Undetermined Noise

[zoom45]

I just returned from a 1700 mile (did the dragon and Smokies in Tennessee) ride on my 2000 Nomad 1500 (carbed) with 52,000 miles on it. Before I left, I had noticed a slight rattling sound at a certain speed but couldn't tell where it's coming from. I never noticed any power difference the entire trip. It sounds like two big washers that are loose on a bolt and rattling. It's only noticeable when you are cruising at 50-60. If I pull the clutch in I can't hear it and if I accelerate to a faster speed I can't hear it. It's only at a steady speed. I have looked everywhere and can't find anything loose. I can't touch anything while riding that seems to vibrate so it's hard to narrow down the location. I was wondering if the timing chain adjusters could be maxed out and do it? It almost sounds like a baffle plate in the muffler could be rattling. Has anyone experienced this or had problems with the adjusters? I talked to a Kawasaki dealer mechanic and he had never heard of it or had to replace any timing chain parts in a Nomad.
Thanks,
Zoom45 ???

On Gadget's page there's a description of how to check the adjusters to see if they have bottomed out. Basically you just have to unscrew the threaded caps and take a measurement.

If they've bottomed you can get the extenders here from Chuckster.

[zoom45]

I saw that article but if it's worn beyond the original specifications shouldn't you go ahead and replace it with new parts? I haven't had the motor apart to look at it but it seems if the chain is stretched enough, it would eventually rub against something. How much longer can you run it with the extenders?

[aj]

I had a rattle with mine a while ago, It was one of the exhaust covers loose. Took a bit of time to find and a bit of work and its as good as.
Happy Dayzzz

[formikec]

Risking the chance of sounding stooopid, what do you have attached to the key in the ignition? lol

[scion0]

I was told by someone tonight that my bike sounded like it has an exhaust leak. Sound the same to me as when I bought it last August... so not sure what he heard or what I am supposed to hear with an exhaust leak?

Originally Posted by zoom45

I saw that article but if it's worn beyond the original specifications shouldn't you go ahead and replace it with new parts?...

Sure, and for maybe $1300 they can do that. If you don't want to spend quite as much you can put on the extenders for $25. Also it takes a couple hours instead of having your bike in the shop a week.

Originally Posted by zoom45

... it seems if the chain is stretched enough, it would eventually rub against something....

Not only will it rub, but it'll quickly wear a hole in the spark plug wells. The extenders will prevent that. The engine will run smoother and quieter too.

Originally Posted by zoom45

...How much longer can you run it with the extenders?

There's no gurantee, but if you do it right, maybe another 50,000 miles.

Originally Posted by zoom45

...I haven't had the motor apart to look at it..

Well if you have the time, talent, and tools you can save yourself a bundle. You'll have to drop the engine and you'll need about $500 for new parts (maybe more depending on where you buy them. You'll need to change the oil and antifreeze as well. some gaskets, sealant, sundries. Better figure about $600 to do a really complete job. You could get by for $400 if you don't change the tensioner slides & guides but no dealer would warranty a job unless he did. BTW, these figures include the new upper sprockets, but not the lower of course.

The bottom line is that I'll cost a bundle to have this done "right" way, and there's a reasonable chance that the dealer will screw up something else in the process of fixing this. He may also try to sell you a ring job in the process, new cams or who knows what.

Lots of folks have done the extenders, and evidently with good results because Chuckster is still selling them. My bike has 32,500 miles and I have a set waiting to go in. My chains aren't really noisy in the summer, but last winter at 32^oF they were. They'll get installed before winter for sure.

Originally Posted by "Scion0"

I was told by someone tonight that my bike sounded like it has an exhaust leak. Sound the same to me as when I bought it last August... so not sure what he heard or what I am supposed to hear with an exhaust leak?

Depends on where it's leaking and how badly. Wave a lit cigarette or some punk or incense around all the joints in the exhaust system while somebody plays with the throttle a bit, and see if the smoke gets blown away suddenly, indicating a leak. The most common place for leaks is right where the pipes attack to the heads.

[scion0]

Originally Posted by caddmannq

Depends on where it's leaking and how badly. Wave a lit cigarette or some punk or incense around all the joints in the exhaust system while somebody plays with the throttle a bit, and see if the smoke gets blown away suddenly, indicating a leak. The most common place for leaks is right where the pipes attack to the heads.

Thanks, I am off tomorrow, I will give that try. Although I don't notice any power loss...

[skeeter]

Buckle your chin strap?

[kawbuc]

If you cant hear it when you pull the clutch in , could it be the clutch plates rattling.???

[nightmare]

"It sounds like two big washers that are loose on a bolt and rattling." I would have to guess from that statement that it sounds like the exhaust heat shields