Ticking noise on right side of engine

[Rick AhKao]

I bought a new 2017 goldwing after owning a 2012 goldwing. There is a distinct engine ticking noise coming from right side of engine. The 2012 Goldwing did not not have this noise. It is most noticeable when I first start the engine at idle. After it warms up it is less noticable but still there at idle. I brought it back to the dealer and the mechanic said he did not hear anything. I was hearing it when he said this therefore the dealership did not what to be honest with me and deal with this unusual engine noise.

Does anyone have any comments regarding this engine noise?

[joeincalif]

If there is another dealer near you I would take it there. The early 1800's had a ticking noise, it was the fuel injectors.

[Rick AhKao]

Thanks Joe. I plan to bring it back in to the dealer with this knowledge in hand and be more assertive.

[GoldWingrGreg]

A video of the noise is helpful. You can post it on YouTube and post the link here. More GL1800 owners have me listen to their noises that probably anyone else in the world. So, if you're able to capture the noise correctly, I'll be able to tell you what it is.

If your noise is what I think it could be, your issue is often more common on trikes. However, it occurs in the 2-whl'd GL1800 world too and can be checked and corrected easily. To check, verify that your oil level is correct. To do so, follow the instructions in the Owner's Manual. A high oil level can cause a ticking noise heard on either side of the motor that occurs usually during warm-up. If on a center stand, it will usually be loudest on the left side

Owner's Manual > index > oil > engine > checking and adding oil

Also, when choosing an oil, be sure to follow all the requirements in the Owner's Manual and suggestions too. All suggestions should be taken as a warning.

[Rick AhKao]

Greg.

Thank you for the help. I will take a video tomorrow and try to post it to youtube and then share the link.

I do not think it is oil since 2012 wing received the same 10w30 synthetic honda oil that this one has - I do not overfill it. Currently, my goldwing gas only 1900 miles on it.

[Dark Angel]

The injectors click, it is normal.

[Rick AhKao]

Thank you for the post. My concern is this ticking noise was not on my 2012 goldwing but is here on the 2017 wing. Why?

[Dark Angel]

It is louder on some than others. I have read that they have a mechanical reed switch on a breather pipe.

[Rick AhKao]

Thank you. All this information is of great help to me. Louder on some...is interesting. It was not noticable, at all on 2012, but now quite so on the 2017.

I am just trying to understand if there is a problem that I need to get fixed.

Thanks again for the valuable info.

[GoldWingrGreg]

Greg.

Thank you for the help. I will take a video tomorrow and try to post it to youtube and then share the link.

I do not think it is oil since 2012 wing received the same 10w30 synthetic honda oil that this one has - I do not overfill it. Currently, my goldwing gas only 1900 miles on it.

I'm not talking about oil type, but oil level. Please share how you check your oil level ???

[Rick AhKao]

Hi. I place the wing on its center stand. Unscrew the oil fill/measure plug, wipe it clean, screw it back in, then unscrew and then measure the oil level. Same as I did for the 2012 wing.

[823JIM]

Hi. I place the wing on its center stand. Unscrew the oil fill/measure plug, wipe it clean, screw it back in, then unscrew and then measure the oil level. Same as I did for the 2012 wing.

From the owners manual:
https://www.manualslib.com/manual/80515 ... 136#manual
#6. Insert the dipstick until it seats, but don't screw it in.

[GoldWingrGreg]

Hi. I place the wing on its center stand. Unscrew the oil fill/measure plug, wipe it clean, screw it back in, then unscrew and then measure the oil level. Same as I did for the 2012 wing.

OK ... so that takes us back to post #4. Be sure to follow the "oil checking instructions" in the Owner's Manual.

Owner's Manual > index > oil > engine > checking and adding oil

[Rick AhKao]

Thanks, but you were concerned about overfilling with oil. That has not happened.

[GoldWingrGreg]

Thanks, but you were concerned about overfilling with oil. That has not happened.

If you are screwing it in, now I'm concerned about it being full enough. Doing it the way you're describing, it could be a quart low. Is there anyway that it can be checked correctly so that the possibility of not having the correct oil level can be eliminated ???