F650 GS Dakar 2000 rattling sound,
 

Hi,

Preparing the Dakar for the next trip : Holland -> South-Africa.
I started my bike a week ago and i noticed a slight rattling noise coming from the engine. Imo it has nothing to do with the clutch. It's not always there and it sounds like a crankshaft bearing or something (had an old volvo '68 that had the same problem). The Beamer has run 30.000 km's. Is it possible that it's something that serious? I must say that the noise isn't very loud and I might be a bit over concerned (probably because of what happened to my car ;). Still I would like to hear your thoughts on this... Anyone?

Thanks in advance.


Niek

Hi Wastafel.

I've got a GSD 2001. Not that I have an answer but may be worth a post on the 650 specific site if you are still looking for advice. BMW F650 Forums

R

Simon

The rattling sound in my dakar was found to be the cam-chain. Might be worth checking yours.

baswacky.

That was the first thing that came to my mind as well. Earlier model (I think) had one or 2 issues with this. It's somewhere on F650.com. Have a bit of a search for it before you order parts.

Veel geluk. Ik adviseer je ook even om op mijn blog te kijken voor je voorbereiding.

+1 cam-chain-tensioner. Does the noise vary with increased/decrease RPM? Does it go away when engine is hot?

cam chain (tensioner) ? What' that? ;)
Yes. the sound get louders when I use the throttle....

F650 Cam Chain FAQ

Cam chain = nokkenas ketting

The tensioner keeps the chain tight so it doesn't slap which is what your issue sounds like.

Meer achtergrond

Nokkenas - Wikipedia

Dubbele bovenliggende nokkenas - Wikipedia

ok. So is this an expensive problem? ;)

Here is a Link. IRRC, the 2000 F650 don't have ABS (correct me if I'm wrong). So, it should be easy to get to. In any case, sitting on the bike, the tensioner is located on the left hand side behind the cylinder. At least on the '06 models, it takes a 22mm wrench. If you have ABS, it's a PITA to get the wrench in there and get loosen/tighten the screw.

If you do it yourself, the complete tenisioner cost around US$ 70. Look at this Link, go to section 11. Engine and next to sub-section Timing Gear Cam Shaft/Chain Drive item 8 and 9 make up the new tensioner. However, read up the first link and see if the tensioner needs replacement or simply a little re-installation/adjustment. Hopefully, the chain guide is not worn out. Not a big deal but more work...

Found a pic of my '06 with the valve cover and cam-bearing-bridge off. If the chain-guide is bad, then this is how far you need to get into it.

http://trex63.smugmug.com/Motorcycle...53_LHH5V-L.jpg

But, you'll find a whole slew of good info on The Chain Gang to guide you through the process - if that's what it takes.

I hope this helps.

thanks t-rex. I think i'll let the dealer take a look at it ;) I'll keep u posted!

Ok. Brought the Dakar to the dealer for some service/maintenance. Sound is gone so I'm happy!

What did they do to solve it?