New issue: possible cracked valve rocker arm

[detours]

The engine in my RX3 started having a loud, clacking or clattering noise when riding to work recently. I turned around and parked it at home, but finally had time to look at it and talk to Gerry at CSC today.

I checked the valve gap again and they are good (.063 mm). So Gerry had me loosen the intake and exhaust tappets all the way and check the play and the smoothness of the rockers, and to examine them for cracks.

The exhaust rocker was smooth as silk, but the intake rocker felt a little sticky or gritty. I didn't see any cracks, but I sent some pics to Gerry and he suspects there may be a crack in the intake valve rocker.

Gerry was awesome and talked me through everything. At this point, a mechanic needs to open it up, and Gerry says this will all be covered under warranty (parts and labor). We're just trying to figure out where to take it.

Pics below:

[3banger]

Is the intake the same side you lost the little foot off the ball end of the adjustment screw?

[CSaddict]

That's disheartening.

[detours]

Originally Posted by 3banger

Is the intake the same side you lost the little foot off the ball end of the adjustment screw?

Yeah. Maybe it's related. Gerry said it would be about a 4 hour job for him to pull the top end and replace the rockers and cam and set the timing.

I'm really bummed, but it's under warranty so I just have to find a local shop and get it done. I'm half tempted to trailer it to CSC, take the kids to Disneyland and then ride it back, but I don't want to wait till spring.

[willy dog]

did you tell Gerry about your batt. problems just wondering if it's not your alt. making that noise would not hurt to ask no such thing as a stupid question

[detours]

I talked with Gerry about my battery issue a week or two ago and he offered me a replacement stock battery under warranty or a discount on a higher quality AGM battery, but I decided to get a lithium ion.

We don't think it's an alternator problem because I wasn't riding the RX3 because of all our snow. I had it on a battery tender the whole time, but it just wouldn't hold a charge.

[woodlandsprite]

bummer Detours :( I hope your bike is up and running again soon!

[SpudRider]

If the valve train is making noises in the cylinder head, something is definitely wrong. I can certainly imagine how the loose cap from the valve tappet might cause some damage in there.

Thanks for alerting us to the problem. Also, thanks for reporting another example of excellent customer service from CSC.

[detours]

It really is excellent service. Gerry and the crew at CSC have been awesome.

[rtking]

Sorry to hear, Detours. But always glad to read about the outstanding customer service from CSC. I hope that a local shop can make the repairs and get you back on your bike quickly.

[detours]

Here's a big shout out to rojo_grande and marzhere! Rojo is going on the CSC baja trip and generously offered to trailer my RX3 from Colorado to California, so Gerry can work on it!

I should note that CSC was ready and willing to pay for a local shop in Denver to fix it, but when rojo offered to take my bike to CSC, I jumped at the chance. Plus ... Gerry kindly offered to install my new progressive shock, chain and 45T rear sprocket at no charge (except the purchase price).

Thanks again guys!

[SpudRider]

Kudos to Rojo_Grande and Marzhere.

[BlackBike]

But I wanna go to Disneyland

[winyoochanok]

It is a very important ISSUE in Thailand.

[woodlandsprite]

Originally Posted by detours

Here's a big shout out to rojo_grande and marzhere! Rojo is going on the CSC baja trip and generously offered to trailer my RX3 from Colorado to California, so Gerry can work on it!

I should note that CSC was ready and willing to pay for a local shop in Denver to fix it, but when rojo offered to take my bike to CSC, I jumped at the chance. Plus ... Gerry kindly offered to install my new progressive shock, chain and 45T rear sprocket at no charge (except the purchase price).

Thanks again guys!

That is excellent news on all fronts!