I finally figured out what that noise was coming from the head/jug area on my 1985 200X. Turns out, it's the cam chain or the tensioner.

It has be a bit confused though. I'll start up the machine and let the engine idle. I'll then back the 14mm bolt off just a bit so the tensioner can take up the chain slack. The noise quiets down quite a bit when I back off the 14mm bolt. However, once I tighten it down (propper spec according to the shop manual is about 11-14 ft/lbs) the noise comes back! I'm starting to wonder if the noise is just the chain riding along the tensioner? I've always closely inspected the oil and oil screen and have never found any bits of anything in there. Even when I cleaned the oil rotor after I purchased the trike, there really was no particulate matter to speak of. Am I just worrying for no reason?

I also once took off the 10mm bolt that's on top of the 14mm bolt. I used a small screw driver and manually pushed down the tensioner. The noise was still there.

 

May be time for a new tensioner/guide/chain...Mine was adjusted all the way in and it still was chewing into the cylinder head.....I bought the trike like that though.

 

mabe worn chain tensioner guides

 

If the tensioner/guide was worn, wouldn't I find bits of it in the oil or oil screen?

If this does need to be replaced, can it be done without pulling the head off? It looks like just the cam gear has to come off, and the top bolt that holds it in removed....along with the adjuster. Anyone done just the tensioner before?