Knocking at 10,xxx miles.Resolved

[robfriedenberger]

So my motor is knocking at 10,xxx miles on the bike.

Yesterday i started it up after work, and i was talking to a co-worker while I was letting it warm up with the choke on, turned off the choke and at idle there is a knocking sound....well shoot, rev it it gos away. I tried rocking the bike back and forth from left to right to see if it could be the cams but that did not change the sound. So i'll check valves when i get home today. I changed the oil as soon as i got the bike. To castrol 10-40 syn motorbike oil 2,xxx miles ago. Also I strained it when draining it to see if there were any flakes. Its almost the end of the rideing season so i want to get as much rideing as possible in before i tear into it. My co-worker thinks its rod bearings, but the oil isn't low or burn. 

Questions:

1. What are things to check?
2. what is the best/simplest way to check rod bearings?
3. If it is rod bearings am i going to need a new motor?
4. if i need a new motor and this one is still running should i just ride it until it dies?

I know that there isn't a simple answer to this and i know that I wont know any thing until i break down the motor, just looking for some advice.

Also its 04 GS500 I bought it early September and put 2,xxx miles on it., I don't race it, I use it to commute to and from work, Always let it idle 2-3 minutes before i ride. Usually the highest rpm it will see from me is 7,5xx

[burning1]

Check the CCT first. If it's a rod bearing, you'll soon notice metal flakes in the bottom of the oil pain.

[sledge]

The noise generated from a worn rod bearing does not usually disappear as rpms increase.........it gets worse!

There is only one way to check bearing condition that doesn't involve dismantling the engine and inspecting/measuring components, that's to check the oil pressure in accordance with Suzukis procedure.

Those fastenings that hold the starter gear to the flywheel can loosen off and cause a rattle at idle that is often confused for a worn bearing, I would start by checking them out

[robfriedenberger]

Good call on the CCT  is it adjustable or just needs replaced. (tx500 required breaking the cam chain and tearing down the head to do so) So I'm ok with doing that if need be lol

Ill see about checking the oil pressure.

I'll try to check the small things first and work my way up.

Thanks for all the input! .....I was hopeing now to have to throw another $1000 at this bike

[gsJack]

If it's a low frequency knock only at idle, only when hot, and goes away when throttle is picked up to a fast idle your lucky.  Sounds like the cam shaft end play knock that many have had and it's harmless if that's what it is.  I was first to report it here 10-12 years ago and pulled my valve cover to check and found excess endplay on one cam.

Suzuki finally acknowledged it on early 04-05 F models and came out with a warranty fix:

http://www.gs500.net/gallery/data/500/Can_Fix.jpg

If it's not the cam knock then you can start worrying.  Had it on both my 97 and 02 GSs but haven't heard it for years now.  Frequency of knock is most important in identifying it from low end knocks.

[robfriedenberger]

It happens when cold and hot, but gos away at 1,500 rpm or better

[gsJack]

I never heard it cold, only when hot.  It's more of a thud as I recall it and at a one second or so frequency.  You mentioned going home to check valves so you can check tensioner and unloaded cam end play while it's opened up.

[The Buddha]

The noise generated from a worn rod bearing does not usually disappear as rpms increase.........it gets worse!

Not quite ... rod bearing as it starts to go will knock when you're off the throttle.

Of course that will soon be followed by banging and hammering @ all times and a hail of metal inside your crankcase.

Cam chain noise will obviously sound like a chain - like a metal chain dragging over a metal grate ...

Tap tap @ 1500 or less = end play on cam shaft, or one valve being @ higher side of spec clearance.

Cool.
Buddha.

[sledge]

Anyone else noticed an echo in here??

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=65626.msg786635#msg786635

It wont be a bearing if you have managed to get another 2k on it without it getting any worse and it wont be the camshaft if your engine number is above 125865

You say the noise appears to come from the lower left.............well that's where the starter gear is located.....so go check it out 

[robfriedenberger]

......

How forgetful i can be.

I assume you are talking about the vin when saying engine number above 125865?

[sledge]

......

How forgetful i can be.

I assume you are talking about the vin when saying engine number above 125865?

No....we are talking about the engine number.

[robfriedenberger]

Where is the engine number typically found?

[sledge]

Its stamped into the engine casing in the area to the left of and behind the oil filler cap. It will begin with M504

[robfriedenberger]

Thanks, that should give some thing to go off of.

[gsJack]

I forgot about last months noise, can hardly wait until next month!   

[robfriedenberger]

Hopefully next months noises..... 

I guess there wont be any noises either way next month. Also the end of the season here. Its ~40 degrease here in the mornings when I'm on my way to work at 40-80MPH...Its cold. 

I really need to get this sorted out before it go's in to storage for the winter.

[The Buddha]

Anyone else noticed an echo in here??

There is always an echo in here ... have you seen a new issue in years ... Ok maybe the second instance of starwalts qualifies - otherwise its the same BS over and over ...
Cool.
Buddha.

[weedahoe]

I get you said you changed the oil 2K miles ago but what was the oil level when you developed this knock?

[pliskin]

I forgot about last months noise, can hardly wait until next month!   

Amen to that brother.
Just take it out and wind it out real good and hard. If something bad happens it was just time for it to happen. Oh, then check your oil .

[sledge]

otherwise its the same BS over and over ...

You can say that again