COLD ENGINE RATTLE

[ohiojack]

I have noticed that my 2010 1700 voyager has a ? engine rattle/knock when cold. The outside temp was around 48-55 degrees . After about 5-7 miles the noise went away. I dropped in and talked to a local mechanic at a Kawasaki dealer. He stated that the noise was normal. He said you should hear what a new voyager sounds like when they uncrate a brand new bike. He said it seems to take forever to get the lifters to pump up. Almost sounds like a bad motor/like it is going to blow up. So I guess if you ride in cold temps the first 5- 8 miles can be a little noisy. Has anyone else noticed this?? ohiojack

[jhellman]

Not on my 2009. I have 44K miles on it.

[cranky]

... if it was a health issue, and you didn't like what the Doc said, you'd
get a second opinion.... that would be my first thought... go find a good
mechanic, NOT at a dealership, and see what's up... JM2C

[HMB Don]

Is this a light knock or a real heavy metallic knock? My 2012 has a light knock when cold and it's the fuel injection knock. All new cars that are fuel injected have the same knock. Most people don't hear the knock in there car because of the radio, heater fan, defroster and wipers going. But it's there, so if it's a light knock don't worry.

But do take it to another shop and see what they think.

[keith]

I have a 2014,mine is noisy at first until I drive about a mile and the engine is warm.seems to be worse as engine oil gets older.when I put fresh oil in the pinging,knocking,whatever you want to call it is just about non existant,then it gradually gets louder as I put more miles on it. I use amsoil 10w40. it definitely only is noisy when cold from sitting over night,after warmed up all is fine.i don't think you haveanything to worry about.these engines are just not quiet when cold.whatever that reason is I don't know.

[ohiojack]

Thanks you guys, I may get the oil changed. The oil looks fresh from the dealer, but who knows what they use for changing oil.

[cranky]

.. Mobil 1 15 x 50 Walmart 5 qt jug for @ $26...

[HMB Don]

Soon after I got my 1700 it was recommended that I switch to 20-50 wt oil, because that is what v-twins use. After switching I found that my engine ran hotter with the 20-50 wt oil then with 10-40 wt. Since then I've only used 10-40 Amsoil, with a 10,000 mile change intervals.

These engines are made with very tight tolerances so the 20-50 wt oil creates lots of heat trying to squeeze through small orifices in these engines.

[cranky]

You know your machine, I was talking from piston slapping gazillion mile
1500 Nomad.... I can see where a lighter weight could be advisable, but
the 15x50 is only thick for a little bit, I'd think the 15 wt would be OK,
but what do I know about your machine! Run what works for you!!!

[cranky]

... thanks for being kind and not jumping all over my mental "lapse" on oil...
yes it is at 50 wt most of the time and 15 while cool, had a bad AM,
saw a very upsetting message it I went a tad "upset" and I don't
do upset very well!!! GBG

Again, whatever works for you and your scoot!!!! Best to Ya!!!!!

[HMB Don]

Cranky

Have a good day, go take a ride and have lunch up at Alice's.

[ohiojack]

Don/Cranky I just changed my oil to amsoil 10w40. At startup/warming I couldn't believe the difference how smooth the engine ran. I have yet to take it for a ride yet but I'm impressed. I'll let you guys know.

[cranky]

... I CAN change!!! Really!!! GBG When my jug of Mobil 1 15x50 runs out, I think
I'll try a crank of Rotella T6 10x40 and see what the raves are about.. Thanks
for continuing to beat on my head!!! GBG I'm used to piston slapping
1500s and I'm quite sure I'm now running a different beast! ... onward....