86 voyager diesel

[biker boy]

I just replaced my starter chain tensioner. It made a rattling noise that sounded like a bad case of timing ping. Under load it really made some racket. Just replaced it and no more rattling. Also the carbs not sync'd properly can make a rattle noise. Some rattle noise from hardened alternator isolation dampers. There are a number of things that make noises. I would check the easy stuff first like the alternator dampers and the carb sync. The right amount of oil as discussed above is an easy one also.

so to replace the stater chain requires splitting the cases? i can handle any repair but that one.

[Mr Jensee]

question? how many oz. is 3 qts of oil?

FYI, 1 US qt is = to 32 oz. Go to Walmart or an OReilly's and pick up a funnel that has the oz. marks on it. You will find one like the picture below that has a lid and a spout that has an flow no flow lock on it. Price around $15. You can accurately measure 3qts 22 oz exactly when filling the Voyager crank case. Make absolutely sure that this is with a new dry filter in it and that oil is drained out of BOTH drain plugs.

[JHD]

I just replaced my starter chain tensioner. It made a rattling noise that sounded like a bad case of timing ping. Under load it really made some racket. Just replaced it and no more rattling. Also the carbs not sync'd properly can make a rattle noise. Some rattle noise from hardened alternator isolation dampers. There are a number of things that make noises. I would check the easy stuff first like the alternator dampers and the carb sync. The right amount of oil as discussed above is an easy one also.

so to replace the stater chain requires splitting the cases? i can handle any repair but that one.

Yes split the case. You would need to check everything off the list before diving in, just like I did. It is a lot of work. In my case I had no choice but to do it myself. $200 in parts and my labor. I'm not even sure what a shop would charge to do this but I'm sure it is a lot and most likely wouldn't be reassembled correctly (bike & motor). Not a lot of mechanics willing to work on these bikes. Carl Leo has probably the most experience with these bikes. You might want to email/call him before you buy just to get an idea if it is worth your time or not.

[debron]

well thks all for your insight and replies but i will pass on this one and wait for the next one to pop up.

Good decision I suspect. And pop up the do!

[cushman eagle]

I had a noise like that in my 1982 GS1100GK years back, when the bolts holding the rotor to the starter drive came loose .I had enough experience changing stators in that bike,though, that it was not too hard for me to replace the bolts.