Odd Noise

[Rocky]

Today the LT started making a knocking noise. I checked the Oil and found it needed about half a quart probably a bit less. It is about a thousand miles overdue for an oil change. I road it in the rain recently and it seems to have started after this. Any ideas on what this may be? I have looked thru the threads already and will do further investigation in the morning.

The engine is noticably louder.

[bustedknuckles]

Need more details:
When does it happen, as soon as started, after it has run to operating temp, what RPM range, if it makes a difference?
Is the oil milky colored? What area of the bike do you notice the excessive noise most?

A 1/2 quart low on oil will not cause a knock.............3 quarts low will however after a short period of time.

[Rocky]

It makes the noise at startup and quiets if I rev the engine up. At idle the engine noise sound louder so I will check the manifold tomorrow assuming I can get to it. I have never had the tupperware off so it will be a new experience. The oil looks fine although the engine does heat up some but does not overheat.

[bustedknuckles]

This is what you may find. Take a look at this post.

http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21670

[Rocky]

well I tried to raise the LT on the center stand but with my injured shoulder I could not. if any could advise on how to raise the bike by some other means it would be appreciated. I have a fork lift which I used on my Kawi but I am not sure if there is a spot which is suitable for this type of lift.

I did inspect the noise closer today and found some exhaust is leaking from the engine area which leads me to believe this is the reason for the noise.

[Dick]

well I tried to raise the LT on the center stand but with my injured shoulder I could not. if any could advise on how to raise the bike by some other means it would be appreciated. I have a fork lift which I used on my Kawi but I am not sure if there is a spot which is suitable for this type of lift.

I did inspect the noise closer today and found some exhaust is leaking from the engine area which leads me to believe this is the reason for the noise.
Hey, Rocky - Lone Star called yestiday and said most of our parts are in. I didn't get a chance to call 'em back, so don't know what's missing yet. I'm heading out to KS early, early tamale morning and hope to be back in the 'hood Tues PM or Wed AM. On my way back down I-35, I can swing into Converse and take a check on your bike. If you haven't diagnosed the noise, maybe we can do it then. Just need your address by PM, and your phone # by PM, and I'll call you on my way back to Boerne next week (assuming my schedule doesn't take me late into the night on Tue. I'll have internet access a bit on Mon, so if you have any further data on your odd noise, I'll read the post.

And do NOT use a fork lift on your LT, btw!!!

[Rocky]

Thanks for the response Dick, I will PM my address and phone number. I was almost 99 percent sure I could not use the fork lift on the LT but I thought maybe someone had come up with a rig to handle this situation.

[rodneyinmaypearltx]

Driving up on some boards will help you raise it on the centerstand; one board each for front wheel, back wheel, and side stand, as well as an equally elevated place for your feet when you gain the altitude so you can reach the floor.

Maybe start with 3/4" ply. If that's not high enough, double it, etc.

[justincase]

I saw an interesting method at the BMW dealership last week.

Perpare to put the bike on the stand as normal (you on the left side of the bike and working the stand)...then have someone stand at the rear of the bike and grab the "lower" antenna supports with BOTH hands (one on each antenna support) and then have them pull while you work the stand.

This method stuck in my mind as I would never have thought of it. Anyway it sounds like that might help you (if you another person that can help).

My 2 cents...Good luck!


well I tried to raise the LT on the center stand but with my injured shoulder I could not. if any could advise on how to raise the bike by some other means it would be appreciated. I have a fork lift which I used on my Kawi but I am not sure if there is a spot which is suitable for this type of lift.

I did inspect the noise closer today and found some exhaust is leaking from the engine area which leads me to believe this is the reason for the noise.