Author Topic: Noisy top ends, (Read 2527 times)

Hamilton · « **on:** March 03, 2015, 06:40:45 am »

Are all LC's noisy on the top end. Sounds like a knocking tappet, from both heads. Is this normal?

plaky · « **Reply #1 on:** March 05, 2015, 11:57:28 am »

Mine is also very engine noisy at low revs and when idling, I am still not used to it and on my second LC after two years.

Beebop · « **Reply #2 on:** March 05, 2015, 12:22:08 pm »

Had the same complaint from a friend, in fact I commented on it and he said yes its a lot
noisier than his hexhead was.

Biza · « **Reply #3 on:** March 05, 2015, 07:15:53 pm »

I first thought that something is wrong with the motor.

plaky · « **Reply #4 on:** March 06, 2015, 03:01:49 pm »

Quote from: Biza on March 05, 2015, 07:15:53 pm

I first thought that something is wrong with the motor.

Me too and thought it was going to pack up, glad I am not the only one!

AlanDoyle · « **Reply #5 on:** September 17, 2015, 07:28:10 pm »

These LC motors are high performance units, as far as normally aspirated goes. I had clunky gear change, dragging clutch and noisy top end. I drained out the engine oil and replaced it with Liqui Moly 10W60, what a difference!!!

The standard oil is a special high spec, fully synthetic Castrol 5W40 engine oil. This oil, in my opinion is too thin for South African temperatures.

COLES · « **Reply #6 on:** September 21, 2015, 08:21:47 am »

HEY FELLOWS
I HAVE HAD A 2013 AND A 2014 L C AND FOUND ENGINES TO BE VERY NOISY SO MUCH SO THE THAT I HAVE NOW TAKEN DELIVERY OF MY NEW
1015 MODEL GSA LC
ENGINE IS VERY QUITE BOX HAS NO CLUNKING NOISY
THE GSA HAS JUST HAD ITS 1000KM SERVICE AND IS NOW RUNNING ON THE NEW BMW OIL
GREAT BIKE

BennNevis · « **Reply #7 on:** September 21, 2015, 06:10:52 pm »

Coles
Please clarify your "new BMW oil"

COLES · « **Reply #8 on:** September 27, 2015, 09:45:21 am »

Hi Fellows

The dealer have now changed the engine/gearbox oil from Castrol Power I Racing to ADVANTEC ULTIMATE SAE 5W-40 the only oil accepted in their warranty

TheBear · « **Reply #9 on:** September 27, 2015, 12:28:05 pm »

Quote from: COLES on September 27, 2015, 09:45:21 am

Hi Fellows

The dealer have now changed the engine/gearbox oil from Castrol Power I Racing to ADVANTEC ULTIMATE SAE 5W-40 the only oil accepted in their warranty

At least one BMW dealer I know of does not use 5w-40. Also, 5w-40 is the recommended oil and should / could not be a warranty requirement.

Casting from Turd · « **Reply #10 on:** September 27, 2015, 12:32:17 pm »

I thought that it would be noisy side ends and not top ends

OomD · « **Reply #11 on:** September 27, 2015, 02:16:14 pm »

Quote from: Casting from Turd on September 27, 2015, 12:32:17 pm

I thought that it would be noisy side ends and not top ends

TheBear · « **Reply #12 on:** September 27, 2015, 06:30:02 pm »

Quote from: Casting from Turd on September 27, 2015, 12:32:17 pm

I thought that it would be noisy side ends and not top ends

Hamilton · « **Reply #13 on:** September 28, 2015, 11:59:30 am »

Quote from: Casting from Turd on September 27, 2015, 12:32:17 pm

I thought that it would be noisy side ends and not top ends

lecap · « **Reply #14 on:** November 13, 2015, 10:05:40 am »

Quote from: AlanDoyle on September 17, 2015, 07:28:10 pm

These LC motors are high performance units, as far as normally aspirated goes. I had clunky gear change, dragging clutch and noisy top end. I drained out the engine oil and replaced it with Liqui Moly 10W60, what a difference!!!

The standard oil is a special high spec, fully synthetic Castrol 5W40 engine oil. This oil, in my opinion is too thin for South African temperatures.

Your opinion unfortunately shows little expertise.

The oil temperature of this engine is very closely regulated by the cooling system. The ambient temperature plays hardly any role. Also: Your 10W60 is only considerably thicker when cold which may increase cold start wear. Hot viscosity differences between 40, 50 and 60 oils at the oil temperature in your warmed up engine are marginal and won't make an audible difference.

Also: I grew up in southern Germany. The daytime temperatures frequently exceed the 30°C mark in summer. If you cross the Alps and travel the Mediteranean you find temperature ranges and climate similar to what you experience in SA. Same in the Southern US of A, Australia etc. Why would BMW recommend the wrong oil for half of the world

Finally: The oil you recommend does not have JASO MA2 approval. You should not use it in a wet clutch unit design bike engine. It is not specifically formulated to look after your clutch and gear box. You might end up with a sticking clutch and increased gear wear.

m0lt3n · « **Reply #15 on:** November 20, 2015, 08:24:21 am »

lecap do you believe the oil should not be tampered with to have the engine running quieter? do you have any advice on that?

lecap · « **Reply #16 on:** November 20, 2015, 08:59:42 am »

Quote from: m0lt3n on November 20, 2015, 08:24:21 am

lecap do you believe the oil should not be tampered with to have the engine running quieter? do you have any advice on that?

I would call it at least questionable to go against the manufacturers recommendation if it comes to engine oil viscosity.
It is possible and likely that your engine will run with less mechanical noise if you use a higher viscosity oil.
Your engine will also suffer more cold start wear due to the oil going through the oil filter bypass valve for longer.
Mechanical noise does not necessarily equal wear.
Unfiltered oil does.

The general trend in the automotive industry goes to low viscosity engine oils. Less friction. Lower fuel consumption.

AlanDoyle · « **Reply #17 on:** November 20, 2015, 12:54:27 pm »

We value your opinion. Thanks.

TheBear · « **Reply #18 on:** November 23, 2015, 11:10:23 am »

I have to say, both my and my wife's LC's have very quiet "side" ends. In fact, the total engine noise is possibly less than our previous air cooled bikes were.

1190 · « **Reply #19 on:** November 23, 2015, 02:54:04 pm »

My 2014 had a loud clicking noise at idle if you just took it off idle it would go away. When I traded it in the dealer thought there was something wrong with the motor and phoned BMW and they said it was normal " they all do that he was told"....... reminds me of when I went to go look at a bike with a mate of mine and the seller said " they all do that" and he said " they all do that when they fucked"

I was told it had something to do with the decompression thing a ma bob.......