I have a 1981 goldwing 1100. I have an engine rattle at low RPMS under load. Don't know why. Any thoughts

Question

This only happens at lower RPMs when I accelerate. If you accelerate quickly no noise. Seems to run well other than this. It has been suggested that this is possible carbon build-up on piston. I don't think so as I have added fuel system cleaners and nothing has changed. I have tried to listen to the engine to figure out where the noise is coming from. No luck. The bike has 42,000 miles on it. Any thoughts or ideas about this problem would be appreicated.

Answer 1

u are lugging the engine....u let the rpm's for that gear get too low, and its bogging when u roll on gas hard. u need to monitor rpm's, and get into the right gear way before u need to roll on power quickly. lugging is also hard on the engine.

Answer 2

You should just go around checking stuff.
--Valve clearance.
--While the covers are off, check the camshafts for wear on the journals. Remove the cam holders and look for scoring. That may be a little involved, so save that check for last.
--Check the timing belt & pulleys for wear.
--Check that the tensioner's spring isn't worn out.
--Sync the carbs. Un-even impulses going into the engine (due to the carbs being out of sync) will create clutch chatter.
--Fuel system cleaners will not remove carbon build up. There is de-carbon fluid for that, or use a spray bottle and spray water into the air box while the engine is running (mechanic trick).

Answer 3

You didn't say what gear you were in. If in 3rd or above you may simply be lugging the engine in which case it is trying not to stall. This would be louder and more apparent on a fairly high mileage bike like you have then a newer one. Try shifting down, it is a four cylinder, not a twin, after all.

Answer 4

Sounds like "spark- knock" ,your '81 has ajustable timing,if it's just a couple of degrees advanced it will cause pre-ignition or knock,under heavy loads.The quality of your fuel can also add to this problem,most of the pump gas out there today is poor quality,and if it sets for a while,either in a storage tank, or your tank, it gets worse! Your local bike shop should be equipted to ckeck and ajust this for you,when in doubt find a authorized Honda dealer

Answer 5

I never would have remembered the starter clutch if Parrothead... didn't mention it. Had the same thing going on with a Yamaha years ago. The springs for some of the rollers were wore out. It did feel the same as lugging the motor. Vibration, etc.

Answer 6

This is common issue once the Starter Clutch (yes, there is such an item on most motorcycles) starts to wear out.

Two choices, replace the whole unit (estimate around $500 at any reputable shop)
or
just shop Bike Bandit and buy just the casing, throw-out pawls and springs, and install them yourself. You don't usually have to buy the gaskets on the Honda, as they are rubber o-rings which reseal just fine. The only special tool you need is a impact screwdriver to break loose those wonderful Phillip's screws.

If you decide to do your own, it'll run you about $150 and the cost of a decent service manual, normally around $30.

Answer 7

fuel system cleaner is not problem, it will improve the fuel quality for better economical consumption.
Try maintain your idling at 1200-1500rpm
monitor the rpm when engine is warm..
Your engine is not get enough fuel during idling....

Answer 8

Injector cleaner may not work and you may just need to adjust the idler. My father put injector cleaner in his truck and it didn't work well it made it worse so go a head and try the idler.

Answer 9

Some bolts are loose. Tighten em up...