SuzukiSavage.com
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl
General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Hearing a grinding noise at a specific rev range
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1629951775
Message started by daphil on 08/25/21 at 21:22:55

Title: Hearing a grinding noise at a specific rev range
Post by daphil on 08/25/21 at 21:22:55
Hi everyone,

For the past couple of months I have been monitoring a grinding noise coming from my engine at specific RPM ranges.  I hear it right before I shift from first to second, and second to third, and I presume that it is also present in the higher gears, though the wind drowns it out.  I can also hear it when I decelerate through this same rev range, and it's even more prominent during deceleration. When I open the throttle more and increase the RPMs past this range, the grinding noise stops and the engine sounds fine.  I can best describe the noise as a grinding or growling, akin to what you might hear if you had small metal parts vibrating on a metal table because of some machinery or something.


Over the past two months, since I started hearing the noise, I think it has gotten a little louder, and the range at which I can hear it has increased a bit.  I am placing a video recording of the noise below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhfK1riuJ_A&ab_channel=miamikid08sdad

Here's what I've tried so far:

  • I thought it might be the cam chain adjuster, but it does not sound like the Boulevard with a separated cam chain adjuster shown in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cROjIvHH_Gs&ab_channel=MetricMotorcycleMadness

  • I thought it might be a vibrating loose bolt on the engine somewhere, but I checked them and they are snug.

  • I've heard that the speedometer assembly can vibrate in the tank and make a noise, but putting my hand on the speedo doesn't affect the noise.

I am hoping that some of you can:

  • Help me identify where the noise is coming from,

  • Indicate if the noise is a serious matter or just a thing that happens with this motorcycle,

  • Offer a solution for how to fix the problem, if it's warranted.


Bike stats:
Year: 2013
Miles: 16k
Cam chain mod: don't think so
White space mod: don't think so
Oil: appropriate level and age
Riding style: nothing too crazy

Thank you for your time!  Please let me know if I can provide any additional information to make your sleuthing easier!  ;)

Title: Re: Hearing a grinding noise at a specific rev ran
Post by verslagen1 on 08/25/21 at 22:22:00
If it's the cam chain, you'll feel a tapping next to the oil filter cover if the adjuster hasn't fallen apart.  Open her up and take a look.

Could be the valves, just took apart one that sounded similar and found the rockers had flats and the cam was worn. take the inspection covers and feel how loose the adjustment is.

Title: Re: Hearing a grinding noise at a specific rev ran
Post by Dave on 08/26/21 at 03:02:56
Have you owned the bike since new?
What kind of oil do you use?
Do you start the bike up and let it idle for long periods while the bike is resting on the side stand?  (Like starting it in the winter to keep the battery charged and the fuel in the carb fresh?)

Title: Re: Hearing a grinding noise at a specific rev ran
Post by daphil on 08/26/21 at 10:09:53

63706766797472707B24150 wrote:
If it's the cam chain, you'll feel a tapping next to the oil filter cover if the adjuster hasn't fallen apart.  Open her up and take a look.

Could be the valves, just took apart one that sounded similar and found the rockers had flats and the cam was worn. take the inspection covers and feel how loose the adjustment is.


***

Hey Verslagen, thanks for your response.  The bike is due for a cam chain tensioner swap anyway, and I have yours so I might just do it swap and check at the same time.  Quick question: do I need to apply some kind of sealant when I put the clutch cover back on?

The valves could be a culprit as well though, I think I will check these first.

Title: Re: Hearing a grinding noise at a specific rev ran
Post by daphil on 08/26/21 at 10:12:21

576C6176676B70766D656877040 wrote:
Have you owned the bike since new?
What kind of oil do you use?
Do you start the bike up and let it idle for long periods while the bike is resting on the side stand?  (Like starting it in the winter to keep the battery charged and the fuel in the carb fresh?)


***

Hey Dave, thanks for your response.  

I bought the bike in 2018 and it had 7500 miles then.  I don't think the previous owner did any serious modifications to it.

I use Valvoline 10W40 non-synthetic oil.

I never leave it idling ont he side stand for two long.  Maybe 20 seconds at a time while I run back to close the gate.  Never leave it sitting on the stand to charge or warm up.

Title: Re: Hearing a grinding noise at a specific rev ran
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 08/26/21 at 10:40:39
I'd be having a look at the cam chain.
That is not the best oil for that engine.

Title: Re: Hearing a grinding noise at a specific rev ran
Post by Tocsik on 08/26/21 at 10:54:52
You may already have this bookmarked, but here's a link to the cam chain tensioner guide http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?board=tech;action=display;num=1191167029.

FWIW, I've had my right side engine cover off twice and was able to reuse the factory gasket, but I would recommend buying one to have on hand just in case.  That way, you're not stuck waiting on it arrive should you need it.  I don't remember if this is mentioned in the guide, but the best thing to do is trace the new gasket onto the top of a cardboard box before you start pulling bolts.  Poke holes everywhere a bolt goes, push each bolt into the appropriate hole, and make notes on the cardboard box next to bolts that are long, short, or have a rubber washer.  Makes reassembly less stressful and confusing.

Title: Re: Hearing a grinding noise at a specific rev ran
Post by daphil on 08/26/21 at 11:30:48
Hey Justin and Tocsik, thank you for your replies!

Justin, I had no idea this wasn't a good oil.  I figured it's a pretty hearty engine and it can do fine with just about any 10W40.  What oil do you like to use.

Tocsik, I placed an order for the gasket ($26!!!).  In the meantime I'll check the valves, as Verslagen suggested.  Thanks to everyone for your help so far.

Title: Re: Hearing a grinding noise at a specific rev ran
Post by Dreanimal on 08/26/21 at 11:40:12
I need to check out my cam chain tensioner as well and you guys just inspired me to check it out this weekend.

Title: Re: Hearing a grinding noise at a specific rev ran
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 08/26/21 at 14:03:40

2A2F3E2627224E0 wrote:
Hey Justin and Tocsik, thank you for your replies!

Justin, I had no idea this wasn't a good oil.  I figured it's a pretty hearty engine and it can do fine with just about any 10W40.  What oil do you like to use.

Tocsik, I placed an order for the gasket ($26!!!).  In the meantime I'll check the valves, as Verslagen suggested.  Thanks to everyone for your help so far.



This forum has members with100 thousand miles. Rotella oil.
Some love the synthetic, some dig the Dino..
But ROTELLA is The Only Proven oil that consistently delivers high mileage engines.
If you have Tractor Supply go visit.

The Exact Rotella oil you want escapes me, ask the geniuses before you go buy.

Title: Re: Hearing a grinding noise at a specific rev ran
Post by Gary_in_NJ on 08/26/21 at 16:42:53
A few thoughts;

- the Valvoline oil you are using as moly. Moly and wet clutches don’t get along.

- the video…I may hear something…but our engines are so mechanicaly noisy it’s hard to tell. If it’s not the cam chain, it could also be a loose nut on the stator, or a loose nut on the clutch basket. You’ll need to determine which side of the engine it’s coming from. Using a wooden dowel as a stethoscope you can narrow it down to the exact location.

- make sure that the engine bolts are properly torqued because they can make a racket. So can a loose heat shield on the exhaust.

SuzukiSavage.com » Powered by YaBB 2.2!
YaBB © 2000-2007. All Rights Reserved.