2017 1400 California Touring Rattle when starting

[Stretch]

Good Evening!

Bike has about 12.5K on it, and it's just developed a rattle when starting. Mostly when cold.
It sounds like a loose cam chain on the RH side, but goes away in just a second or so.
Only happens at startup. I checked the oil after a run with the bike upright, and the
dipstick resting on the threads, and it's about halfway between the high and low marks.
Otherwise, the bike sounds fine and runs fine. Fuel mileage seems normal.

I'm thinking it's the cam chain tensioner, and it's taking a second to get pressurized for
some reason. HiFlo filter and LiquidMoly 10W60 changed 2500 miles ago.

Is there a cure for this? Normal? Something to be concerned about? Any thoughts?

I'm told that the sump gasket can fail internally, and this can lower oil pressure to the
tensioner at startup. Any truth to this? I'm told that changing the sump gasket on these
is a BIG job. I just got the bike back together after taking the exhaust system off to get
the LH balance tube welded back to the header, and I'd really rather ride it this summer
than take it all apart again. 

Thanks in advance for any help/suggestions.

                                                            -Stretch

[guzzisteve]

Yes, they do all of what you read. Any truth in it? Yes. Cam chain plunger for R/H side is under a cap, L/H you have to take off Cyl. If you blow out the gasket in pan you loose oil pressure, believe it or keep riding & see what happens.
Just keep riding, you'll know if it goes bad. It'll make more noise and oil lite will come on. At least I answered your Q's.

[Ncdan]

Good Evening!

Bike has about 12.5K on it, and it's just developed a rattle when starting. Mostly when cold.
It sounds like a loose cam chain on the RH side, but goes away in just a second or so.
Only happens at startup. I checked the oil after a run with the bike upright, and the
dipstick resting on the threads, and it's about halfway between the high and low marks.
Otherwise, the bike sounds fine and runs fine. Fuel mileage seems normal.

I'm thinking it's the cam chain tensioner, and it's taking a second to get pressurized for
some reason. HiFlo filter and LiquidMoly 10W60 changed 2500 miles ago.

Is there a cure for this? Normal? Something to be concerned about? Any thoughts?

I'm told that the sump gasket can fail internally, and this can lower oil pressure to the
tensioner at startup. Any truth to this? I'm told that changing the sump gasket on these
is a BIG job. I just got the bike back together after taking the exhaust system off to get
the LH balance tube welded back to the header, and I'd really rather ride it this summer
than take it all apart again. 

Thanks in advance for any help/suggestions.

                                                            -Stretch

IMHO. This type of mechanical issue may need to be addressed by a reputable MG dealership and by an experienced guzzi technician.

[Stretch]

Well, thanks for the info, GuzziSteve.

All of the idiot lights go out as soon as
the engine is started, so overall oil pressure is
probably okay.

Still, it sounds like I should pull the oil pan at
some point to make sure all is well. Bugger.

I guess I'm looking now for anyone with experience with
this noise long-termish. How long have I got?!   

                                            -Stretch

[guzzisteve]

Right on Dan. Although these things do happen, it may not be what issue is. All 8V motors rattle until oil gets around, if gasket is blown it takes longer and could effect other parts. You can't inspect over internet, not even on video only actual hands on. The rest is speculation.

1400 block & pan are different I think, can't remember. Might not have that gasket. I'll look.

I looked you have 1 not 2 big pan gskts. That might be OK, but I'd check to be sure.

[moto-uno]

 It's not such a great deal to simply install an oil pressure gauge . I've put them on every bike I've had for the last 3 decades and (you'll sleep better at night  )

[Moparnut72]

My Mandello will sometimes rattle on on cold startup after sitting for a few days as I had been riding the V7. It scared me the first time it did it but no big deal now.
kk

[Kjon]

It’s not an uncommon occurrence on the both the 12 and 1400 engines. My Eldorado does it often when starting from cold. I wouldn’t worry about it. As long as the rattle stops within a few seconds you’ll be fine.
Also, the 1400s have a one piece sump with no gasket issues.
Jon