Weird idling sound from my 3000 km run Suzuki Access frustrating me

The noise will start only when the engine is in the "hot" condition, after driving it for around 15-20 kms.

BHPian Suryaa recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

I own an Access 125 bs6, which is ~ 2.5 months old and has been driven for around 3000 kms. [I will post a separate thread for the ownership review if anyone is interested]. Now, I request someone who has first hand experience with engines (or has owned an Access 125 bs6 for a long time) to help me out here Listen to this.

Is this idling sound normal for an Access 125? Isn't there a noise indicating improper valve clearances?(The ticking noise) The noise will start only when the engine is in the "hot" condition, after driving it for around 15-20 kms.

In the owner's manual Suzuki has specified inspection of valve clearances for both the first and second services(At 750~1000 kms and ~3500 kms), but the authorized service centre is not interested in inspecting the valve clearances. The attendants there just informed me that this noise is normal and clearly no one there seems to want to inspect the valve clearances as specified in the manual.(The engine oil is brand new too, changed just now to Suzuki Ecstar 10w30 semi synthetic)

About the maintenance:  I followed the break in process (not running the engine at the same speed during the 1st 1600 kms, not using more than half throttle for 800kms and 3/4th till 1600kms, but I did use the accelerator within the limits and not completely baby the engine until 1600 kms) I never rev the engine hard unless the engine has reached the normal operating temperature(It has an engine temperature gauge).

Now will this noise go away if the valve clearances are inspected (and corrected if out of spec) and are there any long term implications of not attending to this? Or should I just leave it at this and use the vehicle as usual, and this noise is normal and will not have any long term implications ?

The performance and fuel efficiency has been good for an 125cc scooter, with fuel efficiencies upto 67km/l when driven sanely(Calculated with Fuelio) and It has gone upto 102km/h, the pull is really good after 60km/h.

Now I am able to hear the noise at all times, not only when the engine is warm.

Here's what BHPian Sensible_Speed replied:

Valves rubbing against the piston is catastrophic. Your scooter would've seized very quickly if that were the case. While it is true that most ASS mechanics don't bother to check the valves as it's too much labour, I wouldn't jump to a conclusion. Start with your exhaust first to ensure there isn't any leak. Then proceed to the engine itself. Remove the seat and under-seat storage to have a look at the engine. It should be fairly straightforward with a few screws. Run it to see if there's any odd rattling in the mounts. That could pinpoint you to the problem. If you are pensive about doing it yourself, take it to a different mechanic; one that you trust to do a fair job.

Here's what BHPian shancz replied:

Haven't experienced the BS6 so can't comment much on the noise but I have had a disappointing experience with the Ecstar R5000/7000 oils in all aspects.
I would suggest to move to fully synthetics once you're out of warranty.

As for your situation, visit another ASC.

Here's what BHPian veyron_music replied:

Surprisingly this problem is not common to just the Access125 few Jupiters have also had this problem. My friend faced faced a similar issue but for him it was a bad rpm sensor which resulted in rpm fluctuations, Suzuki officials covered the expenses for him but as far as I know the original Hideling sensor that comes in the access is defective, earlier burgmans also had this issue but it was fixed later.

Here's what BHPian Shonith replied:

Quote from BHPian Suryaa:

Is this idling sound normal for an access 125? Isn't there a noise indicating improper valve clearances?(The ticking noise)
The noise will start only when the engine is in the "hot" condition, after driving it for around 15-20 kms.

I don’t have experience with scooters but bikes and large marine engines, yes.
If valve clearance is off then it will produce a faint ticking sound when the engine gets warm, this will progress with time gradually.
Engine will also take time to start after its warm (it will take more cranks to start).

Valve clearance on scooters should be fairly simple since they have screw type arrangement as opposed to shims used on some bikes.

You should probably get it inspected by a local mechanic who works on scooters. The problem could be something simple.

Quote:

Now will this noise go away if the valve clearances are inspected (and corrected if out of spec) and are there any long term implications of not attending to this? Or should I just leave it at this and use the vehicle as usual, and this noise is normal and will not have any long term implications

If the valve clearance is off and you don't attend to it then you are looking at a head rebuild. The valves will cause blow past and the exhaust will eat away at the valve and the seat.

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