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I think I have a problem?

2330 Views 13 Replies 3 Participants Last post by  sfair, 
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So, my new to me '95 vn800a, has developed a noisy rattle from the bottom end. Mainly heard on the left side comming from behind the engine cover.

It is really loud at low rpm, but goes away as the engine reaches higher rpm.

There are roughly 44,000 miles on the bike. It had quite a few issues, carb and electrical, that I did get sorted out. But I have yet to crack a side cover off to look in side.

I just changed to 18/40 gearing and at freeway speeds the engine is no longer turning fast enough to make the sound go away, I feel like I am flying a bow of loose hardware. Kinda funny, but not really.

I really want to do an engine swap, because it is my daily ride. Had to sell the truck to make ends meet.

Any ideas are greatly appreciated. In you are in southern. Alight is I could try and meet up.

Thanks in advance

Mojo
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spuldup
Given that you have troubleshot other issues, I assume you have checked and changed the engine oil and filter? Cleaned the oil screen? You are in a very warm climate - are you using 20W-50?

Does it run fine other than the sound? Any oil leaking?

Usually bottom end engine noises mean "do not ride the bike". If you are able to park it and tear into the motor it may save you cash verses buying another motor. I know that may not be ideal...
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Thanks for the reply. I wish I could park it. Alas that is not in the cards. I did change oil and filter. Need to pull the screen.

I am running 20/50, and there are some oil leaks. Topped off and checked often.

The noise is not a rod end clunka clunka, or knock. More like a gnashing of improperly set gears with a significant imbalance.

It is obvious the prior owner tried to do some work on the bike but must have been a stock holder in an RTV company. As it was every where.

I am looking to get another bike, a vn800a, like the one I am currently riding.

Bummed in the sun

Mojo
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S
Sounds like it could be balance damper rubbers are worn.
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Ok. Balance rubbers worn out. Some one please insert joke. On a serious note. Is this a difficult repair. I figure it is going to be quite involved and finicky to get right. I do have a manual, though it is not a factory book, but an aftermarket one.

Going to look into this in the morning.

Thanks

Mojo
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Other than the noise and some oil dripping, ( have to re re locate the case breather back to air box and oil leak should be cut in half) this little old bike runs like a champ. Going to have to do valves soon. And tires and well you know how the story goes.

But if the balance rubber pieces take care of the noise at low rpm I will be happy to not have to spend a heap of money I don't have.

Thanks

Mojo
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S
You will need a service manual to do this.

Not particularly difficult, but there is timing involved.
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Timing as in orientation of parts as they relate to other parts? The exploded view I have access to is fair in its discription. I should be ok. The parts are going to running about $40-$50 ish.

The question is. In the. View I have there are six dampers. And the local shop says they have a set of four. Should I be concerned?
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Ordered parts, $66.00 for all 6 rubbers.

Got the pm, thank you.

Pics soon. I hope this is all it is, a new to me engine is $900.00.

Thank you all

Mojo
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D

Ok folks, so here is what I found. To remove the left side cover, the bottom bolt holding the foot peg and shift lever assembly needs to be removed, along with removing the shift level from the shift shaft.

When you get this far grab a piece of cardboard. There are several different length bolts. This was not shown in the exploded view in the manual I had. I started with the top bolt approx in he 12:30-1:00 position on the cover. I worked counter clockwise.

Once all bolts have been removed( I hope your side covers were not glued on like mine) tap and wiggle the side cover off. There is a location near the sprocket where you might be able to pry the cover with a piece of wood or soft handled tool.

I found that an empty 12 pack box was just the hight needed to support the cover after freeing it from the bike. Also use a drip container to catch oil. About a pint or so.

The next step a special tool is needed( I ain't got one) called a flywheel holder. Use this to remove the bolt holding the left ballance assembly to the shaft. Then remove the rotor from the crank shaft.

Over kill in my opinion. As I did not have tool. All I could do was sit back and laugh. Then start calling around to local shops to see if they could handle the repair.

So, I did ring about 5* of movement in the left ballance assembly. That was causing a epic noise that made the bike sound crappy. Not necessasarily damaging, but really annoying with a smidge of vibration.

The reason the noise is in the lower rpm range is simple. There are four grommets with metal tubes and two solid ones. When the rubber deteriorates the only thing left is the metal tubes and rotational play. The sum of which goes away at mid to high rpm, but rattle like change in a tin can at low rpm.

Sufice to say, I did not complete the repair myself, but I did learn a lot to get it this far. I am inclined to acquire specific tools in the near future so I can take better care of this little beasty.

Mojo
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Update time.

The bike is in the hands of the Bike Dr., this guy is pretty awesome. Very thorough. like is when you bring bike and are willing to run for parts as needed. Not that he is an old fellow, but he charges more when he has to run for parts. Besides the two parts houses are within a half mile of my house.

Welp, the bike is in his care I will let you know how it turns out.

Mojo
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R

Got the call from the Bike Dr. saying bike is put back together. He made comment about the gearing. " I remembered we geared this this thing way up to the moon. But it really pulls hard through the gears, and settles in for the long haul. She runs real nice." Apparently it took two working hours to pull down and put back together, $120.40, not bad, and totally worth it.

Apparently the rubber ended up in the bottom of the case, he is saving it for me to see.

Picking up the bike tomorrow, will inform how noisy it is or is not.

Mojo
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Well folks, I no longer have a problem. The repair ran just shy of $200.00, parts and labor. And let me say, I now know what I was missing out on. The engine is much quieter, and more responsive. I am thinking the is due to less vibration, and more confidence in the engine. Man it sounds good. No more loose change rat telling around in the bottom end.

To all whom encouraged and helped out with information. Here is a heap of THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!!!

Y'all saved me from over thinking and over spending my hard earned money. I can now get a second vehicle for the enclement weather, too hot or the occasional rain.

Mojo
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S
From all participants, you are welcome.
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