Rod knock...I think....

[hart_57]

I took my bike out for about 30 minutes yesterday and when I got back I noticed that it was making a strange noise, I was told it may be a rod knock but I am not sure. So here is a video of it. Let me know what you may think it is

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ztnQ4pdiGo"]1998 Katana 600 engine noise - YouTube[/ame]

[scottynoface]

Doesnt jump out to me as rod knock, but def doesnt sound good.

Loose cam chain, loose valve clearances, checks those before you make a decision...oil cooled I4 engines make a lot of clackity clackity bang.

[hart_57]

hmm, I suppose that sounds a little better. I was also told it might just need some new oil (I didn't change it when I bought it in december)

[FictitiousSpoon]

Also check your exhaust for loose bolts. Mine was making a racket and it was that one of the exhaust pipes was loose, leaking, and vibrating a lot.

[hart_57]

I'll make sure to check that, but I didn't think it sounded like exhaust

[hart_57]

are there any other opinions on what might be going one here?? the advice is greatly appreciated

[88kat-rider]

It sounds terrible, I can't put my ear to it but if that noise is coming from the bottom end its bad. If its the top end you need to check your valve clearances and your can chain tensioner. When was your tensioner spring replaced?

[hart_57]

I can't really tell if its coming from the top or bottom end either. and I honestly don't know, I just bought it in December and haven't done anything with it yet

[scottynoface]

When was your tensioner spring replaced?

That's a guaranteed never.

[KatanaGSX92]

I can't really tell if its coming from the top or bottom end either. and I honestly don't know, I just bought it in December and haven't done anything with it yet

Take a cardboard tube from a roll of paper towels and use it like a stethoscope. You should be able to tell what part of the engine the knocking is coming from.

[88kat-rider]

Actually if u use a screw driver as a "sounding bar" by holding the handle to your ear and the metal end to the case you should be able to tell where it's coming from. It's the old method but works well.

Once you know where it's comming from we can help you more

[hart_57]

Thanks for the help, I'll have to give that stuff a try when I go home this weekend.

[hart_57]

Well I finally got it all put back together, the tensioner appeared to be just fine and the cam chain was fine, so makings of where the chain was hitting the guard or anything else, cams looked fine. started it up and it had the same noise going on.... so anything else we might think it is?

[Jman2343]

Might be easier to shop around for a used engine. Yes yours could be fixed, but if your looking to get back in action faster and cheaper, used motor would be the best way to go, and install yourself.

If you want to get a good idea where it is coming from I recommend this, although the other methods work, I just find this easier and quicker. Any good local auto parts store will have them also should be more then 10-15 bucks.

http://www.harborfreight.com/mechanics-stethoscope-41966.html?utm_medium=cse&utm_source=googlebase-pla&hft_adv=40010&mr:trackingCode=AB6A0F9E-782A-E011-B31E-001B2163195C&mr:referralID=NA&origin=pla&mr:adType=pla&gclid=CLHHuc_c_64CFQ6EhwodsSIx0Q

[Nut-Nut]

I have that tool...will definately work, but be carefull what you place/hit it against... it will hurt you ears if it hits moving parts...

As for the noise, I cannot suggest anything form the video... not without hearing it firsthand.... sorry, but i do not want to send you in the wrong direction...