Engine Knock--Suspect counter balancer
 

I'm getting a knock in the lower front of my 05 Nomad, 1600. Only at idle. Research suggests the pucks are worn on the balancer shaft.
Any one else have this problem? I'm a good shade tree mech. and this appears to be a DIY. Anyone here tackle this problem?
Thanks, Chris

Engine Knock--Suspect counter balancer
 

A few guys on the VROC forum have done it a while ago, they said its not that hard a job to tackle yourself. Ive never done one myself but will do it if it ever becomes suspect.

Engine Knock--Suspect counter balancer
 

why would a '05 all ready be going bad on that part??

Engine Knock--Suspect counter balancer
 

How many miles? Did this just develop ? How long have you owned the bike ?

Engine Knock--Suspect counter balancer
 

I just bought the bike and it has about 23K miles. At fist it wasn't too bad, But now that the weather is warmiing up and I'm riding it more often, its more noticeable. The bike was well maintained-oil changes documented on the owners manuel. Other than this issue, the bike is perfect! The mechanic that did my inspection stated I should not be concerned--stated he seen MANY Kawasaki engines with minor noises and they would run forever. Next step is to see if it quiets down after its first oil change. I'll keep everyone posted.
Chris

Engine Knock--Suspect counter balancer
 

We have a 05 with 11K miles and no problems yet. It is a little 'clattery' when cold and for the 1st 8-10 miles but it goes away.
I will keep this post in check.

Engine Knock--Suspect counter balancer
 

i had a 05 that i traded in on a 08. the 05 had 35,000miles and ran like a switch watch. maybe you had better get a second opinion..... http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

Engine Knock--Suspect counter balancer
 

I had clattering and ticking in my 1500 Nomad until I changed to synthetic oil. Got better with Castrol and improved again with Royal Purple. The mileage was around 13,000 when I switched oil types.

Engine Knock--Suspect counter balancer
 

Mine tends to get a lot louder as the oil gets older. After an oil change, I can tell an immediate difference.

If you hadn't said it was doing it only at idle, I would actually have wondered what octane you run in it. These bikes like higher octane when the weather warms up.

Engine Knock--Suspect counter balancer
 

Chris,
I had that problem with my 2001, to find that the balancer pucks were in bad shape. I replaced them and the knocking sound was gone.
I have some pics I can email you.
chuckster1_31@comcast.net

Engine Knock--Suspect counter balancer
 

The engine in the Nomad is the noisiest I have ever owned. My bike has 12K+ on it and it makes similar noises, some of which go away after it is warmed up.

Engine Knock--Suspect counter balancer
 

I wonder if a stethescope is in order here, or a long 3/8" drive extension used like a stethescope..... I know Ild be trying to listen and locate this with something.

Engine Knock--Suspect counter balancer
 

Guys-Thanks for the replys. Chucster, Thanks for the pics! Very helpful. I have read all the posts stating how noisey this engine can be. Funny thing about it--my engine is very quiet wether its cold or hot with the exception of this noise. I did do the old screw driver to my ear bit. Noise is definetly down low in front.
Chris

Engine Knock--Suspect counter balancer
 

Not trying to insult you, but are you sure it's a knock and not pinging? Some of these engines ping like crazy.

Engine Knock--Suspect counter balancer
 

I have an 05 1600 and it had that same knock in the lower front of the engine for about a year before I decided to replace the dampers. When I took it apart the dampers were not really that bad, but the drive gear bushing had a lot of wear and replacing the dampers did not get rid of the knock. I ordered a new drive gear and bushing, installed them and the knock is gone. The bike had around 90k miles on it at that time, 148k on it now and still nice and quiet.

Garry