engine mishap
Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2010 1:07 pm
So here I am, just about the furthest point away from my homebase in Ann Arbor, MI on my ride around Lake Superior in Marathon ON. My buddy John and I had just taken a break for lunch and I'm cranking my trusty 2009 KLR 650 back up.
I hear an unusual clatter, but the bike is running and pulling fine - so now worries I think. Then on 17 accelerating up to highway speeds the first warning. A short interruption in power, followed by a lot more noise from the front. I pull over, turn around to the nearest gas station (about 1 mile back).
There I give the bike a look over - it's not leaking oil, only a lot louder from the front. A little low on oil, which I fix by adding a quart of 15W40. A lot of the engine sound is now coming from the front, so my friend and I decide, it is probably an exhaust gasket. Being in Marathon ON and our next stop being Thunderbay, ON (300 klicks on), we decide, that I will take the lead, and we will just take it easy, and try to make Thunderbay.
Back on the highway, I'm watching the rpms, generally going about 40 - 50mph, and keeping it below 5000 rpm. One mile into this, a big bang, followed by oil all over. The engine is still running, but we turn around to the gas station. I notice oil and metal shavings on my pant leg. Not good news, let's shut it down.
Buddy goes riding off the local Marathon Motor Sports shop. They give my bike a haul back. Then they take a look at the motor.
Diagnoses: forward overhead cam came loose (or got broken loose). A pretty good hole in the valve cover with a bolt missing. Taking that off, one can see that the cam came loose. I won't be riding that day.
The engine has 6300 miles on it, I did the regular oil change.
Here's my question: Has anybody had a similar experience and what is the esteemed memberships thoughts on what caused this ?