Dropped bike, now it squeeks

So yesterday i was parking my bike ('81 XJ750R Seca) on the big hills here on beacon hill, and things got a little hairy and i basicly eased it too the ground... it was a little rough, but it didnt hit too too hard. The bike was running as it felll over, and continued to run on it side briefly before i switched it off.

Anyways i picked it up, and a bunch of waht im assuming was fuel leaked out of what i think was the air box drain. Which i have heard of this happeneing before to people on this forum. I started it up and everything was fine. I then drove back to school 20 minutes later (about 4 miles) When i got there i noticed the bike was making a strange squeek or high pitched what sounded like vibrating noise.

So i went around adn held every part of the bike applying slight pressure to try to stop vibrations, to no avail. Nothing would stop this. So i did some tests, and the noise variees by engine speed, and is constant with the cltuch in or out, neutral or no. Now i realize this means i must dissasemble the engine to fix this problem. I am going to count weather it is happening once every two cylinder fires, or once every 4 to determine if its int eh head or the block.

Basicly what im looking for, is if someone has any clue what this might be, to jsut get me looking in the right direction.

P.s. the oil looked low, i noticed, so i topped it off hoping this would solve the problem, ut it did not, and then i noticed a white soapy looking substance floating on top of the oil in the sightglass... im afraid its going to be metal shavings... but i really dont knwo what this is.

If anyone has any advice, it would be GREATLY appreciated
thanks
-Brian

 

I'm thinking possibly fuel got into your oil through your crankcase breather in the airbox. Maybe that caused the foaming and possibly the squeek?

Maybe the squeeking is the oil pump or cams complaining about the fuel. If that is the case, an oil change would help. I wouldn't expect any damage if you haven't run it long. Therefore, you shouldn't do any dissassembling if this is the case.

You use motorcycle and not automotive oil, right?

 

I'd be looking for a less serious explanation first... white soapy could just be water.

It could be something as simple as a metal part touching another and vibrating - like the engine cover or an exhaust pipe.

I've had vibrations from the clutch lever, side stand, centerstand and rear footpegs... also my backrest if it doesn't have any weight on it.

Certainly an oil change is a cheap fix...

 

Ouch. Sorry to hear of your plight Brian. I would focus my attentions on the side the bike landed upon. The exhaust would be a prime candidate for noise as would your right brake cluster on the handle bars. Where is the noise coming from would be my first question. Which end of the bike? Definitely do an oil change, should any fuel have made it's way in the oil, your motor will not be happy about it. Give us some more clues if you are able!

 

thanks for all the quick responses

First off to answer some questions, If by motorcycle and not automotive oil you mean not SJ oil with the friction modifiers in it, then yes, i use shell Rotella 15W40 for diesels.

I havent done the change yet, but am going to do it tonight, so we'll see about the soapy thing... to an extent upon closer inspection it looks like possibly its jsut grime ont he sight glass inside. so we shall see.

The noise is coming from everywhere... that was the porblem, we couldn't isolate it. But today i borrowed an automotive stethiscope and we worked out that htere is slight noise comign from the crank case, but that the noise is coming from my exchanger pipe... the 4 to 2 box on the bottom.

So after i swap the exchanger for the one on my parts bike, it should eliminate the problem wiht the noise. and then i am going to do a carb sync and break the engine down for cleaning and rebuild in a month or so. that should eliminate any other sources for concern. all things i had planned on doing anyways, so its for the best.

Thanks again.

 

The cross over pipe you mean? check for loose clamps? If you don't have to take off part of your exhaust it would be better... if you do have to take the exhaust off remember to be really careful of the studs ( I know more than one person who snapped them - might be worth some penatrating oil and careful hands ) and you should replace the gaskets... they're supposed to be one use only.

 

Which gaskets are you talking about specifically? or was it jsut a general statement, about damn near all gaskets?

 

The copper looking gaskets that go between the pipe and the head... but it's a pretty general statement I guess. More a 'for what it is worth' - I should have assumed you knew that already but I figured I'd say it anyhow... didn't mean it to be rude but I can see how it could be taken that way... damn interweb won't show intonations...

 

Common issue Woot. I far prefer voice com but this will do. I guess that is why they came up with those stupid annoying little "emoticons". I still like you, so don't worry about hurting my feelings .

 

haha no harm no foul.

By the way, i bet riding around nova scotia on a bike is fantastic... so much of it is gorgeous, ive got family upt here, so i spend a decent amount of time there.

 

It's pretty good - some roads are smoother than others but generally the scenary is good. We've got the Cabot trail which could/should be hosting a new road race this fall... that will be a hoot to see!

Next time you're up say hi... I passed through Boston last summer - well - Acton - on my way down to Albany (well a bit further south).