flyingonawing
Member
Being new here, I was looking forward to using the forum to get to know the GW by reading, but it appears I have developed an opportunity to interact. Two weeks ago I bought an '83 GL1100 GW Apsencade. She was a little rough from sitting for a while, but cleaned up nicely! I did the usual checking the rubber bits, replacing all the fluids and filters, and rolled around close to town for a couple of hundred miles. She seemed fine. The only issue I observed was that when changing the oil, I found the oil filter positioning spring in the wrong position, likely resulting in oil not being filtered properly. It was on the engine side of the filter and just fell out on removal of the filter housing.
Last weekend, I did an 800 mile loop from the Atlanta area down into central Florida. No problems. Great ride, and sufficient to fall in love with the 'ol girl.
Yesterday I took her out on what was to be a 600-800 mile roll around from Atlanta to Savannah to Gainsville area, then return home. About 20 miles out from Savannah, I noticed a change in the engine sound, then the oil light came on and went off a couple of times. I gently rolled off the interstate to the closest gas station. I found the oil down 2.5 quarts. Topped off the oil, but the dreaded noise persisted. JEEZ! Heart broken! Should have watched the oil level better, even though there was no sign of oil burning, or leaking.
The sound appears to be coming from the forward aspect of the right side of the engine. It sounds metallic, like a louder than normal push rod noise. Knowing that the engine was in real trouble, I decided to turn around and try to make it home. Yes, I understand that more damage may occur, but it seemed I would be replacing the engine anyway. I observed that the noise would go away at about 4500-5000 rpms, so I held it as close to that range as possible on the 200 mile ride home. Made it without issue.
The engine runs well, but on acceleration or engine strain due to a prolonged upward grade on the interstate, the sound is exaggerated. The noise could be described as a 'knocking' noise. My first impression was that it was a rod about to let loose, but now I would have to say it is a bearing going bad. I should say that I was a medical guy, not computer guy with very limited mechanical experience. I have rebuilt GL500 engines, but am certainly NO expert. ;-)
Oh, yeah! Mileage? The odometer appears to have stopped at 105,xxx, I high mileage, but specifically unknown.
Now for the questions...
What would be the educated guesses on what the issue is?
Is this likely repairable, or should I replace the engine?
Perhaps I need to buy another, and have this as a PRETTY parts bike?
Thoughts?
Thanks in advance for your offerings.
Last weekend, I did an 800 mile loop from the Atlanta area down into central Florida. No problems. Great ride, and sufficient to fall in love with the 'ol girl.
Yesterday I took her out on what was to be a 600-800 mile roll around from Atlanta to Savannah to Gainsville area, then return home. About 20 miles out from Savannah, I noticed a change in the engine sound, then the oil light came on and went off a couple of times. I gently rolled off the interstate to the closest gas station. I found the oil down 2.5 quarts. Topped off the oil, but the dreaded noise persisted. JEEZ! Heart broken! Should have watched the oil level better, even though there was no sign of oil burning, or leaking.
The sound appears to be coming from the forward aspect of the right side of the engine. It sounds metallic, like a louder than normal push rod noise. Knowing that the engine was in real trouble, I decided to turn around and try to make it home. Yes, I understand that more damage may occur, but it seemed I would be replacing the engine anyway. I observed that the noise would go away at about 4500-5000 rpms, so I held it as close to that range as possible on the 200 mile ride home. Made it without issue.
The engine runs well, but on acceleration or engine strain due to a prolonged upward grade on the interstate, the sound is exaggerated. The noise could be described as a 'knocking' noise. My first impression was that it was a rod about to let loose, but now I would have to say it is a bearing going bad. I should say that I was a medical guy, not computer guy with very limited mechanical experience. I have rebuilt GL500 engines, but am certainly NO expert. ;-)
Oh, yeah! Mileage? The odometer appears to have stopped at 105,xxx, I high mileage, but specifically unknown.
Now for the questions...
What would be the educated guesses on what the issue is?
Is this likely repairable, or should I replace the engine?
Perhaps I need to buy another, and have this as a PRETTY parts bike?
Thoughts?
Thanks in advance for your offerings.