine. These can be replaced independently. If the chain breaks, it is also possible to remove the tensioner and reset it before putting it back. Often this directly fixes the noise problem.
What can I do to prevent the motorcycle engine from hissing?
The timing chain is located in the engine, behind the cylinder heads. Like all chains, it can eventually show signs of weakness. Typically, you can see a lifespan of 75 to 000 km for a timing chain, after which it usually needs to be changed. Prices for changing a timing chain may vary depending on the motorcycle model, garage, and region. On average, you can count between 100 and 000 €, labor included. With a significant price tag, many drivers therefore prefer to change their timing chain themselves, at home.
It is therefore possible to change a distribution chain yourself. It must then be done directly in the frame. If you have good tools, the maneuver is not too difficult! You can then plan between 150 and 200 € of material to change the chain by counting the price of this one and the price of the tensioner. The easiest way is to get the workshop manual in order to change the chain efficiently. After dismantling the parts that prevent access to the timing chain, you can then follow the steps in the manual to change it correctly.
To check that the camshaft is properly seated, always remember to turn the engine by hand twice. If ever the chain is shifted by one sprocket, it is then necessary to loosen again, to chock and then to retighten. Never start your motorcycle until the framing is absolutely perfect!
