Engine Rattling

[Jon]

I've noticed this week that a rattling noise is coming from the engine at around 4000rpm, also starting to get louder at higher revs aswell. Any ideas what this could be?

The bike (GS500) is also starting to be a pain to start up, after loads of attempts is backfires (without twisting the throttle) then eventually starts

I'm going to change the air filter, plugs, oil etc. but I've got a feeling the reason could be down to the camshaft? or clutch?

Any help would be appreciated, it's (sort of) under dealer warranty so if it's major it can be fixed by them.

[mr.z]

maybe you need a carb ballence? how long has it been doing it? is it a sudden thing?
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[iCraig]

How many miles has this GS500 done and has it been fully serviced etc? (and what years it is)

I am thinking if its a rythmatic knocking it may be the cam chain (depending on the miles/servicing) or it could be just the famous "Suzuki Cam End Float"

[Jon]

It's only just started doing it this week.

The bike has a fully stamped service log book but don't think it's been looked at for a while since then. Bikes got 20,000 miles now.

I haven't been having much luck with the bike either, I've had it nearly 2months, puncher second day I had it, then the front caliper dust seals fell out, fork seals went, and the exhaust fell off

[iCraig]

Jon sounds like a lemon, I've had GS500's for well over 2 years now and not had any major problems.

I would suspect after only 20,000 miles that its either had a very hard life and begining to give up or, the cam chain tensioner needs some sort off attention, as on the GS its automatically adjusted but it can sometimes "fluff" up.

You say that it only happens when you go over 4000RPM, which seems weird 'cos if it were the Cam Chain it would be constant.
Then again it could be noise coming from the exhaust cam, which on the GS500 is known to be very noisy and nothing to worry about.

Either way get it to your dealer, let them have a shufty at it and a listen to it, some noise is normal on a GS with it being a Inline Twin that hasnt been developed since 1989.

Also is there any new vibes that you have noticed or anything, as the GS should be quite smooth up to about 6k RPM (60MPH +)

Better to be safe than sorry

HTH

Craig

[Jon]

[JonB]

I know it is a stupid comparison, but my 50cc automatic started rattling after about 11,000 miles, I had a look and it turned out a bolt keep the exhaust on had come loose. I tightened it up and everything was fine.
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Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it?s worth.

[mr.z]

i had one on my cx for a while, was begining to freak me out it would only be within a 100rev range of 3000, turns out it was my keys
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[Kickstart]

Hi

I would expect a cam chain to be most noticeable at idle. As mentioned the first thing to check is the carb balance (assuming nothing is hanging off the bike).

All the best

Keith
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