Another Update: Engine Clanking Noise

[Shadow Camaro]

Ok so I took the left side cover off today. Didn't find much except for that the piece adidasguy was talking about runs through to the other side as well. When I push from one side to the other, I hear it move and make a noise similar to what I hear at idle. Lemme know what you guys think!

http://youtube.com/watch?feature=plcp&v=PV3FzD9ggNA

[adidasguy]

First, to view the video on a normal computer you have to remove the "m." as that switchers it to a mobile device, making Firefox very unhappy:
http://youtube.com/watch?feature=plcp&v=PV3FzD9ggNA

That bolt and washer must be there. It does hold it in place. If the bolt is not tight, it will flop back and forth.
Maybe the bolt was loose? Was it easy to remove? If so, then it was coming off and needs to be tightened to spec with thread lock (clean out the hole with some carb cleaner first and let it dry)

[Shadow Camaro]

well i tried tightening it but the internals move with the bolt. so i had to put a wrench on either side but even after tightening it, it still moves some. but it doesnt seem like it moves enough to make a sound that violent. Im starting to think the sound is coming from the top of the engine, on the left side, which worries me greatly. How could i check the topside without taking too much apart?

[adidasguy]

Remove the valve cover.
You CAN run the bike for a few seconds with it off. Oil will splash, but that is just a cover. It serves no structural purpose. Its sole purpose is to keep oil from splashing out of the engine.

You might find the problem just by taking it off and looking for damaged cam caps or loose bolts.

But if you do want to, you can run for a few seconds with it off. Be prepared to wipe up oil that sprays around.

[Shadow Camaro]

okay i think ill try that tomorrow. Also, i checked the oil i drained and theres definitely metal shavings in there . Is it a truely terrible sign?

[Paulcet]

Prognosis is grim.

Have you asked your buddy when the red light came on when he was riding it? (Not that it was his fault, it should have had enough oil when he got on it.)

[weedahoe]

okay i think ill try that tomorrow. Also, i checked the oil i drained and theres definitely metal shavings in there . Is it a truely terrible sign?

It's a sign you need a new engine.