texasrices Posted August 19, 2011 #1 Posted August 19, 2011 I need some help. I am trying to diagnose a problem that just developed with out having to tear the engine apart looking for something that I don't know what I am looking for. Yesterday, I was on the freeway going about fifty to sixty mph, getting up to speed. While at that speed, I heard a sound that SEEMS to be coming from the clutch and/or water pump area. It kind of sounds like loose metal rattling around. Pretty loud. Maybe a sound that it would make if it was starving of coolant or oil. When I get up to 70 mph, it seems to stop, although I can't tell if I just can't hear it because of the wind. This morning I took her out and the sound goes away when I pull in the clutch. But while the clutch is disengaged, if I rev the engine I still hear the noise. I hear no noise at all when it is idling in the driveway or going slowly. It shifts gears fine. I'm thinking it could be a water or oil pump issue and/or a clutch issue. I just don't know. I know I probably haven't given you enough to go on yet... but any ideas or things that I can check would be GREATLY appreciated!!!!! 1998 Royal Star TC XVZ13AT I really thank you for your time and thoughts!! Mike Rice texasrices
Sylvester Posted August 19, 2011 #2 Posted August 19, 2011 Get a mechanic's stethascope with a long probe and start checking out while riding or sitting still. It will isolate the location for you.
dingy Posted August 19, 2011 #3 Posted August 19, 2011 If the water pump bearing is the cause of the noise, there is the possibility that the contact between the ceramic face seal and the carbibe lip in the water pump may allow oil & coolant to mix. This may not happen if the shaft does not deviate much from intended center line. But if there is oil/coolant crossover, that would narrow it down quite a bit. Gary
Condor Posted August 19, 2011 #4 Posted August 19, 2011 Get a mechanic's stethascope with a long probe and start checking out while riding or sitting still. It will isolate the location for you. A large screw driver will work just as well.....
texasrices Posted August 19, 2011 Author #5 Posted August 19, 2011 With a stick of wood as a probe, I placed it on the clutch housing and the water pump housing. When I pulled on the clutch, I only heard a slight change in the sound. But nothing like loose metal rattling around in there. I may have to go get a mechanics stethoscope tomorrow and try to really narrow it down better.
V7Goose Posted August 19, 2011 #6 Posted August 19, 2011 With a stick of wood as a probe, I placed it on the clutch housing and the water pump housing. When I pulled on the clutch, I only heard a slight change in the sound. But nothing like loose metal rattling around in there. I may have to go get a mechanics stethoscope tomorrow and try to really narrow it down better. Wood does not transmit sound well. A screwdriver with a hard plastic handle is the better choice if you do not have a mechanic's stethoscope, but it is still nowhere near as sensitive. When you are using a real stethoscope, be careful to not accidentally knock the probe against stuff - the sound will be VERY loud in your ears! Goose
darthandy Posted August 19, 2011 #7 Posted August 19, 2011 Get a mechanic's stethascope with a long probe and start checking out while riding or sitting still. It will isolate the location for you. Just a thought here, but wouldn't using a stethoscope to study engine sounds while riding possibly lead to the sound of crushing metal and breaking plastic? Andy
bkuhr Posted August 19, 2011 #8 Posted August 19, 2011 My first thought when reading this was starter clutch, I know-left side.
texasrices Posted August 20, 2011 Author #9 Posted August 20, 2011 Well, I guess it is time to start taking things apart and see what I can find. I will update with results. Meanwhile keep the ideas coming. Thanks y'all
texasrices Posted August 22, 2011 Author #10 Posted August 22, 2011 I got a stethoscope and probed around. I did'nt really hear any strange clunking or clattering anywhere. (but I'm no mechanic.) What I did find is oil in the coolant resevoir. I would tend to think that this is a water pump oil seal according to my research as well as a post from BigBear back in April 2011. I also drained the oil but found no coolant in there. Does that explain the noise that I was hearing though?? Like metal dragging on the right side of the engine. Or maybe a sound that a loose baffle could make??? Still working
V7Goose Posted August 22, 2011 #11 Posted August 22, 2011 Certainly sounds like you have a water pump problem to me. A small oil leak into the coolant will turn to foam and be blown into the overflow. Goose
Sylvester Posted August 22, 2011 #12 Posted August 22, 2011 Certainly sounds like you have a water pump problem to me. A small oil leak into the coolant will turn to foam and be blown into the overflow. Goose Bodda Bing, Bodda Boom...I think you got it Goose.
dingy Posted August 22, 2011 #13 Posted August 22, 2011 What I did find is oil in the coolant resevoir. I would tend to think that this is a water pump oil seal according to my research as well as a post from BigBear back in April 2011. And also the 3rd post in response to your problem on 8/19/11. Gary
Trader Posted August 22, 2011 #14 Posted August 22, 2011 OK Gary....you are good! You don't have to fish for complements!
yamtom Posted August 30, 2011 #15 Posted August 30, 2011 My granddaughter just had the same problem with her Chevy, and the engine was blown, a head gasket was blown, fix it quick before there is more damage eh?? Hate to see you lose the engine on that. Her car is now scrap due to the fact that there are no 3.1 engines available in scrapyards in Michigan. It seems the cash for clunkers used up all the scrapyard gems around here.
texasrices Posted September 1, 2011 Author #16 Posted September 1, 2011 Well I replaced all the parts in the water pump today. Seals, o-rings etc. Fired her up to check for leaks and found none. At this point I'm pretty proud of myself. I take her out for a test ride and the sound is still there. So..... Is there anyone around the Dickinson/Clear Lake Texas area that can and or would recommend a reputable repair shop?? Obviously the local stealer is OUT of the question since I haven't won the lottery yet.
1 Canuck Posted September 2, 2011 #17 Posted September 2, 2011 Hey...without hearing or being able to touch your bike; it could be the timing chain or guides rattling around. Without load on the engine (cruising speed) it would be more prominent. If the noise disappears with the engine under load; a good chance it could be worn? As you said reving the engine with the clutch pulled in (not under load) you can hear it. Just a thought. But then again I've been wrong before.
texasrices Posted September 2, 2011 Author #18 Posted September 2, 2011 no one knows anyone or anywhere??:confused24:
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now