Honda XR50 Engine Noise Investigation 

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

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!

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.

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 RU-vid channels I like sell the merch. I'd buy a few t shirts.

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

Even though the sound may be emanating from the right hand side, I would have started with valve clearances and cam chain adjustment before pulling cases off. Another great video.

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. 👍

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

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...

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

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 RU-vid 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 RU-vidr 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 RU-vid, 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

Wow 3 videos in less than a year! Love it

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.

so glad you are making content again

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

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

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

These regular uploads are awesome. Great work as always!

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.

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

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

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

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.

Long time no see! Love this channel!

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

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

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

Love the frequent videos! Keep it up!

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!

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

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

I love the conclusion of the video! Thank's

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

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

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

Love that youre posting a lot!

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

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

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.

Love you Two! Always a fun and informative video!

Best channel on RU-vid

Smashed the notification button as hard as i could !

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.

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!

I love your chemistry with each other.. God bless

I love the videos man, im crying

Yes! The videos are really cooking

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. 🖒

Camera woman was wery funny today. 😂

best couple on the line

What a treat ❤

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. 😅

Whoah, I got a notification this time! Neat

Carborator Boy STILL needs a haircut 🏁

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

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

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.

Hey again! I miss the KDX

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

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

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

Thank you!

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.

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)

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.

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

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.

Timing chain and or valves

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

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

Never clicked on a video so fast.

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.

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

Valve lash fast and easy to check good luck

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

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

Definitely sounds like the valves!

tottally fine its the clutch assembly with thiss engines

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

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

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

Agree .....Set the Valve lash....

Great !!!

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.

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

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.

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.

It sounds a lot like the cam chain...maybe it is loose.

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

you guys are adorable.

Sounds like chain slap. Does it have a chain?

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

Adjust the valves and cam chain and your good to go.

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

Phillips? NOT! JIS? (Japanese Industrial Standard) 👍🏼 All day long.🏁

Might just be the valves need to be adjusted. Very easy to check them. Open the two circle caps on the head, one on the top and one bottom of the top end. Hand crank it and feel how stiff or loose the valves are

Love ya guys, but it just needs the valves adjusted, right under that circular cap! You cost yourself an unnecessary side cover gasket, but that goes with the territory :)

I never thought clutch when I heard it.

camera girl is always the voice of reason. lol

The dot or punch mark on the “Philips” screw means JIS, not Philips. If your working on Japanese bikes it’s a must have tool.