new poster, a few questions..
Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2007 12:06 pm
RE: the noise... It would help if you can isolate the noise some, maybe using a mechanics stethoscope or even a long box wrench or cardboard tube. Does the noise change pitch with RPM? In you garage, can you start the bike and hear the noise but it changes a bit when you blip the throttle? If it's in the airbox area, it would be a simple matter to remove the clamshell cover on the left side and pull out the filter and look around. Heck, even start the engine in that configuration and see what's going on. About the only moving thing in that area (other than the starter nose) would be the engine breather valve which, if it has not been changed, is the older type. It's a cylindrical disk (maybe the size of a 50 cent piece or smaller) held down to the case with a spring. With increased internal case pressure the disk lifts off its seat and lets the pressure escape to the right carb, bringing any oil mist with it. That might be broken and creating the sound. There's a newer style, a reed type, which can be used. The older style could potential create the "turkey gobble" sound, especially at idle.
If the noise is not in the airbox but more in the valve area, you would need to reset your valve clearances or maybe there is too much up and down rocker arm play. The two bolts that hold the rocker arm to the head can be loosened and squeezed together with some kind of clamp and then retigthen the bolts. There are specs for the amount of play, but I always look for almost no movement in the rocker with just a hint of oil pushing from around where the rocker arms meet the pillow blocks. Make sure the torque is correct for the bolts. Also, isn't there some kind of alignment process for the EX/IN rocker arms on the early /5s? Later models have the alignment built in.
RE: cleaning... I'm not much of a cleaner, probably give my bikes a bath once or twice a year. I just did a resto on an R69S and couldn't find anything which cleaned the engine case better than bead blasting. Basically, you're best bet is to use one of your favorite cleaners and some elbow grease maybe use a Scothbrite pad or brass brushes. I use a Gunk brand degreaser before I wash which does a decent job of getting the various oil residue and dirt off. For spokes, I would think you could try some emory cloth or something like that in long strips. Wrap it around the spoke and saw it back and forth, up and down along the spoke. Maybe try it with some kind of liquid to help cut the grime.
Good luck...Kurt in S.A.
If the noise is not in the airbox but more in the valve area, you would need to reset your valve clearances or maybe there is too much up and down rocker arm play. The two bolts that hold the rocker arm to the head can be loosened and squeezed together with some kind of clamp and then retigthen the bolts. There are specs for the amount of play, but I always look for almost no movement in the rocker with just a hint of oil pushing from around where the rocker arms meet the pillow blocks. Make sure the torque is correct for the bolts. Also, isn't there some kind of alignment process for the EX/IN rocker arms on the early /5s? Later models have the alignment built in.
RE: cleaning... I'm not much of a cleaner, probably give my bikes a bath once or twice a year. I just did a resto on an R69S and couldn't find anything which cleaned the engine case better than bead blasting. Basically, you're best bet is to use one of your favorite cleaners and some elbow grease maybe use a Scothbrite pad or brass brushes. I use a Gunk brand degreaser before I wash which does a decent job of getting the various oil residue and dirt off. For spokes, I would think you could try some emory cloth or something like that in long strips. Wrap it around the spoke and saw it back and forth, up and down along the spoke. Maybe try it with some kind of liquid to help cut the grime.
Good luck...Kurt in S.A.