ET engine woes

[Wilf]

Hi all,

been a while since I posted on here, but now I need a bit of advice. My 1100 has developed a noise that I can't seem to pin point; seems to be left hand side of engine but I've had it all down and the starter clutch is ok. When it's running it almost sounds like the starter stuck in (it's not).

Any ideas anyone? It's getting to me now an i really want her back on the road this summer. Cheers, 

[Gammaboy]

Can you describe the noise? Is it a kind of howl? Hate to say it, but crank bearing?

[Wilf]

No it's not a howl, more a rattle. Like I said almost as if the he starter is stuck in. Could it be a gearbox bearing?

[Gixer1460]

Stationary or when moving? If latter could be output shaft bearing?

[Wilf]

Seems to be there all the time it's running. This is what made me think starter clutch,can they be noisey even though they look fine.?

[Jonboy]

Starter clutches can rattle a bit particularly if carbs badly out of balance. May have to pull the rotor off to check it.

[agemax]

3 bolts holding the starter clutch to the starter gear, they work loose. you have to pull it off to check it

[Wilf]

Thanks guys I've had it all apart an it seems good but for peace of mind will strip it again and maybe replace the starter clutch just to be sure.

[Gammaboy]

Is it at idle only?

[Wilf]

Just an underlying sound all the time it's running . If it was a car you'd say the starter had engaged an not come out.  Maybe it is more noticeable at idle an it still revs freely an drives ok. What you thinking.?

[neil w]

Pull the clutch cover off and check the clutch drum  to see if it has any tell tale marks of it clipping the crank web (it looks like the edge has been machined)   if the centre bearing or more likely  the springs in the rear of the basket are  worn it takes very little for this to occur and it causes a rythmic tapping noise from the bottom end .

Edited March 14, 2017 by neil w

[Wilf]

Thanks Neil sounds like a likely sort of thing will have a look . Cheers dude

[Screwriverracing]

Another option is to take the generator and starter clutch off, bump start it and see if that makes any difference.

If it's a sort of rumbling could be one of the crank roller cages breaking up.

Cheers SRR

 

[Wilf]

Yeah did think about that one but wasn't too sure if was me having daft thoughts, thanks for that. I'll get to the bottom of it one way or another!  Cheers 

[Gammaboy]

Get a mechanics stethescope onto it - they're the best thing for tracking down noises. Had an idler bearing rattle in the wifes car that sounded like the bearing in the fanbelt idler had gone - replaced the idler - bearing felt fine. noise was still there. Got a Mech's stethescope, and tracked it down to the tensioner on the timing belt - when you put the tip of the steth on anything near it, it sounded like a warzone. You could clearly hear the fucked bearing rolling over.

 

[Wilf]

Thanks for that, have used a screwdriver to try an pinpoint it (used like a stethoscope) but the noise is all over the place. It's obviously transmitting through the casing which is where its throwing me. Gonna strip it all Friday so hopefully will have some news later in the day. 

[Wilf]

OK guys think I got it. Take a look at the state of the track face! 

I know this bike had stood for many years and this is obviously the result god knows how I missed it before, think I was looking more at the rollers . Anyway I'm now looking for a starter clutch assy  if anyone can point me in the right direction.

And once again thanks for all your help,  now I'm back into it I'll be here more often

[Wilf]

Just to add to the above I have the crank with the oil drilling, think that's the early one in case anyone has one lying around!  Cheers Wilf