Intake valves? Need diagnosis - video/audio provided
 

2005 GZ250 7500 miles (bought it with 4500 miles)
So, I was driving down the highway to work a couple of days ago...about 70mph for 5 mins, gave it a bit more throttle to get around a car and all of a sudden I lost power. No significant sound, just like it ran out of gas, but without all the sputtering. I was able to glide to the side of the highway and wait for AAA.

Here's the video of the 'clicking' sound it makes when I turn it over.
https://youtu.be/CuLOXtSde-k

A video of the moment it broke down: https://youtu.be/nyJn7Gf0wmY

I used a stethoscope to determine the sound is most prominent near the intake valves. I removed the cover and they are still moving up and down while cranking.

Recent work:
Valve adjustment 500 miles ago. - ran fine, lots more power
Carb Clean 100 miles ago - starts awesome....no more 10 minute choke sessions
Changed air cleaner
Changed oil 50 miles ago (yes, there is oil up near the intake valves when I took the cover off)
Bike ran PERFECT for the last 100 miles since the carb cleaned. Golden pipes and nice color on the spark plug.

Steps taken:
- yes, gas going to float bowl
- yes, spark

Any help appreciated on the cost and complication of doing a valve job or worse.

Thanks,
Sean
- mechanically competent, but not a mechanic, and certainly don't have the tools for an engine rebuild.
(Also, I own a 1988 Goldwing GL1500/6) but the GZ is more fun to drive!

Sounds like little to no compression.I'm thinking bent or broken valve. :(

Well. Poop!
I'm continuing to lose compression on mine slowly but surely.
I'm starting to think these little 250's should never be on the highway.
Valves adjusted, fresh oil and everything.

Start with compression test.
If low/none check for at least some valve/rocker clearance at no lift.
If you have clearance at no lift intake and exhaust but no/little compression then it's time to
dismantle motor.

I'm thinking my motor is heading where your's is right now :(

Actually. It does sound like a valve train problem while cranking doesn't it?

Still. An autopsy is needed.

Thanks guys. Now that the weekend is here I'll investigate further. I just got my motorcycle lift put together. Was going to use it to change the speedo gears on the Goldwing, but now I get a chance to practice using it on the lighter bike first. Hmmmm...now where did I put those tiedowns.

Just be thankfull you were in little to no traffic when the bike quit. That could have been a real game changer for a safe stop.

In the video the starter sure whirls it over fast enough to catch. Just a different idea..............did you check for spark at the plug yet?? An ignition part may be a lot easier than an engine teardown.

Yes, definitely spark. In fact, I believe I still had the spark plug out when I recorded the video. Although, it turned over just as easy/fast whether the plug was in and out.

I work an early shift and live in the opposite direction that the main traffic. On purpose; I hate traffic. This was 635am and as you can see, the traffic coming the other way was a bit heavier. And of course, I could have pulled to the left shoulder, although not as comfy or safe there.

Here's a vid of AAA picking me up: https://youtu.be/g5NLSX731K0
I appreciated that they brought a trailer. Last time I needed a bike towed back in the 80's, they picked it up with the hook. Something I wouldn't want them to do with my Goldwing.

Hello...this is EXACTLEY..what happened to mine 8 days agao..but I heard a pop sound..it makes the same clicking sound now as does yours. 2 weeks previous to this mine was sending out some white smoke at start up. I have posted on this also and just need to find the time to take the engine out. Cyclepedia has a great step by step to pull the engine. It's a subscription. Good luck!

Thanks for that WJTED1. I haven't had a chance to look at it since it rained most of the weekend. I'm trying to figure out whether it's worth fixing or not. I haven't lapped a valve in probably 30 yrs.
:(

I don't know how long the threads stay open but I will update this thread when I get the engine off. I want to learn what happened but I am like you..it might not be worth it to fix it.


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