Engine Rattle ??

[speedwaymaniac]

I'm after a few suggestions / advice if possible..

My Y model 600 Bandit has started a small rattle which sounds like it may be coming from the engine but i'm not sure quite from where..
I have checked all bolts and everything seems tight, + mounting bolts. I have also checked exhaust mountings, clamps the lot. The bike is completely stock bar a Suzuki standard restriction kit (but thats been in for ages)

Has anybody else had this before or have something similar to this that they may be able to advise upon, any suggestions will be appreciated just want to make sure im not riding around doing damage to the engine 

N.B. Valve Clearances were checked in November 07 and at best i've only done 2000 miles since then. (checked by a reputable dealer/service department)

[pmackie]

Do you hear this rattle more at idle, in nuetral, or more in gear at speed? Is it related to rpm?

Possibilities at idle, include clutch - pull in the clutch as see if it goes away, also try in gear.

If it occurs more at a higher rpm, then maybe the cam chain and/or tensioner.

Maybe describe the problem a little more...

[speedwaymaniac]

my apologies, it seems to be more evident whilst in gear and driving, seems to kick off at 4000rpm and either disappears just over or just after 5000.. however you can hear it during idle if you rev the engine to 4000rpm

Have pulled the clutch in and this doesn't seem to make any difference.
Thanks for your initial reply pmackie..

[pmackie]

Hey speedwaymaniac

Most B6's (including mine) have a nasty batch of resonant vibration between 4000 and about 5200 rpm. This engine vibration can be causing something else to resonate, usually the fairing, windscreen or gauge connections.

I would also look under the tank for anything rubbing, loose. Check the around the airbox, etc.

If it truly is coming from the engine and has increased in sound/vibration, I would suspect the cam chain. The tensioner should be automatic, but they can get sticky, and/or worn from age. You can sometimes loosten the adjustment locknut and tap the tensioner bolt and area "very gently" with a plastic tipped hammer, or similar, and see if it frees up. You would want to do this while turning the engine over by hand, so as to ensue the drive side of the chain is tight.

Otherwise you are faced with removing the top head case cover (like when you check the valves) and checking the condition of the chain, sprockets and tensioner.

BUT, like I said, because this is such a common rpm for this engine to vibrate, it is likely something else vibrating along with it, and making more noise than usual.

[speedwaymaniac]

Thats great advice! Thanks Paul.. i'll look into all of the above, im not entirely sure where its coming from just seems to be in the engine direction.
Airbox and under the tank is a very good suggestion and would not surprise me to be something there.

Thanks again for taking the time to pass on some advice.