Engine clacking, not pinging.

[George Westcott]

I have an '02 R1150R, that started "clacking" yesterday, on the first ride since doing a 12K service. I did the service myself, have done it many times before on my RT, but when I rolled on the throttle from about 4K, it had a loud clacking sound. I am guessing some valve lash? Any thoughts? It didn't do it before I "fixed" it. I will try a new valve check, am guessing that is the problem.

 

Another issue I have noticed recently. Just before the 12K service, about 2K miles or so, I noticed a popping or backfirng. I thought it was just needing the service. After performing the service, the popping is still there. I have a Laser exhaust with chip, no cat. I bought the bike used, as is, and it never had the popping till recently. I tried to put some hi-temp silicone sealant around the joints, no luck. Any help or suggestions are more than welcome.

[akasjl]

I have also noticed this "clacking" on my '03 RT when I twist the throttle to speed ahead or merge with traffc, or to pass. I meant to post to get some thoughts, and thank you for doing so.

 

Anyone?

[Haynes]

George,

Is it possible that it is pinging (detonation) but at a more pronounced level?

[George Westcott]

Keith, I don't think so, but you never know. It only started after I did the service. This was the first real ride since servicing. I only use premium fuel; whenever possible from the same station. I know this tank came from that station. Keep the ideas coming.

[IndyBob]

Here are some more possibilities:

 

1. Loose nuts holding the header flanges to the cylinder heads. Check them for proper torque.

 

2. Loose throttle butterfly valves (from wear). You'll need to remove the throttles and then grab the plates to see if there is any play in the rods. They should feel just loose enough to move freely without wobbling. If they are wobbling, you need to replace them.

 

3. Carbon buildup on the valves causing a need for higher octane fuel to avoid detonation. If you ride mostly in town as opposed to on the highway, this could be the problem. Add a bottle of "Ventil Sauber" valve cleaner to a full gas tank and run it down as close to empty as you can. For more serious removal of carbon from the valves, you'll need a can of BG44K, which is only available via distributor to professional shops.

 

HTH,

Bob Stommel

Indianapolis

[Clive Liddell]

Bob, your second suggestion:

"2. Loose throttle butterfly valves (from wear). You'll need to remove the throttles and then grab the plates to see if there is any play in the rods. They should feel just loose enough to move freely without wobbling. If they are wobbling, you need to replace them."

===========

I would first confirm wear by getting the clacking to occur and placing a finger on the noisy side which should stop the noise. BTW a further resynch may also reduce or stop the clacking if it is from the throttle spindle.

[Bob Martin]

I have heard of this one other time, you may have not tightened one of the valve adjuster jam nuts and it has worked it's way loose causing excessive lash. I'd check the valves before going into deeper problems as it is probably the result of something that happened during the 12K maintenance.

[BucksTherapy]

Are you sure the old oil filter came out with a gasket and the new one went in with one?

[George Westcott]

Yes, the old gasket definitely came out. I did re-check the valves, the jam nuts seemed to be tight, I did a more careful adjustment, they were out a little. I did another test run today after doing this, and it still clacks, though not as much. Keith suggested it may be pinging, today listening more carefully, it may have some element of this as well. I always use premium, either Chevron or Shell. The Shell station I go to only has one hose for all three grades, maybe some regular was mixed in? A little too much perhaps? I will fillup next time at the Chevron, with independent hoses for each grade, and I like their gas better, seems to make the bike and cars run better. Must be the Techron.