"Normal" noise

[philosopheriam]

Hi,

Long story short, I recently got my buddys 1982 GS650GL running again (petcock failed, rebuilt the carbs, etc) and everything seems fine. However, I have not heard these engines run before, so I do not know what noises are typical.

This bike has a slight "whirring" from underneath the valve cover, which I am assuming is the timing chain. It's not a slapping or a high-pitched whine, just a definite "whirring" sound.

Is this normal for the 650 series of inline 4's ? Thanks!

[7981GS]

More than likely, normal.
They all make that sound at speed.

Daniel

[Dogma]

I don't know about whirring, but the 8 valve GS should have a noticeable but quiet clatter. Very reminiscent of a sewing machine running. If you don't hear this, it's usually an indication of valves being too tight.

Whirring could be maybe a tachometer cable?

Disclaimer: I know the 850 and 1000 motors, but the 550 and 650 are very similar.

[BassCliff]

Hi,

These engines are not the quietest. If you've set the cam chain tensioner properly, adjusted the valves properly, then you should have no issues. I run my valves a little on the loose and of the spec. My engine definitely sounds like a sewing machine, an old foot pedal manual sewing machine like my Grandma used to use.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[philosopheriam]

A sewing machine is a great way to describe it - I know the clatter of the valves is normal, however, there is a slight "whirring" to the timing chain that appears to be normal.

In any case, I ran the bike today and tinkered with the carb mixture a touch - the engine ran and revved fine. So, I'm not going to get to worried.

Mid-summer, I'll pull the valve cover again and adjust the valves - when I checked them they were on the very low end of the clearance chart. By mid summer, I know it's going to need an adjustment, so, I'll get another chance to look at the valvetrain agan and check everything. For giggle, I'll probably rebuild the tensioner while I'm at it.

Thanks folks!

[tom203]

A sewing machine is a great way to describe it - I know the clatter of the valves is normal, however, there is a slight "whirring" to the timing chain that appears to be normal.

In any case, I ran the bike today and tinkered with the carb mixture a touch - the engine ran and revved fine. So, I'm not going to get to worried.


Thanks folks!

Sounds normal!
If you're not going to get worried, why not check charging system ( if you haven't already) since this is a weak spot.

[philosopheriam]

Yup - I have around 14.7 volts at 5000 RPM. Seems fine!

[tom203]

Yup - I have around 14.7 volts at 5000 RPM. Seems fine!

Sounds very good, but does this bike still have one stator lead up to lefthand switch and back to regulator plug? On 82's the head light is on always (no on/off switch like on 81 model) , but they still ran a stator lead up to switch to confuse folks .

[JEEPRUSTY]

Why hell boy that the whirlygig outta adjustment.
HEHEHE OMG that was funny.

Could this whirl be a tach drive guys?

Oh and if its not on its centre stand it could be a tilt o whirl.

Again send money in a plain envelope.