FZRSupport: the FZROnline Archive

So I have been using my 1990 3BF for the past weeks, trying to see how good is her condition and what will she be needing in the near future. First question I have to ask is if this engine is known for using oil. I still have the check more carefully, but I think she is using quite a bit of oil (going from top to bottom level on the little oil window in 500-600 miles). Is it normal?

But the main question is the chase of the rattle. I have a engine rattling noise which seems to come from the center of the engine, from the base of the cylinder head. I think I can hear it more clearly from the RH side, but am not sure (will have to take the fairings out to do a proper test). The noise is much more audible when the bike is hot, and almost negligible when it is cold.

I don't have the EXUP valve, and have read about the clutch problem that generates the rattle, but I think that that one would be more audible when cold, not hot. So, am I looking at a bigger engine problem? The bike now has around 22.500 miles on the clock.

TIA,
Rui

The oil doesn't sound excessive, you have to remember this isn't a new engine. Do you have any blue smoke when you start it up ? Or if you can get a mate to follow you, is there any smoke on the overrun from a gear change ? Lastly, is there an oil leak - usually its on the camcover left side but you'll know if it is. Take the fairings off and degrease the engine.

Get yourself a mechanics stethoscope they're cheap on the bay, you'll be able to find where the problem is by listening to the engine cases. You can use a big screwdriver if the blade goes through the handle or even a wheel spindle. If its a camshaft it will run at half engine speed buy equally it could be a bolt ... Have a poke about and a listen

Thanks for the input. I don't have blue smoke when starting up, and the only oil i can see in the engine case is coming from the fill-up screw it self, which does not seem to be sealing properly. But that does not seem enough to justify the amount of oil being used - I'll have to get back to this, but as you mention this is not a new engine...

Regarding the rattle, what intrigues me is that it gets louder when the engine is hot, and is negligible when cold. Shouldn't cam chain or bearings problems be more noticeable when cold? Or am I not thinking straight?

Could it be the fan ?

I will check the fan, but I don't think so. I tested it in the workbench when I was revising the cooling system, and it seemed fine. And besides, the rattle is much more metallic, similar to a typical Ducati, although not as loud...