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Message started by savskad on 10/22/14 at 18:50:07

Title: Engine "Clack" noise - please help
Post by savskad on 10/22/14 at 18:50:07

Hello Everyone,

So I'm having a bit of a scare right now. My bike has 920 miles on it, and I just noticed a "clack" noise while riding today. I'm sure part of all this should be expected, but it seems so...loud? or distinct? it's worrying me.

So what happened was, I was sitting at a stop light, engine at operating temp, light turns green, and I "dumped" about 1/4 throttle on it instantaneously. I would imagine that to a degree, some sort of different sound is normal but still, the first time I heard it, (I know it probably wasn't), but it sounded like a piston was tapping the valve, or hitting against it. I'm sure I'm being dramatic, but this is like an infant to me, a little cut would seem like a lost limb. When I got home, I made a video with my phone, I'm gonna put a link in this post. Listen for it right when I give it throttle, there are one or 2 distinct moments, 0:03 and 0:42 seemed to be them. Now, I think youtube's encryption, lowers the volume for the moments where the clack was, or maybe it was my phone, so it was actually a lot louder in person. I hope y'all are able to tell by the video what the noise is.

If this is something of concern, the bike is still under warranty and I would probably take it in to have it checked out.

Does anyone know if drilling out the little brass plug on the carb fuel/air screw "voids" warranty? I wouldn't want them to say "Oh you tampered with this plug, we can't help you."

If ANYONE, has any input on this, it would be greatly appreciated.

http://youtu.be/xfqLaXxBQ_M

Thanks a bunch!

-Devon

Title: Re: Engine "Clack" noise during initial thro
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 10/22/14 at 19:27:19

It's not broken in yet. You need to rev it up a bit more before loading it up. Mine did that when it was new,too. Once you get some miles on it,the engine will free up some and you can pull away from a stop at a lower RPM but for now, don't sweat it, just use more RPM than you really want to to pull away from a stop. Don't let it make that noise. You're not gonna wreck the clutch, unless you have no clue how to use one and you've already demonstrated that you do... just get above the RPM that does that.. You are ahead of me, I had no one to give me a clue.

Title: Re: Engine "Clack" noise - please help
Post by verslagen1 on 10/22/14 at 19:40:37

I know that sound, they all do it to some degree.
have you had your 1st valve adjust?

Title: Re: Engine "Clack" noise - please help
Post by savskad on 10/22/14 at 19:42:03

It seems if I roll on real easy with the clutch disengaged it will slip past it without it clacking. I hope I haven't been doing it this whole time and never noticing it. Anyways...so just give it more throttle before engaging the clutch? (This is my 5th street bike so I'm well familiar with proper clutch use) Until it's broken in completely ,should remedy my issue? Typically around when will break in be completed?

So but I should worry too much then?

Thanks a bunch sir! You've help subside my mini-heart attack. Haha

Title: Re: Engine "Clack" noise - please help
Post by savskad on 10/22/14 at 19:44:39

495A4D4C535E585A510E3F0 wrote:

I know that sound, they all do it to some degree.
have you had your 1st valve adjust?

No, I was told that valves shouldn't need adjusting in the first 1000miles.

Should I?

I'm about to do my 1000mi oil change.

Thanks!

Title: Re: Engine "Clack" noise - please help
Post by verslagen1 on 10/22/14 at 19:56:16

7F6D7A7F676D680C0 wrote:

No, I was told that valves shouldn't need adjusting in the first 1000miles.

Should I?

I'm about to do my 1000mi oil change.

Thanks!

shouldn't need and don't need are 2 different things.

should need any adjustment, but might.

there's a tech section thread on it.

if you got a clymers... there's an error thread too.

Title: Re: Engine "Clack" noise - please help
Post by savskad on 10/22/14 at 20:11:58

I plan on hitting the tech section up. I try to use it as much as possible before posting a thread.

So were you advising AGAINST using a clymer? I was planning on buying one unless it's misleading.

Title: Re: Engine "Clack" noise - please help
Post by Steve H on 10/22/14 at 20:23:59

Overall, it's a great manual. There are some errors that have been found. They are listed in the tech section so you can correct the errors in your manual.

Title: Re: Engine "Clack" noise - please help
Post by old_rider on 10/22/14 at 20:24:12

293B2C29313B3E5A0 wrote:

I plan on hitting the tech section up. I try to use it as much as possible before posting a thread.

So were you advising AGAINST using a clymer? I was planning on buying one unless it's misleading.

No, he means GET a Clymers.... and READ the Clymer ERROR section on this site. The Clymers has several errors in print, these guru's have found and edited them.

And I am with the others.....don't tromp the throttle so fast then dump...ain't good for it.
At 960 miles on it, it is broken in, but its never healthy to a bike to tromp the throttle and pop the clutch.... you can do it, and the bike will jump to your command, but... it weights 400+ lbs, you weigh, well average male 175+, so you are trying to move 600+ lbs instantly.... parts is parts and they will eventually wear out.
Listen to a few more savages and s40's on the you tube... they sound just like yours.
Follow your manual for ALL adjustments until the warranty runs out, if you want to be safe

Title: Re: Engine "Clack" noise - please help
Post by savskad on 10/22/14 at 20:33:33

Then I will definitely be purchasing one. Yeah, I know its not good to dump the throttle and hammer right back on, when it happened the first time it was just at an idle speed. I just was doing that in the video to get it to make the noise. It happened a couple times on my way home from an idling RPM, after I noticed the initial occurrance.

Title: Re: Engine "Clack" noise - please help
Post by jcstokes on 10/22/14 at 20:33:33

Personally, I would let "them" do the first oil change as part of the warranty service. I feel you shouldn't touch the idle screw plug yet, I'm not in the US but I feel any large corporation will use any legal pin hole or pettiness to worm out of a warranty claim.

Title: Re: Engine "Clack" noise - please help
Post by savskad on 10/22/14 at 21:03:53

555C4C4B50545A4C3F0 wrote:

I didn't, not for the 600 mile oil change at least. I'll do the valves myself and the 1000 mile oil change myself as well.

As far as the brass plug goes, hopefully it won't be an issue in the event I take it in for warranty purposes. I think I'll leave the bike stock otherwise. I know what you mean about corporations.

Title: Re: Engine "Clack" noise - please help
Post by Serowbot on 10/22/14 at 21:53:29

If your idle is a tiny bit low,... or your engine is stone cold,.. or you accidentally took off in second gear. . you can get a hard clack...
It is premature ignition...

A little more rev and smoother clutch release, will avoid it...

It's only when release drops revs so fast that spark happens ahead of TDC...
It's a temperment of big singles to do this...

Bid thumpers have a lot od character... ;)...

Title: Re: Engine "Clack" noise - please help
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 10/22/14 at 22:51:05

I bought New,
Mine did that.
Wasn't valves.

Title: Re: Engine "Clack" noise - please help
Post by savskad on 10/22/14 at 23:43:50

455A5C5B4641704070485A561D2F0 wrote:

I bought New,
Mine did that.
Wasn't valves.

To all who have contributed, I respectfully acknowledge your input. I am however clinging to justin o guy2's advice due to the fact I will be able to sleep at night with his advice. Otherwise I will stay up all night im stress about whether my thumper will live to see another 1000mi. But please, don't hesitate to add, all advice is welcome and greatly appreciated.

Title: Re: Engine "Clack" noise - please help
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 10/23/14 at 01:03:44

Well, that clack is not okay, you've got to not even almost lug it.

Title: Re: Engine "Clack" noise - please help
Post by Dave on 10/23/14 at 05:17:21

One of the things that happens when you "crack" open the throttle, is that the mixture goes a bit lean. When the throttle is closed the fuel flow to the engine is through the pilot circuit as the engine idles, and when you crack open the throttle the fuel flow needs to come from the needle jet and pilot jet circuit....and it doesn't happen instantly.

So when you crack open the throttle too quickly - the mixture goes lean and it can cause detonation as a lean fuel mixture can "explode" rather than go through a smooth controlled burn.

So.....stop cracking open the throttle! This is not a sport bike and should not be ridden like one! You should add throttle at a much slower rate for this big single. As the rpm's increase you can roll on full throttle......full throttle should not be used at low rpm's. If you feel the engine lugging and shaking as it pulls - you need a lower gear or less throttle.

Dave

Title: Re: Engine "Clack" noise - please help
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 10/23/14 at 07:26:33

Unless youve ridden a new tight engined one, you dont know whats happening on his.. Ive been there and It changes over time, Just start from a stop at a higher RPM and pull away gently, accelerate gently,, Itll stop doin that,, But He IS right,, I could make mine clack even after it was broken in,, Dont Lug that motor,,

Title: Re: Engine "Clack" noise - please help
Post by savskad on 10/23/14 at 17:37:15

I don't jump to full throttle, it seemed only about 1/4 throttle when it happened. Definitely no where near 1/2 throttle. I don't treat it like a sport bike. My last bike was a 4cyl 600cc. I know this isn't that. I have the idle set to a smooth, "quick" idle. It does not lope. I'll take your advice justin o guy and just give it time. Also gonna check the valves at 1000 to see what they look like.

Thank you to everyone. If anyone else has advice it would be appreciated as well.

Knowledge is power.

Title: Re: Engine "Clack" noise - please help
Post by engineer on 10/23/14 at 18:33:14

Your idle speed sounded a little low to me.

Title: Re: Engine "Clack" noise - please help
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 10/23/14 at 19:36:38

I went and listened. I don't know for sure, but I Do know it won't hurt to jack up the idle a little. Go ahead and keep it spinning,

Title: Re: Engine "Clack" noise - please help
Post by savskad on 10/24/14 at 12:07:37

UPDATE: Now that I have noticed the clack I have been watching and listening for it. I DID NOT hear it today until after the bike was good n hot. I rode about 8 miles just now, all city, with a bunch of stop lights. Could not forcefully make it clack until the very end of the ride. So whatever is happening, only happens when it is hot.

I'm gonna change the oil and check the valves at 1000miles. Just for precautionary purposes.

About my idle, "My Suzuki S40 Savage idle speed: http://youtu.be/PDPYgNC-DlM"

Just made that video today. The only reason I don't like having the idle too high, is because heat can get pretty brutal in Austin and I find myself regularly sitting in traffic or at stop lights for more than 5 minutes and don't want it to overheat too quickly. I just don't want it to lope. Justin o guy, I see you're from Dallas area so I know you can relate on the heat. I'm not familiar with yall's traffic though.

Title: Re: Engine "Clack" noise - please help
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 10/24/14 at 12:40:14

I'm 1/2 way (ish) between Dallas and Shreveport,, Longview area.
So far,nobody has ever seen engine or clutch problems caused by running
Shell Rotella T, it's about $13.00 ,available at Tractor Supply,Wal-Mart,
It's cheap and it's good..
As long as it's idling at 1,000 RPM or better, you won't wreck the head because the cam isn't getting enough oil.. Provided the oil you're using isn't thin and failing to maintain a film.

Title: Re: Engine "Clack" noise - please help
Post by savskad on 10/24/14 at 13:03:15

I have Yamalube in it right now. I was gonna change it one more time with Yamalube then switch over. Only because I have half the jug left of oil.

I plan on using Shell Rotella T there after forever. Unless you think it would be best to use that immediately at the 1000mi oil change.

Title: Re: Engine "Clack" noise - please help
Post by youzguyz on 10/27/14 at 11:52:17

savskat, I'm down here in San Antonio. If you want to meet somewhere in the middle some Sat or Sun, I could take a listen to your bike, go for a ride on some back roads, chew on some lunch, have a barley pop, what ever. I'm out riding just about every Sat and Sun.
Let me know. PM me,

Title: Re: Engine "Clack" noise - please help
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 10/27/14 at 20:04:42

I'd put the Rotella T in it and see if you notice a difference.. You can always use the Yammy lube later.

Title: Re: Engine "Clack" noise - please help
Post by HondaLavis on 10/27/14 at 20:29:55

Youz_guys has the same idea that I do. I live in Killeen. If you want to meet up sometime, go for a ride, talk about bikes, grab a burger or something just hit me up with a pm. I'd love to go ride around Lake Travis, maybe hit up 2769. There are lots of roads around Austin that I've wanted to cruise. 8-)

FWIW, your idle sounds nice. As for your "clack:" I've previously played around doing 30mph in 5th gear, just seeing how the engine does under that load and giving it lots of throttle. It kinda makes that same sound if I crack WOT. If I had to guess without seeing it in person, I'd think it's related to the initial low idle and giving it throttle faster than the engine wants it. I'd assume that this will change over the next few hundred miles. Just my $0.02, YMMV

Title: Re: Engine "Clack" noise - please help
Post by savskad on 11/04/14 at 09:50:47

Hello everyone, sorry, been away from the forum this past week. youzguys & HondaLavis, I would totally be down for a meetup and cruise. Wish I had seen this before this weekend, just went on a ride with a new group of 10 bikers through the Hill Country on Sunday. It's always nice meeting new bikers. I'll shoot y'all a PM.

On the note of the Clack noise. Checked the valves at 1200 miles with the help of my motorcycle mechanic and valves all came out to .005 with slight drag on the gauge. I let him listen to the noise and he said "These engines just do that" and reassured me there wasn't any real concern. He said it was a rod making the noise. So I'm just gonna take everyone's advice and do my best to not let the engine make that noise and otherwise just ride it.

I am gonna put Rotella T in there once I get the chance to change the oil.

Thanks again for everyone's help. :D