2002 California - valve noise. Could it be something worse than just adjusting?

[WhiteMountainsV85TT]

Hello to all.  I am interested in this 2002 California. They claim it has excessive top end noise. If you watch the video, there is a test ride at the end and you can hear it.
I would like you experts to weigh in on whether it it could be more than just a simple valve adjustment. It looks like a nice bike at a decent price.
https://youtu.be/RkemyUQzkFU

[Kev m]

I believe a 2002 Cali is one of the rare hydraulic lifter models.

IIRC they were subject to multiple recalls before a decent fix was found.

And not all received any or the final fix.

Proceed with caution, and consult the experts here on the hydro particulars before purchase.

[guzzisteve]

Some do say 02 but mostly 03 & 04 for Hydro's. Could just be mis adjustment bigger, some folks like them at older number & not 4 & 6.

Looks like an Anniversary model & would be non hydro and a real 02. Red leather stuff is real expensive to replace.

Buy it & take care of it, not alot of them made.

Edit:      Hellofa bike at #3000

[Cam3512]

‘02’s were plagued with the rough peeling engine paint.  Purely cosmetic.  ‘03’s went to the smooth black.

[chuck peterson]

I listened to the video of the “valve noise”, under way.

Yeah right…it made me wonder how many guzzi the tech has touched.

This is indeed a very special edition that, much like many Guzzi attempts at special editions, died on the vine. See the 75th anniversary silver/red. Resale value doesn’t reflect the Guzzi attempt at special editions. in this case, meaning, it’s a damn cheap buy! GUZZI CONTENT! Bingo jackpot!…

There are 1998 EVs out there for a good buy at $3000. This has custom red leather accents made by a very top level Italian company outside the factory on the grips, the saddle, backrest, and leather saddle bags.Tooooooooooooo o baaaaaaaaadddddd about the crocodile lids, but that’s a personal thing for the previous owner. It’s a beautiful smooth fault free one of a kind color. Except for the lids. I wonder if these are new lids with the original ones sitting somewhere. The color in the video is a little duller than reality. Like most guzzi they look brighter and better in person.

I beat $50 the oil leak/s will be centered around the 6oclock position oring sealing the valve cover, the valve cover gasket, or the multiple orings under the rockers, all of which are a piece of cake with a few tools and a torque wrench. A head gasket maybe, a base gasket tricky-err. This is one of the best benefits of a Guzzi, easy access to all of the above.

I drooled over this model when it came out. I think it was the highest priced of all guzzi at the time. I was riding a caliIII with the full fairing. Another special edition that was made in very few numbers but sat on the showroom floor.

Objectively as i see it, your looking at the highest priced model in that year for bottom dollar price.

The valves sound awesomely perfect Guzzi to me. I hope someone else could chime in and listen.

The effing bag lids though make me cry…

[Rocket Rod]

It sounds a little noisy on the test ride, not at all horrible, and that could be the result of the recording device. I guess the question is "did the dealer check valve lash?" If I was within a couple of hours drive of that dealer I would be tempted to go listen to it myself. A lot of bike for the money (even in this market) especially if that "noise" is easily remedied.

[chuck peterson]

It’s got a sale pending sign on it..

Besides the missed shift while trying 4th gear at 3500 rpm, I didn’t hear anything out of order. Like Cam said, I would look closely at the black engine paint for bubbling…

Loud valves save lives…or something like that

[WhiteMountainsV85TT]

Thank you for all the input, very much appreciated. If it's still available, I plan to look it over and listen to it run. Also, I looked up the parts diagram for the head assembly.
It appears to me to be standard push rods, not hydraulic. So hoping it just needs adjusting.

[Cam3512]

If I recall, the 2002’s should also have the external fuel pump.  Last year.

[scra99tch]

I'd almost be willing to make the drive up and hear it run with ya but I am heading out to Vacation tomorrow and won't be back until Sat next week.

These motors have a very real definite tick to them. and I would implore you to view other youtube videos if you've never been up close to one.  From the video hard to tell but more than likely a little loose.

Wat town you live in now?  I alive in Wilton next to Milford.

[elrealistico]

This is what they look like, unmolested. A fine example, with less than 5k miles on it 

https://www.facebook.com/share/1BNDnQekio/

But they are asking a lot for it, will probably come down over time I am sure. NO Connection to seller, just throwing it up there.

The valves seem a bit noisy, but even my 04 hydro is sometimes clankier till it gets up to full operating temp

[scra99tch]

Oh and by the way.

I have bought both my Guzzi's from this place.

a 2001 Jackal (rough shape) casting hole flaw in the intake manifold probably why it was beat on and left for dead.
2007 Cali Vintage great shape but the stripped the back rack off to sell on ebay.

I would buy from here again but they just churn through bikes that dealers dont want to hold onto.  Turnover is quite high here.

[WhiteMountainsV85TT]

Hey Scra99tch. I live up north off of exit 32 I93, Woodstock NH.
That is a beauty listed on FB in Florida.

[rtbickel]

The valvetrain on my 02 Cal SS has been noisier than that since new with a little wacka wacka at idle, quiets down at speed.  Valves have generally required minimal adjustment at the required intervals, now 40,000 + miles. 

[bigbikerrick]

I wonder if that bike could be a hydro? FWIW, I owned an 03 Aluminum, that was a hydro ,and it said 2002 date of manufacture  on the vin plate. That engine was almost silent, as far as valve clatter. It had the "fix" at 10K miles, and I sold it with 31K trouble free miles. It was a great sidecar tug!   
Rick.

[Wayne Orwig]

I wonder if that bike could be a hydro? FWIW, I owned an 03 Aluminum, that was a hydro ,and it said 2002 date of manufacture  on the vin plate. That engine was almost silent, as far as valve clatter. It had the "fix" at 10K miles, and I sold it with 31K trouble free miles. It was a great sidecar tug!   
Rick.

The hydraulic lifter models where pretty quiet. Until they weren't.

[WhiteMountainsV85TT]

I got the ok from my better half to add to the stable (V100, 87 R80, DR650).  Will check it out tomorrow (snow?) Plan to take a video and post it.
I'll put a deposit and see what you all think. Much appreciated!
Ray