I have a really bad ticking noise coming from the top end of the motor. i have adjusted the rocker arms to were i believe they should be and the noise is still there? it is a mid 80's honda 350 quad.

Here are 3 causes for lifter tick!
Bad Lifter, Dirty Oil Deposits, Bent Push Rod, The rocker arms will make a noise if push rod clearance is not adjusted right. God-Bless! and hope this helps you!or the rocker arms may be worn.

ist probably your rocker arms they are located underneath the valvue cover

the ticking , if you hear it on the top of the motor, will be a rocker arm,, it could be plugged and not getting oil, if its coming from lower down in the motor, it is possibly a stuck valve,, or a rod bearing , if its a ticking noise its more than likely the rocker assembly,, if its more of a knocking noise its lower in the motor

it is probably a lifter or a tie rod end

What does the "tick" sound like?? The R-RT is an air/oil cooled engine and some noise is normal. If noise is very loud, it could indicate a problem with valve train or any number of other things.

Does noise stop when you pull clutch in with trans. in neutral?

When were the valves last checked/adjusted? Was rocker arm end play checked as well as valve clearance?

Sorry, more questions than answers

The only thing under the rocker boxes is the rockers and the upper part of the heads with the valve springs. Getting to this area is not that difficult.

Remove the fuel tank and seat. Then, remove the six bolts that holt the top and middle rocker box covers on. Now, you're at the rocker plate with the rocker arms in it. You can also see the tops of the valve springs. Look and see if there is anything that might be causing your noise.

Now, keep in mind that a Harley engine is of an old design. It is a pushrod type engine with rocker arms that open and close the valves. They are going to make a little noise. Now, if you're having to get close to the rocker box to hear the noise, it's probably nothing to worry about. But, if you can hear the noise stand away from the bike a few feet, you may have a problem. But most things that might break or come loose under the rocker box will usually effect the way the engine runs.

Also, you could have an exhaust leak. It makes a "tick, tick, tick" type noise. Tighten the nuts on the two studs snugly but don't break them off.

Good Luck
Steve

Double check the tolerances, a loose lock nut on a tappet can make noise. Some times a bad or missing exhaust o-ring can cause a ticking sound, make sure you remove the old exhaust gasket and install a new one.

had the same thing on my 350 the adjustment screw for the valves had backed out had to readjust them and replace lock nuts

if high milage motor seems fine leave it as is-not proper way to fix either have worn cam, rocker, or bad lifter. old chevy motors with car running was zero latch no ticking 3/4 to 1 turn to center lifter plunger