What's that sound?

[wkreps]

So my super8 150 started making a metal clanking noise a little while back. I've been trying to discypher what it is and where it's coming from since then. I've got almost 1600 miles on the scoot. It doesn't show up until about 40-50MPH on the speedo. It's not always there. It doesn't seem to be linked to the throttle position. My best guess is that it's coming from the CVT. I've checked all over the outside of the scoot for things that might start vibrating in the wind to no avail. The performance of the scoot seems unaffected. I adjusted to valve clearance today in hopes that it may be tapping but even though they were a little tight, it didn't fix anything. I've resisted taking off the CVT cover as I've heard it is "hard" to get off the first time and at this time I do not have a replacement gasket in case I tear the original up.

Suggestions or ideas?

[wkreps]

I went out and managed to record the sound. During this 10 seconds I was running between 43-48MPH on the speedo.

[blackhawkfan]

It sounds like something is loose and hitting some other part of the scoot, on a regular basis, like with every revolution of a wheel.  As I am no mechanic I can't even imagine what it would be.  I hope it's something easy to fix.  Did it go away when you slowed down?  BTW, what does the manual say to set the valve clearance to? 

Good luck in figuring it out, and keep us posted

[wkreps]

It did go away when I slowed. It's almost seems that it's a vibration. It definitely doesn't happen at all speeds and the pitch you hear is about the speed it always clicks no matter the speed. Seems weird, I know.

Valve clearance was set to .004" (.1mm). Videos coming soon.

[Stig / Major Tom]

I forget....Why are we not going to the dealer with this?
If it only appears at 40+MPH, unless you find something obvious under the belt cover, it would be hard to replicate as you may not want to run it up to that speed on the center stand.
Rear brake line loose/rubbing at speed? Speedo at front wheel need lubing? Brake pads dragging?
Is it on the left side, for certain? Does sound like something is rubbing against something which is moving rapidly. Or is it a body panel sqeaking against another panel?
I'm sure you've sat there and studied everything that could be loose or missing a fastener on the side where the sound is coming from - if you can tell. .
Take your time and watch some of the many videos on getting that cover off the first time. It's not so bad, even the first time. Apparently that gasket is not absolutley necessary unless running in heavy rains (some say not even then)...you can ride without it...but you could order the part to have it on the way while you check under the belt cover - to ease your mind. Nobody likes to hear funny noises coming from their scoot at speed!

Stig

[zombie]

I think it is the ramp plate isolators. They are small wedge shaped nylon bushings that prevent metal to metal contact with the variator. Under load you will not hear this as the parts are forced together Same for engine braking. When the engine is at cruise, and no real load the noise will show up. It really is too soon for these to be worn but defective parts do happen.

You will want an electric impact to take off the variator.
Just a guess

[DMblues01]

Hey wkreps!

On our Super8's, the cvt gasket is a thick rubber gasket with a lip that wraps around the edge of the cover. The cheapest I've seen it online is about $15 plus shipping. The dealer wants $25 for one. The new mechanic there, who seems to actually know what he's doing, says it should come off OK. And it should be OK to reuse for a couple of times. But it never hurts to have an extra one, just in case.

As far as running without it, I think it's main purpose is to prevent metal on metal contact between the cover and the engine case. The cvt is not sealed from the outside environment. There's a vent at the front to allow air in to cool the parts, so if you are out in wet weather, it's getting wet inside anyway. Plus, the spot where the kick start comes out is open, so dust and crap can get into it anytime you ride.

[Stig / Major Tom]

I don't know......that sure sounds like metal on metal, rubbing, the more I listen to it.
Stig

[BettinANDlosing]

Hey wkreps!

On our Super8's, the cvt gasket is a thick rubber gasket with a lip that wraps around the edge of the cover. The cheapest I've seen it online is about $15 plus shipping. The dealer wants $25 for one. The new mechanic there, who seems to actually know what he's doing, says it should come off OK. And it should be OK to reuse for a couple of times. But it never hurts to have an extra one, just in case.

As far as running without it, I think it's main purpose is to prevent metal on metal contact between the cover and the engine case. The cvt is not sealed from the outside environment. There's a vent at the front to allow air in to cool the parts, so if you are out in wet weather, it's getting wet inside anyway. Plus, the spot where the kick start comes out is open, so dust and crap can get into it anytime you ride.

The river gasket you can reuse forever, until you year it(a very very long time). Also the scoots with the rubber gasket have special bolts and it WON'T work without the gasket, won't tighten all the way. IMHO bikes that use paper gasket I don't think it's mandatory to use that gasket, I never do on my bikes and never have problem with water/dust/slippage. Plus its a pita when your constantly timing the cvt to fuss with a non reusable gasket.

[zombie]

Most bikes may not "need the gasket but the ZX does. The kick start crown gear is sooo close to the variator they will touch, and sound like a machine gun without that gasket.

Preventing metal to metal contact does appear to be the main purpose on the rest of the bikes.

I'd bring it in to your dealer Kreps. If you don't really want to open the CVT I'm sure the variator/clutch removal would throw you for a loop. It might F up your waranty relationship if you walk in w/ a handful of defective parts too.

[wkreps]

Yeah, I emailed the dealer today with the issue and the video link. I'll call Monday, June 30 for an appointment. The more I think about it the more concerned I've gotten. I value your guys (and gals) opinions. Plus opening the CVT would help up the personal relationship to my scoot. I want to get to know her for what she is on the inside and not just for her pretty exterior. 

I've grown to really like this thing and having to load it up in the van and take her 50 miles down the road (twice, away and back) isn't my idea of fun.

[zombie]

Are you still talking about the scooter?

The last two sentences sound like my weekends.

[wkreps]

I'll be taking the scoot in July 1 to the dealer but the appointment isn't until the 14th. The hope is he can look at it before then and get parts ordered. The mechanic said he hadn't heard anything like that before and that he would advise not to ride it. So if I'm not riding it, it may as well be at the dealer hoping he gets to it early. With this being under warranty, should I expect or demand it get into service earlier?

[zombie]

Wear an eye patch, and say Aarrgggg a lot. Maybe a slight limp, and keep asking your invisible parrot for advise.

See what they do.

You can top it off with a fight with the parrot.

The bright side is they are working w/ you. I'd leave well enough alone but I would call every other day to get updates.

[blackhawkfan]

You'll be hoing through scoot withdrawal with an appt so far off...  Did the dealer ask you to bring your scooter in tomorrow, or did you decide yourself to bring it in early because why have it around your garage if you can't ride it?  If it's the first scenario I don't see a problem with calling later this week to nudge them and ask if they've had a chance to do some preliminary work on it.  Hope it's something easy to fix!