WR450 Engine noise. Please diagnose. Youtube Vid Incl

[stev0]

I rode my wr for about 6 hours today, when I parked it, my engine at idle sounded louder then usual, I thought nothing of it, but on the last 30miles home, it got louder. Im really thinking bearings, but maybe it could be the header gasket? But I dont know anymore...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yD2kV1owOvs

Thanx guys

[TLRam1]

Listen with a screwdriver in your ear at various points and see if the noise is coming from the top or bottom.

[Sider_steve]

How far do you stick the screwdriver in your ear? Or is it up to your ear with the handle and the blade touching the motor?

[stev0]

In all fairness, the topend has not been open in 6000miles. I was told that if it hard to start only look at the valves then.

Could the valves sound like that?

[stev0]

Ive tried your technique and honnestly the top and the bottom both sound the same, but now when cold the noise comes from the front almost where the exhaust exits the head.

Could a blown exhaust gasket do the same?

[Sider_steve]

Ive tried your technique and honnestly the top and the bottom both sound the same, but now when cold the noise comes from the front almost where the exhaust exits the head.

Could a blown exhaust gasket do the same?

Pop the head pipe off and take a look.

Then if you can shine a light up the exhaust port and take a look there.

Small dental mirrors work awsome in this situation.

[FORMA MOTO]

It sounds like a lower rpm/speed noise than would come from the valve train. I would guess Bottom end issue.

[TLRam1]

It sounds like a lower rpm/speed noise than would come from the valve train. I would guess Bottom end issue.

That was my thought also but wanted him to isolate the noise a little first.

[stev0]

I tried taking off the header but the inner allen nut is a real bitch, there is not much space to work with.

[stev0]

The noise is coming from the front of the motor.

[Sider_steve]

I tried taking off the header but the inner allen nut is a real bitch, there is not much space to work with.

Give the allen screw a little shot of WD-40 and let it sit for a few hours.

Take your allen wrench and put the long end in the allen screw.

Then take a small wrench put it on the short side of the allen wrench and use it to turn the allen wrench.

[stev0]

I Did that... Didnt use the WD, should of I guess.

Can i start the bike without the pipe to see if the noise is still there? or will I burn valves?

[Sider_steve]

I Did that... Didnt use the WD, should of I guess.

Can i start the bike without the pipe to see if the noise is still there? or will I burn valves?

I would not recommend it.

You could hold the kill switch and turn the motor over and see if you hear anything coming from the exhaust port.

If it is making that much noise running the motor isn't doing it any good anyway.

[stev0]

do header gaskets need replacing?

[Sider_steve]

do header gaskets need replacing?

Unless its got some very visual damage I don't think so.

It is just a hard rubber heat resistant gasket from what I have seen.

So if it looks good,it should be fine.

[stev0]

Im really hoping it is this. fsck sakes...

[chris_TTR250]

I assume you have checked the valve clearances? I've also heard that the timing chain guide can get worn and make a similar noise. Might be worth checking before you split the case.

[Sider_steve]

Im really hoping it is this. fsck sakes...

Sounds like no matter what it is your going to have to at least take the valve cover off and maybe more.?

[stev0]

Got the header off, but there is no gasket?

see pics.

Engine

Header

[Sider_steve]

Got the header off, but there is no gasket?

see pics.

Engine

Header

I am not sure what year your WR is but here is a link to an 05 parts list.

http://shop.thumpertalk.com/oem.asp?partcategory=220285&manufacturer=6&category=3&year=2005&model=5237

have a hard time hearing what kind of noise it is with the bike running in the garage.

So maybe that $3.74 gasket will fix your noise.