Starter Clutch bolts coming loose...

[Unsane]

The engine i pulled out of my GS last year with suspected bearing issues... anything under 2500rpm was rakkata-rakkata-rakkata-rakkata
...turns out the three bolts holding the starter clutch onto the generator had wound themselves out! Replaced the bolts, new gasket, lots of loctite and torque wrench action and its all fixed!

Is this a common occurance? The only reason I ask it that it also happened to the replacement engine i put in last year as well! What are the chances of it happening on two different engines to the same person? I have trawled and searched the site but nothing specific about these bolts coming loose!

[Kijona]

The engine i pulled out of my GS last year with suspected bearing issues... anything under 2500rpm was rakkata-rakkata-rakkata-rakkata
...turns out the three bolts holding the starter clutch onto the generator had wound themselves out! Replaced the bolts, new gasket, lots of loctite and torque wrench action and its all fixed!

Is this a common occurance? The only reason I ask it that it also happened to the replacement engine i put in last year as well! What are the chances of it happening on two different engines to the same person? I have trawled and searched the site but nothing specific about these bolts coming loose!

Did it sound like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0UK0A3iHT4 ?

My 97 is making a weird sound sometimes like that too, except it's not nearly as loud NOR is it constant - only happens sometimes. Did yours do that too?

[Dizzledan]

Unsane- I have a loose starter clutch that sometimes doesn't want to catch on the rotor, and I put that in myself. I would say either someone put in a new starter clutch and didn't torque the bolts right, or the vibration/cranking has caused it loose over time. Lucky that the bolts didn't come off and wreck your flywheel.

Kijona- That video has the cam end float noise (popular on the GS) with what could be badly adjusted valves, or a worn bearing. If it goes away when you rev up, it's likely the cam end float; though I would definitely check your valve clearances.

[Kijona]

Unsane- I have a loose starter clutch that sometimes doesn't want to catch on the rotor, and I put that in myself. I would say either someone put in a new starter clutch and didn't torque the bolts right, or the vibration/cranking has caused it loose over time. Lucky that the bolts didn't come off and wreck your flywheel.

Kijona- That video has the cam end float noise (popular on the GS) with what could be badly adjusted valves, or a worn bearing. If it goes away when you rev up, it's likely the cam end float; though I would definitely check your valve clearances.

It only does it when it's coming down from idle and the valves were adjusted 2k miles ago per the last owner and the shop she took it to (one she bought it from).

Mine isn't as loud or as...well...gruesome as that...thankfully.

[Dizzledan]

She also said those tires were just put on too, right? I wouldn't trust a seller further than I could throw them. A lot of  people out there. It's a good thing to do on a rainy weekend though.

[Kijona]

She also said those tires were just put on too, right? I wouldn't trust a seller further than I could throw them. A lot of  people out there. It's a good thing to do on a rainy weekend though.

Uh, well, in her defense they are new...just old. Know what I mean? Maybe the shop was screwing her over.

[Unsane]

Did it sound like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0UK0A3iHT4 ?

My 97 is making a weird sound sometimes like that too, except it's not nearly as loud NOR is it constant - only happens sometimes. Did yours do that too?

No mine sounded like someone hammering the casing - yours sounds like a cam/valve issue

[Unsane]

Unsane- I have a loose starter clutch that sometimes doesn't want to catch on the rotor, and I put that in myself. I would say either someone put in a new starter clutch and didn't torque the bolts right, or the vibration/cranking has caused it loose over time. Lucky that the bolts didn't come off and wreck your flywheel.

The bolts sit right behind the starter gear itself - they wound themselves out and the starter gear was preventing them from falling out completely. Wish I had taken some photos cos both engines are fixed and sealed up now! The cover gasket looked original... I reckon they just came loose from good vibes or werent torqued correctly during manufacturing. Two seperate engines, same problem, same owner - maybe I was just cranking it wrong 

[Kijona]

That isn't my bike in the video. Just one that sounds like mine but not as grotesque.