Author Topic: Low engine rattle  (Read 3042 times)

Offline 1969Superbee

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Low engine rattle
« on: December 22, 2011, 09:24:56 PM »
Hello--I'm new to this forum and need some advice regarding the potential purchase of 1990 Concours.  After test riding the bike I noticed it had a low rpm rattle (around 2000 rpm's) but would disappear above that.  I don't think it's the cam tensioner after reading other posts but I'm at a loss identifying the source.  The engine runs smooth and pulls hard through the rev band and shows 13, 500 miles on the odometer, yup--sat for years.  Any thoughts out there?  The noise appears to be located in the lower engine but it's hard to tell with all of the plastic in the way and I don't think it's a bearing problem because no rattles on cold start up.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Offline SteveJ.

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Re: Low engine rattle
« Reply #1 on: December 22, 2011, 09:29:53 PM »
Kinda vague.  If you reveal your top secret location, maybe someone close by with some experience will check it out with ya.  Otherwise, it's just WA guess work.

Edit to add: Oh, and welcome.  Gotta pic of that Super Bee I a$$ume you have?
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Offline Steve in Sunny Fla

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Re: Low engine rattle
« Reply #2 on: December 23, 2011, 06:07:49 AM »
With the engine running, lay your hand on the alternator. If you feel the rattle in your hand, pull the alternator and tighten the 6mm bolt that holds the coupler on. HTH, Steve

Offline 1969Superbee

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Re: Low engine rattle
« Reply #3 on: December 23, 2011, 08:53:49 AM »
The bike is located in Pasco, WA and I'll check out the alternator.  Thanks--Bryan

Offline 1969Superbee

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Re: Low engine rattle
« Reply #4 on: December 25, 2011, 09:24:33 PM »
If it were either the cam tentioner chain or the counter balancer chain would noise be present at start up?  On cold start up the engine sounded fine, but the low end growl appeared blipping the throttle after warmed up.  Didn't seem to matter with the clutch pulled in or not.

Offline bbroj

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Re: Low engine rattle
« Reply #5 on: December 27, 2011, 10:14:11 AM »

Edit to add: Oh, and welcome.  Gotta pic of that Super Bee I a$$ume you have?

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Offline works4me

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Re: Low engine rattle
« Reply #6 on: December 27, 2011, 02:08:19 PM »
Heat shield missing a screw?