Strange Engine Knock

  • Thread starter Thread starter JABMR
  • Start date Start date

JABMR

Guest
My 2000 model 1150 has developed a strange knock under hot conditions (slow traffic) it sounds a bit like big ends but it is only there with the clutch disengaged, release the clutch and the knocking disappears, it is not a rattle rather a knock. Anyone come across something like this before?

The bike has done 150000 km and otherwise runs like a dream.

Your comments are greatly appreciated.

John
 
Could be the onset of big end knock from the symptoms you describe. This is most prevalent when the engine is under load and the bearings have to absorb piston thrust i.e. letting the clutch out. When just ticking over in neutral it may not be all that apparent, or when cold as the oil is at its thickest and oil pressure is higher than when hot. Also you may not notice slight big end knock at speed due to all the usual knocks and rattles, wind noise etc.

If you suspect big end wear, FFS get it stripped and inspected before the crankshaft journals get worn. If you catch it early enough you can get away with changing the big end shells without a journal regrind / crankshaft replacement. I would also replace the mains as well. Much cheaper than a new engine if it lunches itself.

Either way, if it is definitely knocking, and with 150k on the odometer, it is worth a precautionary strip and inspect. Not sure if this can be done in-situ or if the engine needs removal, all my experience is in big marine diesels and some automotive work, I have no hands-on experience with the BWM boxer twin internals.
 
Tanks guys for your input and I hate to say this but I am thinking along the same lines, I better start to plan a stripdown, I guess 150.000 km without a glitch is still not a bad record.

John
 
When my 1150gs 2003 gets up to 6 bars, (rarely) it too sounds noisier than normal, but it has just had it's 12,000 mile dealer rip off. Sorry, service, & no comment was made by them. Could be old oil, or just it being noisier when hot. At 5 bars does not exhibit any strange noises, Too bloody cold at the moment & has not got hot enough to get 6 bars.,
 
Last edited:
JABMR said:
My 2000 model 1150 has developed a strange knock under hot conditions (slow traffic) it sounds a bit like big ends but it is only there with the clutch disengaged, release the clutch and the knocking disappears, it is not a rattle rather a knock. Anyone come across something like this before?

The bike has done 150000 km and otherwise runs like a dream.

Your comments are greatly appreciated.

John
John, my new (2005) Adventure did this in Spain recently, I was utterly convinced it had done a big-end bearing, the noise was horrendous but went away with the clutch disengaged (lever pulled in). A mate riding with me said 'don't worry they do that sometimes' It's not done it again to the same extent and it's under warranty anyway so I'm not worried. It's something in the clutch assembly, if it was an engine bearing it would be there all the time and would seize very quickly so don't worry too much about it :thumb
 
Try 20/50 oil.

My 1150 sounds rattly when really hot - until I started using 20w50.
 
littleredrooster said:
Where can you get 20W/50 of the correct spec, Mike?

Hi LRR, I've been using (dealer recommended) Castrol GP 20/50, I know that it's a mineral oil - but I'm still running in (less than 20K), because he said pulling the chair put's a bit more load on the engine.
 
I know what you mean - most places just stock the usual 10w40.

I actually used 15w50 - My local car spares place had a deal on, so I bought 2 cans of mnineral 15w50 for just over 10 quid.

Regarding ratings, the GS will run on just about anything. The oil I had is SJ rated, so is amply rated.

Castrol GTX and Duckams standard are available in 20w50, and are amply rated. But there are quite a few Fully Synthetic motorcycle 20w50's out there now.

I change oil more often than the reccomended 6000 miles. Usually about every 5000 miles - when the oil starts to look dark.

As an aside, I change the gearbox and final drive oils too. They only take 10 mins to do, and the oils are peanuts to buy (I get them bulk from work!)

M.
 


Back
Top Bottom