82 GS1100E Eng. Noise - help keep me from parting this out!

[staschman]

I've posted on this a few times before over the last few years. I've got an '82 GS1100E, 2nd owner, with 37,000 miles. Bought it from the original owner in 2000 with 21,000 miles.

See Pics here: http://rides.webshots.com/slideshow/560318118TeJvLM

It has: V&H air filters, stage 3 jet kit, V&H 4 into 1 header. Reportedly has a Katana clutch from same year, according to prior owner. Valves are lashed properly.

The engine starts and runs just fine. However, its been sitting since 2003 when an engine noise developed. There is a constant whirring / rattling noise directly tied to engine rpm.

It seems most prominent in the lower left hand side of the engine. I've listened with a steth and the noise is manifested everywhere so its hard to determine where it is exactly. It sounds like a bad bearing, or one getting ready to go.

This noise was intermittent at first, then became constant.

I've since acquired 2 other bikes that I ride all the time. This GS has been setting protected in my garage, awaiting some action to fix it or get rid of it.

I've been tempted several times to part it out and be done with it. Then I pull off the cover and realize again how great the bike looks. I'm not a skilled motor rebuilder, nor do I think I can justify the expense of a complete rebuild. I would attempt to fix it if I knew the problem.

So far, I know for sure what the noise is NOT.

- right side: I've removed clutch entirely and briefly started the bike for less than 5 seconds (no oil pump in play). Noise still there.

- left side: removed everthing on the left end of the crank so its not the starter clutch, idler gear or starter gear. Push started the bike and the noise is still there.

Don't think its cam chain or tensioner, as I replaced the rear curved cam chain guide and reset the tensioner, no change in the noise before and after.

Bad crank bearing? Some on the site have previously suggested this is unlikely.

Piston slap or conrod bearings?

I'ld love to hear from someone that could point me to a reasonable cause and solution for this.

Either way I'm to the point where I need to . . . sniffle, move on.

Alternatives other than fixing it are to sell the bike as is. Probably not worth a lot to do so.

It may end with a post saying 'Parting out '82 GS1100E'.

I just hate the thought of cannibalizing it though.

Any ideas?

[bonanzadave]

The engine starts and runs just fine.

Huh ?

If the crank twisted, like a lot of 82s did, It wouldnt run very well. How did the oil look ? Drop the oil pan ? Any chance of posting some audio ?

[isleoman]

Whirring noise is exactly how I would describe what it sounded like when the crank on my EZ twisted. Sorry

Were you putting a heavy load (hard acceleration) when it started?

Maybe someone will come along to tell you how to measure for confirmation. I imagine its a measurement of the piston heights

Hope its something else.

[staschman]

Bonanzadave, yes it seems to run fine and strong, just makes the noise.

Capturing and posting audio is a good idea. I'll have to think how I'll do that. May be a little while . . . .

I haven't run it for a couple years, and will probably have to jump the battery, if it isn't dead.

isleoman,

Were you putting a heavy load (hard acceleration) when it started?

No not really at the time the sound first began. I never abused the machine per se, such as revving and dumping the clutch or clutchless shifting. I would of course, accellerate full on from time to time, which it still did with the noise in place, with no apparent loss of power.

At first the noise was intermittent beginning on a leisurely back roads ride. The sound would come and go over the next few hundred miles, then became permanent.

Can I measure crank twist be taking 1 to TDC, measuring 1 and 4 through the spark plug holes, then doing the same for 2 & 3?

If it is twisted, are there reasonable options for repair, or are we talking big $$$ for rebuild and / or new crank?

A wrecked bike with a good engine to swap out would be a great option, but those seem to be unobtanium.

[chef1366]

Bonanzadave, yes it seems to run fine and strong, just makes the noise.

Capturing and posting audio is a good idea. I'll have to think how I'll do that. May be a little while . . . .

I haven't run it for a couple years, and will probably have to jump the battery, if it isn't dead.

isleoman,



No not really at the time the sound first began. I never abused the machine per se, such as revving and dumping the clutch or clutchless shifting. I would of course, accellerate full on from time to time, which it still did with the noise in place, with no apparent loss of power.

At first the noise was intermittent beginning on a leisurely back roads ride. The sound would come and go over the next few hundred miles, then became permanent.

Can I measure crank twist be taking 1 to TDC, measuring 1 and 4 through the spark plug holes, then doing the same for 2 & 3?

If it is twisted, are there reasonable options for repair, or are we talking big $$$ for rebuild and / or new crank?

A wrecked bike with a good engine to swap out would be a great option, but those seem to be unobtanium.

Did you check under the ignition cover?
Where are you located?

[Road_Clam]

Bonanzadave, yes it seems to run fine and strong, just makes the noise.

Capturing and posting audio is a good idea. I'll have to think how I'll do that. May be a little while . . . .

I haven't run it for a couple years, and will probably have to jump the battery, if it isn't dead.

isleoman,



No not really at the time the sound first began. I never abused the machine per se, such as revving and dumping the clutch or clutchless shifting. I would of course, accellerate full on from time to time, which it still did with the noise in place, with no apparent loss of power.

At first the noise was intermittent beginning on a leisurely back roads ride. The sound would come and go over the next few hundred miles, then became permanent.

Can I measure crank twist be taking 1 to TDC, measuring 1 and 4 through the spark plug holes, then doing the same for 2 & 3?

If it is twisted, are there reasonable options for repair, or are we talking big $$$ for rebuild and / or new crank?

A wrecked bike with a good engine to swap out would be a great option, but those seem to be unobtanium.

First thing to do is isolate an engine or transmission noise. Pull the clutch and see if the noise dissapears, if it does you have an issue with the clutch or tranny

[chef1366]

First thing to do is isolate an engine or transmission noise. Pull the clutch and see if the noise dissapears, if it does you have an issue with the clutch or tranny

He started the motor without the clutch basket even installed.

[staschman]

Did you check under the ignition cover?
Where are you located?

Chef1366, This is the right side cover on the end of the crank, with the signal generator and advance governor right?

Yes, I've been in there and should've mentioned that earlier. Everything seemed normal to me but I'm no expert. Is there something specific I should look for in there?

Edited to add: I am in Flint, Michigan area.

[seuadr]

wish i could help with the problem, i was reading and saw you live in flint! i live in lansing, grew up in clio. I used to run a store on the corner of dort and atherton

[chef1366]

Chef1366, This is the right side cover on the end of the crank, with the signal generator and advance governor right?

Yes, I've been in there and should've mentioned that earlier. Everything seemed normal to me but I'm no expert. Is there something specific I should look for in there?

Edited to add: I am in Flint, Michigan area.

I've seen the advance not installed properly and the crank trigger rubbing against the trigger coils. It sounded like a whirring noise.

[posplayr]

Chef??

I've seen the advance not installed properly and the crank trigger rubbing against the trigger coils.

What U talking about homes?

[chef1366]

What U talking about homes?

That's Holmes, Sherlock.