I have an 05 Rubicon with about 6400 miles. Just a few hundred miles ago, I checked the valves for the first time since the 200 mile service. Everything was ok.

Now whenever I start it cold, I can hear a noise that sounds like something is loose and it sounds like it is coming from the valve area. After it gets warmed up, the noise goes away. It only does it when it is cold. Could this be the valves? I hope not. That was a pain getting to the valves.

I don't know if this has to do with the noise but I have also noticed it sputters when it is idling even after being rode about a mile or so.

 

hey i have the same wheeler and mine makes that noise under load too. i think it is the valve clearence needing adjustment.

 

could be a faulty timming chain tentioner or the timming chain itself could be worn out toware the tentioner is extended all the way and the chain is loose. it kinda makes a slight nocking noise the looser the chain the worse off it is.

 

My guess would also be valve clearance, or timing chain.

I've seen folks set the valves at TDC between exhaust and intake instead of TDC between compression and power stroke (which results in excessive gap).

Could also be some cover or other assorted piece that's loose. Hard to tell w/o being able to hear it.

 

I don't believe it is a loose cover or anything like that because once the bike is warmed up, it goes away.

 

Could be the cam chain tentioner like mentioned above, a kink in the cam chain or the decompressor on the cam. Other top end noise could be a bad water pump bearing or worn rocker shafts

----- Gimpster -----

 

Is there a way to find out for sure if it is the cam chain? Is a cam chain something I could fix myself?

 

I would begin by double checking the valve clearance, especially if this noise started after adjusting them.

If you are thinking about changing the cam chain, you will likely want a factory service manual.

 

I already double checked the valves. The reason I adjusted them in the first place is because of the rattling noise.

I do have a service manual. What section would the cam chain be under in the manual? How easy is it to replace the cam chain?