Engine noise.

[Rasputin]

In my quest to find out what the noise from my engine is, it’s engine out day.
Rocker cover off, nothing untoward in here. Just one of the cam bearings is a little notchy, I’ll replace them all.
Head and barrels off, oh dear, a little up and down movement on the LH Piston. Remove pistons, the LH big end has play in it, so it’s crank out and go from there.
See video link

 

[Rasputin]

Got the engine down to the crank, found play in both Big end bearings, mains and little ends are OK.
Made a puller for the rotor.
What to do next ?
Video link.

 

[Raymond]

So I guess that means the crank has to be pressed apart?

 

[Rasputin]

Yes Raymond. Major surgery required. Up to now it looks like Heiden Tuning in Holland. Exchange crank. I dare say I could strip it and replace the crankpins and rods, but that’s £240 and Heiden quote €530 for the whole joblot, mains big ends and new cam drive sprocket.

 

[MaxPete]

That is too bad Rasputin - that seems to be a very unusual failure for an XS650. There have been very few lower end problems with these old gals.

 

[Rasputin]

That is too bad Rasputin - that seems to be a very unusual failure for an XS650. There have been very few lower end problems with these old gals.

Yes. So much for the bombproof bottom end of these engines. I myself haven’t heard of big end problems but, not knowing the history of this bike, I can only assume sometime it’s been idle for a long period of time and the bearings don’t like atmospheric changes causing condensation within the engine.
It came to the UK in 96 from California.
Recent oil change showed signs of metal on the magnets. Only a hundred miles or so since, when I stripped it, more metal, so something is going West.
I can’t see anywhere else in the engine that is showing signs of distress.
Tons and Tons of cranks for sale, mainly in the USA but they are an unknown.

 

[YamadudeXS650C]

In your shoes, I might go looking for another bottom end or whole used engine.

 

[Raymond]

I've got a spare engine?

 

[Rasputin]

Yes. That thought had crossed my mind.

I've got a spare engine?

 

[buzzword]

have you mic’d it to see how much play there really is?