[dsn_klr650] first-time valve check question and a few obser v

[Jim Cunningham]

A while back I reported a strange knocking noise in my A2 that I could not identify. Some of you may remember this, and I got all kinds of suggestions ranging from windflow induced noises to chain hitting on something. None of those suggestions panned out. But a message earlier concerning front sprockets being year specific made me think of something. My old front sprocket had two bolts that held it on in addition to the large C clip. The new sprocket did not have the holes for the bolts. This noise started right around the time I put the new sprockets and chain on. Does it sound likely to anyone that I might have put the wrong front sprocket on and it is making the knocking sound because it has some play laterally? Jim A2

[The Squasher]

I picked up my new A15 Saturday and the mechanic told me that I might here a knocking sound under 1000 RPM. I don't know if your A2 has and automatic compression release but the A15 does. What the automatic compression release does is at low RPM's (electric starter speed) a device holds open the exhaust valve to help the motor turn over easier. If you run your engine at an idle at too low of a speed this device thinks your starting the motor and opens the exhaust valve. This makes a knoking sound. I tried it and it sounds like someone is hitting the motor with a baseball bat. I think this device works on some kind of mechanicl/centrifical principal. If it worked off an electrical circuit it would be tied into the starter button on the handle bar and would not come on at low RPM idle. Maybe on your A2 the automatic compression release isn't working right and is coming on at all speeds. If you here a difference in knocking speed that increases with engine RPM regardless of road speed (MPH), then it's the engine (and check the compression release). If the knocking changes speed with your speedometer and not RPM, then it might be the sprocket. Date: Mon, 7 Aug 2000 14:19:08 -0600 From: Jim Cunningham Subject: noise and front sprocket? A while back I reported a strange knocking noise in my A2 that I could not identify. Does it sound likely to anyone that I might have put the wrong front sprocket on and it is making the knocking sound because it has some play laterally? Jim A2 ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com

[Karl Raupp]

You ask a good question Jim, one sorta like I was/am going to ask. I was riding today and can definitely hear a knocking type noise coming from my '99 KLR with 23,000kms. It only does it while I ride off and not at idle. I've tried putting my front wheel up against a wall and then trying to load up the engine and it doesn't make the noise (could that be a hint?). Once I get going the other noises either mask it or it's going away, I don't know. I've triple checked my front sprocket tightness, and it's good and snug. I pulled my front sprocket to have a look at it, and it's just starting to round out the teeth, but not uniformly (could that be a hint?) and again, it's mild. My rear sprocket looks mighty fine still. I've double checked my chain tension and it's fine. The only thing I can think of is it's some kind of chain noise on my machine. What kind of wear on the chain can I check? Can anyone else comment on this? It's driving me nuts and I'm about to start tearing into things at this point. Thanks! Karl

>A while back I reported a strange knocking noise in my A2 that I could not >identify. Some of you may remember this, and I got all kinds of >suggestions >ranging from windflow induced noises to chain hitting on something.

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[Weaver, Mark]

if you still have it apart, i would go ahead and shim the left intake up to .006, and the left exhaust up to 008, not to equalize them, but because they left side valves are on the edge of spec. since they gradually tighten with wear, you'll have to do it soon anyway, and 95% of the work is getting to the point you can measure them. the actual exchange only takes a couple more minutes, plus you get extra peace of mind out of it. mw

> > Does anyone have an opinion on the first half on my posting > > regarding my > > valve adjustment? > > > > >> > > >> I have completed my DIY 500 mile service on my new 2001 > > KLR650 (A15). > > >> First a question then a few observations. > > >> > > >> As my valves checked out to be in spec range, [Left exhaust=.006; > > >> Right > > >> exhaust=.008: Left intake=.004; Right intake=.006] should > > I be concerned > > >> with the .002 in difference between the sides? I would > > hate to jump the gun > > >> and shim up the left side, just to make them the same if > > not necessary. > > >