Engine knocking or just my imagination? - SV650.org

23-10-14, 10:10 PM

I noticed a knocking sound at idle the other day, after having ridden the bike just around the block. Didn't think too much of it until I had it MOT'd the next day and the tester advised it was knocking. That was when the engine was warm, but I've also heard it from cold.

Can't really tell if revs affect it cos it gets drowned out by the noise, but it doesn't appear to be affecting performance, other than I'm now scared to push it hard.

I've since taken it to 2 bike servicing shops where both times the mechanics haven't heard anything out of the ordinary. To be fair, neither could I when they were listening to it, so don't know if I'm imagining it now?

Took a video yesterday morning, I'm not talking about the rattle, but do you hear a constant knocking here? Seems like it might be coming from the rear cylinder, valves need adjusting perhaps?

2000 SVS, ~30k miles

Bibio · 23-10-14, 10:14 PM

sound to me like its sucking air or you have a loose cam chain.

jonny.boyd · 23-10-14, 10:50 PM

Been run low on oil at some point in it's life?

23-10-14, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonny.boyd

Been run low on oil at some point in it's life?

Actually, a stone did hole the oil filter during a 30 mile ride, needed a fair bit of oil to replace what was lost but didn't get an oil warning light...

That was a few thousand miles ago though, no odd noises until just the other day.

jonny.boyd · 24-10-14, 06:57 AM

Unfortunately the oil warning light is more of a "it's too late" light.

Sounds like a bottom end knock to me (from listening to the video).

Your best bet... grab a short length of hose or a long screwdriver. Now go around putting one end of the hose/screwdriver on the engine casing, and the other end of hose/screwdriver by your ear. By doing this you should be able to find the point that the knock you are talking about is at it's worst. Let us know if it's top end or bottom end.

Hopefully its not that and it's something easy and simple. But it sounds like to me! All the best.

Teejayexc · 25-10-14, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonny.boyd

Your best bet... grab a short length of hose or a long screwdriver. Now go around putting one end of the hose/screwdriver on the engine casing, and the other end of hose/screwdriver by your ear.

Preferably with the handle end of the screwdriver to your ear

23-10-14, 10:14 PM	#2
Bibio Member Mega Poster Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: here as devil's advocate Posts: 11,540	Re: Engine knocking or just my imagination? sound to me like its sucking air or you have a loose cam chain.

23-10-14, 10:50 PM	#3
jonny.boyd Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Bedfordshire Posts: 215	Re: Engine knocking or just my imagination? Been run low on oil at some point in it's life?

24-10-14, 06:57 AM	#5
jonny.boyd Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Bedfordshire Posts: 215	Re: Engine knocking or just my imagination? Unfortunately the oil warning light is more of a "it's too late" light. Sounds like a bottom end knock to me (from listening to the video). Your best bet... grab a short length of hose or a long screwdriver. Now go around putting one end of the hose/screwdriver on the engine casing, and the other end of hose/screwdriver by your ear. By doing this you should be able to find the point that the knock you are talking about is at it's worst. Let us know if it's top end or bottom end. Hopefully its not that and it's something easy and simple. But it sounds like to me! All the best.

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