Ran it low on OIL...DUHHH!!

[Jeffury]

I was out riding and my engine started ckicking and clacking...all I could think to do was get it home, thought it had oil. By the time i get home my engine sounds like a jack hammer or hammer drill or somthing, and I check the oil and sure enough there is almost none. after letting it cool and putting oil in it it starts and runs fine but the jack hammer noise is still there...so what did I destroy? and how much $$$ will it cost to fix  :dunno:
It still fires on both cylinders.  seems to run good, but just "clacks" almost sounds like a diesel engine..Im guessing this is bad.. :x  bike has like 17k miles, its a 92'

[GRU]

i'm quessing the upper part of the engine will need to be rebuilt......the oil was low so it lubed the crank and pistons but the cams and valves didn't get any oil

[Jeffury]

I was thinking somthing like that..and Ideas how much that will cost?? I know of a shop around here that is realy trustworthy, he's slow because he gets backed up..so It will be a while im guessing, I have done some engine work, and I might be able to do this..but having a yard the size of a tennis court and having no garage or shelter of any kind, not to mention lack of the proper tools...I dont think ill be doing it.  

[JamesG]

You've got a kitchen right?

Seriously, sounds like you did some damage somewhere. First step will be to take the vavle cover off and look at the cams and vavle buckets and shims. That you can do outside on a drive way or sidewalk with the motor in the frame if the weather's nice.  

If thats not it you will need to pull the engine.  If you feel up to it and have the space indoors, you can take the top end apart and inspect the pistons and cylinders.  Beyond that, and you are probably better off taking it to the shop. You will at least be a bit ahead because you've already dismounted the engine and ruled out what it ISN'T, so they can't charge you for that.

Good luck!

[Rippa_MD]

yeah what are the estimates for those who have done this work before?
you know worst case scenario, best case scenario, what are the ballbark figures?

[MarkusN]

i'm quessing the upper part of the engine will need to be rebuilt......the oil was low so it lubed the crank and pistons but the cams and valves didn't get any oil

On the contrary, you destroyed the lower end. The first thing that gives when oil runs low are the plain bearings of crankshaft, balancer shaft and rods. That's also where your jackhammer sound comes from: excessive play in those bearings. As long as the shafts are okay you can just replace the soft metal bearings. Cost is acceptable if you can do the work yourself. If the crankshaft got damaged, better look for a replacement motor; it will be cheaper.

If you are all thumbs, also look for a replacement motor. I have read one too many story of guys rebuilding their motor only to find that it was shot anyway after a few hundred miles because they did something wrong during assembly.