HELP! dgyer...Bob B...Srinath...motor gurus - ENGINE CLACK

[octane]

Well, I think I may have finally pushed the old girl too far. Bike had been running a little weak. Now it's making a hard clack from the right cylinder at startup. Once it's running it sounds a little louder than normal, but not bad. The sound is worst when I start it cold. It sounds to me like what I'd imagine a bad rod bearing or piston slap sounding like...but I've never actually heard one. Before I tear this thing apart, any of you guys experienced with building these motors have a better idea as to what it might be - or have you experienced this sound? Thanks in advance.

[dgyver]

Have you drained the oil to see what might be in it? Dropping the oil pan is a good idea since stuff can get trapped in the ridges instead of draining out.

I know what piston slap sounds like....it sounds like valve tick but not as high pitched. Running a little weak may be bad rings.

The loud clack may be a rod bearing.

Looks like the top end will need to be pulled for starters.

[octane]

Thanks man, I'll drop the pan this weekend and see what I've got. I was hoping to finish my car before doing anything to the damn bike! DOH!

[The Buddha]

Not starter clutch ... does it make it as you thumb the starter ... or after it starts ... if thumbing the starter ... that = starter clutch ... easy $26 part and a 20 min repair ... if you have impact wrench and good heavy sliding hammer ... I made mine from a block of steel and pipe ... and GS uses the front axle to slide on ...
Cool.
Srinath.

[octane]

Damn Srinath...glad I included you in the subject line! It IS when I thumb the starter. Still doesn't explain why the bike has been a little down on power...but if I can get away with replacing the starter clutch and riding the bike as is the rest of the season, that would be great.

[The Buddha]

Down on power ... maybe you got starwalts ... starter clutch is carrying the starter with it ... starter sucks the power out and burns itself out ... motor has higher load and hence no power ...
Cool.
Srinath.