Should I be concerned about this ?

[scrinch]

Sometimes when the engine is under load, like going up a slight grade in 5th (01 RKC 5000 miles) I get a noise from the front of the engine that sounds like a chain clanking.. I thought it might be the primary but that is adjusted correctly. Anyone tell me what this noise might be ?

 

[Bud White]

sure its not the ping of spark knock?

 

[DonT1985]

It sounds like a spark knock. The fuel we get today is extremely bad. You know the 10% Ethenol. Allways use the best grade offered (high test) and shift down a lot. Take the load off the engine. Remember the new engines are roller motors. They do not like low RPM load.

 

[scrinch]

I kinda wondered if that might be it, but it doesn't do it all the time on the same tank of gas. I always use at least 91 octane. and shift down when I hear it. Now I wonder if I should use an octane increaser also.??

 

[R. Lewis]

I kinda wondered if that might be it, but it doesn't do it all the time on the same tank of gas. I always use at least 91 octane. and shift down when I hear it. Now I wonder if I should use an octane increaser also.??

Since your using 91 oct. - IMO - I wouldn't think you would need a octane booster.

 

[NEWHD74FAN]

You may be running a little lean in the midrange...perhaps raise the needle 1 notch or add a washer if you have a carb? Does it "rattle" or ping if you give it full throttle?

 

[nolafishr]

Use the 91-93 Octane Gas and like the others said, you may need to downshift when you hear/feel this happening with the Engine/Bike.

 

[glider]

like going up a slight grade in 5th

That sounds like pinging. Try an octane booster or a different brand of fuel and downshift to 4th in that situation. All the above should work but it is a destructive thing to have happen. Try the octane booster first and if it eliminates the noise, a modification of driving habits is in order.

 

[scrinch]

Thanks for the input. Off to the store.. Of course thinking about it my engine is under more load than most with sidecar drag and most of the time a woman and dog as passengers. Man, don't let her know I said that!!!

 

[R. Lewis]

That sounds like pinging. Try an octane booster or a different brand of fuel and downshift to 4th in that situation. All the above should work but it is a destructive thing to have happen. Try the octane booster first and if it eliminates the noise, a modification of driving habits is in order.

I understand the "different brand of fuel" but not the octane booster ??? If your running 91 octane - why the need for the booster? Now I might go for a fuel injector/carb cleaner -- but a booster?????