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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Bottom end noise at low idle?
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Message started by Spunknutt on 08/13/19 at 09:03:14

Title: Bottom end noise at low idle?
Post by Spunknutt on 08/13/19 at 09:03:14

Hey guys, long time lurker first time poster here. I bought my S40 brand new in 2014 and have serviced it myself regularly. Oil changes every 1k, valves done, brakes etc. She has just over 8k miles of mostly city driving.

Now the issue:
Just recently I noticed when I start it up cold in the mornings the bottom end makes a low volume whine. The best way to describe the sound would be like a brake pad squeal on a rainy day but quieter. If I put my hand on the left side of the case on the timing cover it feels like something is rubbing but as soon as I apply any throttle or the engine warms up it goes away completely. Haven’t found any shavings in the oil but I’m scared she’s gonna grenade on me. Anyone have any experience with this?

-Todd
Seattle, WA

Title: Re: Bottom end noise at low idle?
Post by Gary_in_NJ on 08/13/19 at 09:11:19

Could be a loose flywheel nut. That is something that should be investigated before starting the engine again.

Title: Re: Bottom end noise at low idle?
Post by Spunknutt on 08/13/19 at 09:36:58

Ugh, that doesn’t sound easy. I guess it’s time I finally order the Clymer manual.

Title: Re: Bottom end noise at low idle?
Post by batman on 08/13/19 at 10:47:33

Short trips ? (mostly city driving) have you ever checked the cam chain tensioner? Your noise goes away as the motor warms up , the cylinder expands (grows taller as it warms up ,tightening the cam chain) a loose flywheel causes vibration and is rare, It may not be felt as motor speed increases ,but should still be felt at Idle. location of sounds from the lower end are hard to detect, you may think it starts there but there's more blocking it on the right side ,you may just be hearing an echo.

Title: Re: Bottom end noise at low idle?
Post by verslagen1 on 08/13/19 at 10:53:31

I had a intermittent whine that turned out to be a bad bearing on the counter balance shaft. The bearing cage was split and the balls were rubbing together. Would not be easy to inspect for.

Title: Re: Bottom end noise at low idle?
Post by Spunknutt on 08/13/19 at 11:10:19

I knew I was probably looking at something troublesome. I’m familiar with how to do basic maintenance on bikes but I’ve never torn into an engine before. I almost want to take it into a shop but then I’m looking at spending money I don’t have. :-[

Title: Re: Bottom end noise at low idle?
Post by Dave on 08/13/19 at 11:11:33

53595D575C555158060004340 wrote:

Could be a loose flywheel nut. That is something that should be investigated before starting the engine again.

The loose flywheel nut also results in a deafening knock as the flywheel bangs around on the splines.

Title: Re: Bottom end noise at low idle?
Post by verslagen1 on 08/13/19 at 12:01:00

1st thing I'd do is get a mechanic's stethoscope.
spend some time and learn the noises your engine makes.

2. don't worry about it. if it needs fixing, it'll let you know. :-?

Title: Re: Bottom end noise at low idle?
Post by Spunknutt on 08/13/19 at 12:35:51

Ooooo, good call Verslagen, don’t know why I don’t have one already. I just ordered the Clymer manual and a wheel chock to make servicing a bit easier but I’ll add the stethoscope to my list.

If I have to dig into it, so be it. This is why I got a single cylinder bike in the first place. :P