AJS & Matchless Owners Club

Hello all
I have a Matchless 350 and though the bike is reg'd 1955 it has the later type engine.
My issue is that I have a loud tapping noise coming from the top end . I have checked the tappets as per manual instructions and there appears to be almost no play there [manual spec's 0] is that near enough?
Is there anything else I should check before I take the top off?

any info / advice would be gratefully received.

Thank you all in advance

John

End play on the camshafts can do a 'clacking' sound. Can be shimmed. The valve lifter lever can make a tapping noise if not adjusted right. Some hairpin valve springs can tap on the top of the rocker box. End play on the rocker shafts can also make a tapping noise. Worn gudgeon pin can rattle. Piston slap can be noisey when cold. Petrol tanks can rattle on the frame if wrongly fitted.
Dave.

Also consider. The A/R can tap ( Chatter ) ticking over, slip a piece cable shrink wrap over the part where the bob weights make contact to quieten it. Worn carb. slide will also tap ticking over,just touch the slide and see if it stops tapping. Check primary chain tension. Loose head steady bracket?

Take a video with sound and put it on facebook so we can hear the tapping

Thanks for the advice check list. I hope to get into it in the near future.