strange noise..

chrispudd · Jul 5, 2009

03' xb9s 53000 kms. Strange noise coming from Engine. It sounds like a bearing and it's there anytime engine is running. I know the usual noises... humming from fuel pump, clickity clack from valve train, etc.
This noise is worrysome. most noticeable when idling( probably due to less exhaust noise) seems to come from bottom end of engine or poss primary side. Sounds like bad bearing not knocking.
Started after hiway riding with passenger to a bike rally and back. Approx 1 hr each way. Went about 150km/hr the whole time. Bike runs fine and i change my oil and trans fluid.
I appreciate any input before I bring it to the dealer, i'm an automotive tech and try to do my own work when i can. Are these bikes notorious or infamous for something letting go, or a bearing going out when this many kms have been put on? Thanks again, Chris

Stevenc150 · Jul 6, 2009

Try adjusting the Primary Chain via the Manual.

chrispudd · Jul 7, 2009

Thanks for the input, but i performed this earlier this year. Before adjustment the bike would surge during low speed/low throttle situations. I called it the herky jerky and it felt like a loose chain. It was! I downloaded the manual from this site, Thanks again guys! Bringing the bike to a local shop this morning, i'll report any findings or bad news..

RT Performance · Jul 7, 2009

I was wondering mine seems to have some timing chain rattle in it.
I also did the primary and sevral oil changes it doesn't seem to be getting worse but how much is exceptable chain noise?

chrispudd · Jul 9, 2009

I don't recall hearing any noticeable chain noise from the primary myself.. maybe some of the veteran buell guys could help. BTW no news yet on mystery noise, it's still at the shop.

chrispudd · Jul 12, 2009

Local bike shop thinks crank bearing are on the way out.. Said all was well in the primary side. So I dumped the oil and found more bad news on the drain plug.[sad]
Any ideas? thanks for the input guys, it's always appreciated! Chris

chrispudd · Jul 12, 2009

Tried to upload photo of drainplug but it's not working right now... There's lots of metal stuck to the magnet.

Stevenc150 · Jul 12, 2009

Need to see the pics, but some metal on the drain plug magnet is normal.

gbalias · Jul 16, 2009

timing chain?

these are pushrod motors.

chrispudd · Jul 17, 2009

I've seen the normal amount of metal on the drain plug but this is way too much. It's more like schrapnel. these metal flakes could have part numbers on them.
Didn't take anything else apart, but would like to remove cover on right side to see the cam gears. Do i have to remove the header to take the cover off?
Sending to the dealer next week for a more thorough inspection and at least get a repair quote so i know where i'm at. I"ll post the findings..

chrispudd · Aug 8, 2009

Okay, bike is at the dealer and they have some potential news.. Seems clutch bearing is NFG. VEry bad play and wobbling around. Cost to replace is about 590 with labour and taxes. Will keep fingers crossed to see if no other damage has occured. Ill post again when i get the call... THanks!

Thaloc · Aug 8, 2009

Man thats a ****** deal. Hope everything works out for ya!

taildraggin · Aug 8, 2009

...a lot better outcome than a bad main bearing...

chrispudd · Oct 26, 2009

More bad news for me. Crank bearings are toast. They're gonna rebuild the whole engine now... cha-ching! Bike isn't worth much broken, and I still love it.
Dealer called on the weekend and asked if i wanted a new Buell instead. Now that they've shut down Buell, they want to unload all the stuff on the floor. All bikes are half of sticker price... sure sounded good! But i'm gonna have too much invested in the old one to buy a new one and they don't take trades! D'oh!

stopie20 · Oct 26, 2009

If your doing all that you might as well send the cases out to revolution performance and have them bored for your christmas present (a 90ci big bore kit) to your self

... let them change the bearing while the cases are split. It would prob only cost a little more than the stealership is going to charge, and instead of stock you will have a 120hp monster of a motor. [smirk]

chrispudd · Dec 15, 2009

Dealership quotes 4 to 5 grand to rebuild.... that sounds ridonkulously high. Anyone ever have an engine built? Does this seem right? I'ts only TWO cylinders and it's air cooled!

slomo2 · Dec 15, 2009

Call up JT&S. They are out of Sonoma, California.
They build performance engines and are reasonable. They can build you a full on race motor for that price, or rebuild yours for way less.

Give Terry Parsley a call, 707-246-0999. He is awesome with buell's

07Bolt · Dec 15, 2009

they charge a few hours just too drop the engine; (muffler,shock,electrical) more hours to tear down, then pressing out all the parts to get to the bearings, then putting back together. The service kits, seals, stuff u dont reuse, clamps,,,i would have dropped the engine at home and taken it in for benchwork, saved a 1k or some,,,

rndrkeagle · Dec 15, 2009

hell for that kind of money... if you feel comfortable pulling the engine out all together.... you could buy a good low mileage running engine from Buellsterparts or even EBAY.... they have complete running engines (1200's even)at Buellsterparts for under 2K....

Buy Me

I'd tell your stealership to stick it... hell... even if you only get half the life from one of these engines.. you could replace it TWICE for less money than they're quoting you..

Pockets · Dec 16, 2009

I could rebuild the small block in my Chevelle for that kind of cash! They're bending you over with no lube.

strange noise..

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