Posted by Ray J. on January 29, 2003 at 03:57:53:
Hello all, this is my first exposure to this forum, and i must say, their is a lot of valuable information here. My problem began a while ago when i ran the engine with very little oil! I didn't realize it had no oil until a very loud tapping was heard as i could barely keep the engine running. I disassembled the top end of the engine which i needed to replace because the damage to the camshaft and journals was too severe. Believing that was the extent of the problem, i reassembled the engine with the new top end and gaskets. Once i started the engine, it ran just fine except for the tapping noise which at first i thought was just a loud valve tapping. After ajusting the valves, the tapping was still there. I listned to the engine using a screwdriver as a stethoscope and found that the noise was coming from the bottom end of the engine. I now have the engine taken apart again and have the piston removed. So, here goes my questions. 1. I suspect that the crankshaft bearings may be the cause, but i don't feel any play when i pull up and down on the connecting rod. Is this still a possible cause? 2. I would like to split the crank case and find out for sure what is going on, but don't have the special tools required to remove the generator rotor. Is their an alternate method for this procedure? 3. Lastly, what other possible causes should i consider as i move along? Sorry for the book, but i figured i should give as much information as possbible. Thanks in advance,
Ray