92 FJ HELP -ODD NOISES

[Riolongo]

Hi all,I just picked up a 92 FJ yesterday, only 26k, everything seemed to be okay but now I'm hearing these strange sounds at slow speeds and lower RPM. It's really hard to pin point while riding but it sounds like it is coming from under my seat. I looked into the manual and right off the bat it tells me that "knocking" or "rattling sounds" are big problems. I'm not sure if this is what I'm hearing or not, but it is kind of a knocking sound. I also have some vibration which may or may not be associated, but don't know what is the norm for these bikes. Once I'm accelerating I don't notice the knocking sound but that may only be because of the normal noise generated by the bike. Is there anyone in the Lower Fraser Valley of B.C. that is familiar with these bikes?

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

[jack02]

If it's coming from "under the seat" and not obviously the engine,first thing I'd check out is the drive chain - tension/tight spots etc. I've had that before,quite alarming and only remedied with a new C&S set.

[roverfj1200]

If it's coming from "under the seat" and not obviously the engine,first thing I'd check out is the drive chain - tension/tight spots etc. I've had that before,quite alarming and only remedied with a new C&S set.

Yeah I would back this up... also  the air cooled engine can have a a few funny sound sounds to it.

[paulfj03]

I remember a thread  about the 'knocking' noise, for someone, turning out to be the center stand having a loose spring; while driving it would knock or tap against the frame/exhaust can. ( 10 second check- you never know).

[ccsct203]

Check the cam chain and it that is loose then the automatic chain tensioner is the issue.
I have the APE manual setup... I should pull my cam cover this weekend and check my chain...great thought.
Thanks

[Riolongo]

Thanks for all the suggestions, I had a better listen today and it seems like the noise is coming from behind the small circular cover on the left hand side of the engine, I believe this may be the generator/stator area. Is there an adjustment that can be made, replace something or is it a telltale of bigger problems?

Thanks in advance,

Mike

[Harvy]

Mike, it may also be the starter chain. There are 2 round covers at the back of the engine on the lhs - the starter motor and the alternator.
Alternator has the silver cover on the outside and in general is not known to make the noise you are describing.
The starter drives a chain via a clutch arrangement.......the chain does stretch over time and can be one of the noises you hear at low RPM.
If it is that chain you are hearing, you either get used to it, or get ready to split the crankcase to replace it.


Harvy

[roverfj1200]

If its you starter chain or even just general engine noise a oil stabilizer can help quiet the God's..

[jack02]

Re starter chains. Ever since I've had my FJ there's been a sort of rattle just when pulling away - letting the clutch out whilst applying power. It's done the same thing over the 13K miles I've had it,and it's never got worse or diminished. I've completely ruled out the clutch or unbalanced carbs as the source. It's not a problem,nothing more than a very mild irritation that Ive gotten used to,to the point where I only notice it when I look for it. I've heard that a murmuring starter chain won't progress to something serious and can be safely left alone,and it's just a case of putting it out of your mind. Is this right? If the source of my engine noise is the starter chain,I guess the passage of 13K miles kinda confirms that. I won't fix it until the day comes when I really do have to split the crancases for something else - two birds with one stone and all that....

[Riolongo]

Re starter chains. Ever since I've had my FJ there's been a sort of rattle just when pulling away - letting the clutch out whilst applying power. It's done the same thing over the 13K miles I've had it,and it's never got worse or diminished. I've completely ruled out the clutch or unbalanced carbs as the source. It's not a problem,nothing more than a very mild irritation that Ive gotten used to,to the point where I only notice it when I look for it. I've heard that a murmuring starter chain won't progress to something serious and can be safely left alone,and it's just a case of putting it out of your mind. Is this right? If the source of my engine noise is the starter chain,I guess the passage of 13K miles kinda confirms that. I won't fix it until the day comes when I really do have to split the crancases for something else - two birds with one stone and all that....

I think you've it the nail on the head, what you describe is exactly what is happening. I'll continue to monitor for now.

Thanks for the response.