replacing a crankshaft

[Guccisport]

i've got a '93 gs500 that just crapped out on me.  i took it to the dealership and they told me it "might be the crank shaft."  i have the manual and could probably do the work, but i just wanted to check in with people to see how tedious a job it is, or might be, if it's really the crank.  also, if i was to replace the crank, any idea about how specialized my tools need to be to pull that off?  thanks for any info!

[JasonB]

I'd get a better opinion than "it might be the crankshaft"!

[JamesG]

tell 'em you "might pay them to fix it".  

[The Buddha]

Yea people here making 65hp and runnign bores that are so big they eat into oil paggasges in the cylinder and they not breaking cranks even then. tell those idiots you "may kick their arse"... Its a cam chain tensioner, or intake mainfold air leak or other assorted crap... If you can be more specific about crapped out we may be more specific than "I think your bike has a problem..."
Cool.
Srinath.

[Guccisport]

by crapped out i mean that it still runs, but it sounds like the engine is about to fly apart internally.  i first noticed a clatter about five minutes from home and by the time i got there it was making a racket.  i also noticed some loss of compression previous to the clatter (the idle would drop dramatically at points).  after i listened to it, i thought it might be a loose rod or ill-adjusted valve.  the dealership mechanic also mentioned the rod as a possibility.  so...i'm thinking if it is a rod or valve, or even a crank shaft, i'd like to fix it myself because the dealership rapes you on the labor cost.  but the thought of tearing into the engine without the right tools or know-how is daunting, so i guess i'm looking for some ideas/experiences that others have had with similar jobs.  thanks :mrgreen:

[The Buddha]

I believe you're looking for Rashad... should pop up anytime soon... BTW you wouldn't happen to be a hot little chick would you... cos in that case post a pic of yourself (clothing optional but tasteful please) and quick response from him is guaranteed... (hope he doesn't kill me for saying this... Word is he is very vengeful....)      
Cool.
Srinath.

[The Buddha]

Ok BTW the symptoms you described are all pointing to intake manifold leak than lower end. With the motor running (turn up the idle to ~1700 so it dont stall) spray wd 40 around the carbs. white smoke in the pipe or idle going up = intake manifold leak...10 mins and $20 for a seasoned veteran like most of us here, 20 mins and $20 for a newbie. yanking the air box off and getting it back on is the hardest part.
Cool.
Srinath.

[Guccisport]

sadly, i lack the required sexual anatomy to get ahead in this world.

[The Buddha]

Yea I guess... but you could surf the net and post one as bait...
BTW Bottom end problems especially when they start they usually show up on trailing throttle. Banging noises when you let off the gas is the first symptom... the scratching, tapping and rattling noises are intake manifold. So is the fact that the problem came on suddenly, and it makes noises and lacks power but runs. You hvae all symptoms of intake manifold leak... how many miles, and how was it used/cared for.
Cool.
Srinath.

[KevinC]

I'd bet on balnce shaft bearings. Makes a rattling noise that picks up with rpm, still runs. Did some in myself this summer, so I have sad experience.

Running it more just circulates the bearing "flour" through the engine.

If you pull the oil pan on the bottom of the engine, and it has sand bars of dark, finely ground material, that will be the remains of the bearing surface material. Oh yeah, drain the oil first!

[scratch]

I'd say check the oil first as Kevin suggested. Did you check the oil? Makin' a racket like that could just be low oil, but then if it's too late...

[Guccisport]

i checked to oil before i rode the day that it started clattering and all was good.  unfortunately i don't have the bike back from the shop yet as i'm making arrangements to get a truck to transport, so i won't be able to try any of your tips.  anyway, the bike has about 11,ooo miles on it and it has been well cared for in the two years that i've owned it.  when the problem started, i had just gotten an oil leak from the clutch cover repaired.  the problem occurred the same day i got it back from the shop.  coincidence???  or could it be that the shop botched something that caused the clatter?