I have a 03 scramble 500. I have rode it alot but not hard. I've noticed this tapping noise coming from the bottom end of the motor on the right side. I'm not sure what it could be, maybe oil pump? Has anyone else had this problem or is it normal? I only have maybe 50 hrs on it.

 

Take your belt cover off the other side and take the front clutch off and start it.I bet the noise quits.The buttons in the front clutch will make a sound that is hard to fid and will sound like a rod knock.

 

also while you have your belt cover off, inspect the belt. if it has begun to fail, the edges might have a stringy part fraying away from the belt, and slapping the inside of the cover.

X

 

Could it be the raven Nevermore? Tapping, tapping tapping at my chamber door. Sorry just an Edgar Allen Poe fan here.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] Now for the real question. How's your chain? Mine was making tapping noises sounded like my motor. Just another thing to look at.

 

some of the 500 engines had a little bit of oil pump noise, like a ticking frim the way the gear is mounted on the shaft. it slides onto a pin. some are tighter than others, and once in a while youll find one that ticks. does it go away after you speed the engine up a little or get worse? if gets worse check for a problem. the early 500s were the worst for ticking.

 

when I put the trans in neutral that should disengage the clutch right? And the noise should stop? well it doesn't. What about timing?

 

[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]We have numerous 500's and most of them have a ticking noise on right side and it is coming from the recoil(pull start)

 

Now that you mention it I remember mine having a lot of what I considered valve train type noise when I first got it. Now either I am just use to it or it when away. It is probably what jeffroe is refering to.

 

After the break in period did you have to adjust the carb? Mine has the high altitude jets and is starting to idle a little rough. The elevation here is 7600 and I ride to 13 plus.

 

If its like all 500s I have seen they all have a small noise,I thought it was the timing chain or valves tapping, I have heard the waterpump causing it, dealer said it was a normal noise but didn't know were it was coming from, go figure.