change in engine noise

[OldStan]

Recently I've been riding my CA77 taking only short trips, two or three miles to town and back. When I'd get home it would be noisier than it usually was. I went through the valve adjustment with no change. I pulled the valve cover to make sure I had oil pressure (did this with a cold engine), checked cam chain tension, nothing appeared to be wrong.

I just changed the oil and cleaned the filter, and found the problem. Last oil change I had cut the inner o-ring on the filter cover (early small cover). A piece about an inch long came out with the cover when I pulled it, it had stayed jammed in there. I smoothed the edge of the cover, it was almost sharp not rounded. After I put it back I took it for a ride and it was back to normal. Hopefully I haven't done any serious damage.

It was one of those problems that has no external signs, at least that I could find. I thought posting my error might be useful to someone else.

[G-Man]

Thanks for sharing that. I hope everything is OK with the bike.

G