Chattering from top right cylinder

[isacivic]

Crossposting this for an ADV rider, don't know his name on here but he can't post because he hasn't had an account for long enough.

http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=703554

Well I was at the GS 500 forum and new members cannot join, so I cannot ask any questions so I thought I might start here.

I have a 1989 Suzuki GS 500E with around 10k miles.  I bought this bike for $300, owner said it doesn't have much power and doesn't want to stay running.  Well I wanted a project and I have never done any major engine work on a 4 stroke engine sooooooo.....

Here is what I have....after tinkering with the idle and cleaning the spark plugs I got it to run.....but here is the problem.  There is valve noise on the right bank.  I don't have a manual yet and I cannot find one online yet...still looking.  So seems like that right bank is not running really well and sounds like a tapping/pinging.  I am honestly going to assume that the valves have never been adjusted.  No noise on the left bank and no noise in the bottom end of the engine.  Worst case scenario I would replace the head...but I want to check and make sure that is necessary.

What should I do first....obviously I should check the valve adjustments, but not sure how to do that on this bike.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  I mean if nothing else this will be a learning experience.

Thanks.

Possibilities thrown around so far are valves out of adjustment, and cam chain problems.

[mister]

So, he has joined but is awaiting approval?

There is nothing stopping him using the Search function of this board or checking out the wiki for "how to" info.

He has brought a project bike so he needs to do Everything...

valves
carbs
oi and filter
chain & sprockets
change the gas
etc.

Michael

[sledge]

Could be several things........tell him to take the lid off, have a good look at the top end and go from there

[FJCharlie]

10k miles on a 22 years old bike? how many times?
i saw in the other thread (other forum) that you have opened top end, any silicone there? was it opened before? compresion test is a must, check gaskets for being old... measure 21 pin on cam chain 158mm is service limit.

[isacivic]

I suspect he's having browser problems. I'm just bored waiting for Motogp to download.

Ok Left intake and exhaust and right intake are very tight to .003 feeler gauge.....right exhaust...the one making all the noise I assume .003 slides through with ease.....but I cannot get .008 through there...which says it is within spec according to the FAQ.  No piston noise when I roll over the engine with the starter...I don't have a compression tester...I guess I am going to go buy one now.

Any other suggestions.

Left cylinder is a tiny bit above 95 psi
Right cylinder is around 105 psi.

Now what?

Compression and valves look good.

[burning1]

10k miles on a 22 years old bike? how many times?
i saw in the other thread (other forum) that you have opened top end, any silicone there? was it opened before? compresion test is a must, check gaskets for being old... measure 21 pin on cam chain 158mm is service limit.

My 93 had 4K miles. Garage stored, FTW.

[sledge]

95 and 105psi?......compression looks good?....no it doesnt its way down. The service limit is about 140psi. Are you sure the gauge is accurate?

Looks like the pots need to come off.

[crzydood17]

seats might be toast if its making the pinging noise he claims... would also explain the low comp if its on both, rebuild it and make it run 100k miles... bore ring and a full valve job...

[burning1]

Valves tend to get quiet when in need of an adjustment -- there's less clearance between the valve shim and the cam-lobe, so less slap and less noise. If the valve is making a lot of unusual noise, my first inclination would be a lose cam cap. If so, the bearing surfaces of the cam and head are going to be toast.

Really... Pull the cover, inspect everything. Worst case, you need a new head, which shouldn't be a huge deal given how many GS500s are out there with bottom end damage.