Rather squeaky on starting up...

Mav

Mav

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Left the bike (06 12 GSA) standing for 3 weeks - when trying to start, it gave a helluva squeal, much like a fan belt on a car that needed tightening. The first couple times, whatever was squealing was causing a bit too much strain causing the engine to stall. 3rd time, squeal goes away, and then runs fine.

Is this the alternator belt? And, if so, is it just a case of the belt needing to be replaced? Or perhaps the alternator is on the way out?
 
The squealing will be the alternator belt slipping but I reckon that your real problem is probably the alternator itself

I have heard tell of alternators seizing up when the bike is left parked up especially if it's been left parked up just after being washed
 
Nice 'n' Fat said:
The squealing will be the alternator belt slipping but I reckon that your real problem is probably the alternator itself

I have heard tell of alternators seizing up when the bike is left parked up especially if it's been left parked up just after being washed
Click to expand...

Thanks - that would explain it causing the engine to stall... I'll see what happens overnight, and after the 45 mile run in the morning...

PS - What is this 'washing' you speak of? :D
 
I hadn't run my 1600 for about three months..... That made one hell of a crashing and banging on Saturday morning on first ignition. All was well within about 15 seconds.
 
Mine did this the other day, gave an almighty squeal. Like yours it hadn't been run for a while. Bikes only 6 months old with 8k on it.

I normally ride it every day so assumed it was 'normal' if the bike hadn't been used for a few weeks. Cause for concern?

Problem is I won't be able to replicate the noise at the dealer who'll probably tell me it's part of their character
 
Alternator is seizing up matey, why do i know ?..................cause it happened to me. Mine was so bad that it snapped the belt. Its a fairly common problem when the bikes are left lying for any longish period, crud has managed to get into the bearings and feck em. Mine was replaced under the extended warranty BTW. THANK FOOK CAUSE THEY ARE EXPENSIVE !!
 
Bendy toy said:
It also might be possible to fit new bearings into the alternator.
Click to expand...

As long as the alternator casing isn't cracked or broken. Which is the usual result when trying to start with a seized alternator...
 
Nearly correct but wrong!

Delboy777 said:
Alternator is seizing up matey, why do i know ?..................cause it happened to me. Mine was so bad that it snapped the belt. Its a fairly common problem when the bikes are left lying for any longish period, crud has managed to get into the bearings and feck em. Mine was replaced under the extended warranty BTW. THANK FOOK CAUSE THEY ARE EXPENSIVE !!
Click to expand...
No, it is not the bearings which fail.
The clearances on an alternator are tiny.
When it is parked with condensation on the rotor surfaces, the rust build up locks the rotor solid.
If the case is not cracked, just put a spanner on the end of the alternator nut and turn it clockwise till it frees. Fit a new belt, and start engine. With engine running, blow into alternator with an airline to clear out the iron oxide.
Myke
 
I need to check the casing... But it ran fine this morning, started on the button.

Here's hoping she starts when I leave the office!

Thanks for your help chaps :thumb2
 
Myke Rocks said:
No, it is not the bearings which fail.
The clearances on an alternator are tiny.
When it is parked with condensation on the rotor surfaces, the rust build up locks the rotor solid.
If the case is not cracked, just put a spanner on the end of the alternator nut and turn it clockwise till it frees. Fit a new belt, and start engine. With engine running, blow into alternator with an airline to clear out the iron oxide.
Myke
Click to expand...
:bow i bow to your superior knowledge then :eek::D:augie
 
A squirt of ACF50 around the bearing followed by a spin over to distribute and fling off any excess might help, it's an excellent lubricant and creeps into spaces such as the bearings and stator/rotor clearance preventing corrosion. Avoid soaking the brushes though.
 
So the old girl has been laid up for 9 months following contact with the tarmac , she was running fine when stood up after the crash , damage is virtually all repaired and having put a new battery on her this afternoon she fired but then terrible squeal and smell of burning rubber , stopped her immediately . Question is it likely to be just stuck , slipping or totally buggered . I have seen the BMW manual and can see how to get to the alternater belt so will do that in the morning .

If it is just the belt and some good old lubricant will sort everything else out how easy is it to change the belt . The manual mentions special pulley tool but hate the idea of pending £95 plus vat . Is there a cheaper work around to fit the belt.
 
I read somewhere the the belt can be wound onto the alternator pulley by cranking the starter or turning the back wheel in gear. Just make sure the alternator does turn.
 
thanks

will have a look in the morning and see if I can free her up , will probably replace the belt as it is only £20 and she has done 36k

hopefully alternator not seized

just want to hit the road again , missing the old girl gurgling along
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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