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Author Topic: Grinding on start  (Read 953 times)
dancnman
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Posts: 207


Houston, Texas


« on: March 14, 2016, 06:03:03 AM »

Yesterday, I started my Interstate and there was a kind of grinding gear/bearing noise that continued for a while then stopped.

I started the bike a few more times and I could not hear it anymore.

I started it again this morning and I get the same "Sounds of Death" from it until it runs for a couple of minutes.

The bike starts good, seems to run good, oil pressure light goes right off, but this noise is killing me.

Any ideas?

Thanks,
Jerry
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Pete
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Frasier in Southeast Tennessee


« Reply #1 on: March 14, 2016, 06:35:06 AM »

Identify the area the noise is coming from and post it please.

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Ricky-D
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Posts: 5031


South Carolina midlands


« Reply #2 on: March 14, 2016, 07:35:20 AM »

It could be the clutch unit on the starter assembly. Get a piece of garden hose and listen there at the starter.

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2000_Valkyrie_Interstate
Tfrank59
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'98 Tourer

Western Washington


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« Reply #3 on: March 14, 2016, 09:19:20 AM »

I know there's debate about what to call this thing – I call it a starter Bendix – but is that thing sticking engaged when he releases the starter button?

OK correction I guess it's a sprague clutch – still think that's the problem --it's sticking when cold. Or maybe starter button just needs maintenance?
« Last Edit: March 14, 2016, 09:29:20 AM by Tfrank59 » Logged

-Tom

Keep the rubber side down.  USMC '78-'84
'98 Valkyrie, ‘02 VTX 1800, '96 Royal Star, '06 Drifter, '09 Bonneville, '10 KTM 530, '04 XR 650, '76 Bultaco, '81 CR 450, '78 GS 750...
WintrSol
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Posts: 1344


Florissant, MO


« Reply #4 on: March 14, 2016, 09:28:32 AM »

I know there's debate about what to call this thing – I call it a starter Bendix – but is that thing sticking engaged when he releases the starter button?
It is called a 'sprag clutch", and I suspect it is what is failing, too. If you have a mechanic's stethoscope, you can isolate the noise; start at the back of the engine, near the main clutch slave. As noted, a length of tubing, like fuel line, will work; even better if you put a metal object in the end you will be touching to the casings, as it will narrow the search better.
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98 Honda Valkyrie GL1500CT Tourer
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gordonv
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Posts: 5762


VRCC # 31419

Richmond BC


« Reply #5 on: March 14, 2016, 07:04:56 PM »

I'm thinking the tensioner pulleys on the timing belts.

We'll need to wait on where the noise is coming from.

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dancnman
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Posts: 207


Houston, Texas


« Reply #6 on: March 16, 2016, 02:22:13 PM »

The best i can determine, the noise is coming from the alternator area, only more to the center and behind it. It is not the alternator though.
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #7 on: March 16, 2016, 02:35:59 PM »

The best i can determine, the noise is coming from the alternator area, only more to the center and behind it. It is not the alternator though.
I recently had the nut come loose on the alt. drive. I wouldn't describe the noise as grinding but it might be worth a look.
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Steel cowboy
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Moving ahead so life won’t pass me by.

Spring Hill, Fl.


« Reply #8 on: March 16, 2016, 06:10:49 PM »

Could be the alternator bearings. Or do you have chrome cover over the tranny, could be a loose bolt.
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2001 black interstate
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pancho
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Bonanza Arkansas


« Reply #9 on: March 16, 2016, 06:25:10 PM »

I had my starter button sticking for awhile and found myself riding around with the starting spinning, once for thirty miles,, not grinding, just running,, whirring,, but something to look at and rule out.
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dancnman
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Posts: 207


Houston, Texas


« Reply #10 on: March 20, 2016, 10:16:06 AM »

Well, whatever it is, I am going to pull the engine and find it. Can't have a problem just waiting to happen.
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gordonv
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VRCC # 31419

Richmond BC


« Reply #11 on: March 20, 2016, 10:39:08 AM »

That sounds like a lot of work, that might not be required.

You need the engine running to figure it out. Unless you have all the good equipment to pull the motor and work on it in a shop.

I would be working on that cold engine making noise, and starting with a stethoscope, localize where the noise is coming from.

You can pull the alt, starter, and the timing belt tensioners pulleys, while the engine is in the bike.
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Bighead
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Madison Alabama


« Reply #12 on: March 20, 2016, 10:39:32 AM »

can't be the engine needs to be pulled to find the problem I wouldn't think. Shocked
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1999 Interstate (sold)
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dancnman
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Posts: 207


Houston, Texas


« Reply #13 on: March 20, 2016, 10:44:43 AM »

Well the thing is, I bought another low mileage engine that I am going to replace it with. Then fix the other one and sell it.
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Reality is that thing which does not change simply because I choose to ignore it.
gordonv
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VRCC # 31419

Richmond BC


« Reply #14 on: March 20, 2016, 11:42:50 AM »

Well... now we have the whole story...  cooldude

I used to rebuild and run VW air cooled engines on a tire, to test them before putting back into the car.

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1999 Black with custom paint IS

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