| Author |
Message |
    
Ans6767
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 22, 2013 - 06:02 pm: | 
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So I have finally run into mechanical issues with my 04 firebolt that I cannot resolve myself and I cannot find a knowledgeable mechanic who even wants to help. I have 2 issues which may or may not be related.
1. I'm riding the bike down the road and as I come coasting to a stop (in neutral) the bike starts making this awful rubbing noise. The noise increases proportionally with the the wheel rotation speed and occurs even when the bike is shut off and rolling. I checked the brakes and replaced the rear wheel bearings. Noise still present. I cannot replicate the noise when the bike is on the stand. I also noticed some unusual wear to the outside of the drive belt. Is it possible that I have a mainshaft bearing issue? The mechanics that I have spoken with think this highly unlikely.
2. I get on the bike to go have someone else look at it. Still making the same rubbing noise when coasting to a stop. Half way there, the engine starts popping/backfiring and the bike dies. It starts and idles fine, but will not take a load- at all. I should probably mention that one of the head gaskets recently started leaking oil but not excessively. I tested the battery and it registers consistently around 13 volts.
Any help would be much appreciated. |
Akbuell
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 23, 2013 - 04:58 pm: |
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Sounds like two, or possibly one problem.
First, pull the cover off the engine belt sprocket and check the bearing there. Sounds like the output shaft bearing may have gone south. Pick the rear wheel off the ground and turn it slowly and listen for the sound. May find it there.
If the pulley is loose, it may have damaged wiring in that area. leading to the running issues.
Hope this helps, Dave |
Ans6767
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 29, 2013 - 04:20 pm: |
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Thanks Dave, that is initially where I started. My problem is that I have no frame of reference as to what normal play or noise in that main drive sprocket should be. So just a couple of follow up questions.
1. What kind of sound am I listening for when I turn the rear wheel?
2. How can I tell if the pulley is loose. (when you say pulley, I am assuming you are talking about the sprocket that the drive belt turns)
Thanks again for your help.
Nate |
Akbuell
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 30, 2013 - 02:21 pm: |
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Since you have had the rear wheel off, I'm guessing no problems with the rear brake and sprocket.
Support the bike as if you were taking the rear wheel off. Remove the covers over the engine pulley, and carefully inspect the entire drive belt run, making sure nothing is rubbing the belt. Including the inside of the pulley cover. You can also inspect the wiring there.
Loosen the rear axle 15 or so turns, to provide some slack in the belt. Inspect the idler pulley mounting. Then turn the idler pulley by hand. If you feel anything other than complete smoothness, that may be the problem. If the pulley bearing is going south, it may get hard(er) to turn as it heats, causing the belt to slide over it, causing the rubbing noise.
Now that tension is off the belt, try moving the engine pulley in and out, and rock it side to side. A tiny amount of in/out is OK, any play up/down side/side is not. Finally, try rotating the pulley by hand. Anything other than complete smoothness is not good.
Sometimes normal wear will cause edge wear on the belt, at least on my X-1s.
As to the starting but won't take a load, I would check the TPS for proper functioning first.
Hope this helps, Dave |
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