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Posted:  04 Aug 2008 03:02   Last Edited By: imageauto	[?]
Registered User Currently Offline Join Date: Aug 2008	Posts:  5 Reputation: Unranked [?] User Rank: Second Lieutenant
Ok im kinda a newbie to the buell scene, my firebolt has 9400 miles on it and the last 4400 I have put on.  I was just going down the interstate the other day and all of a sudden the oil light came on so I pulled over the inspect it.  There was a really loud knocking noise coming from the engine and it definetly gets louder when the rpm's rise.  This isnt no small ticking noise either you can actually almost hear the knocking soud over the drummer exhaust its that loud.  Any help is appreciated.

Posted:  04 Aug 2008 03:07   Last Edited By: Buellysses	[?]
Registered User Currently Offline Join Date: Jul 2008	Posts:  154 Reputation:  4 [?] User Rank: Captain
Well as you probably know, oil light+loud knock = BAD NEWS!!!  Check your oil.  If there is oil in it, bring it back to the dealer for diagnosis.  (unless you are comfortable working on it)  Obviously, if it is low/empty add some oil and try it again. What year is it?  Still under warranty?

Posted:  04 Aug 2008 03:21	[?]
Registered User Currently Offline Join Date: Aug 2008	Posts:  5 Reputation: Unranked [?] User Rank: Second Lieutenant
Im pretty comfortable working on it thats why I decided to put a post up here instead of taking it to the dealership first.  But there is plenty of oil in it.  And also it is a 2004 and its not under warranty

Posted:  04 Aug 2008 03:21	[?]
Registered User Currently Offline Join Date: Apr 2007	Posts:  170 Reputation: Unranked [?] User Rank: Captain
No leak? If it's not an '08, my guess would be the oil pump gear broke since they are known for that. They sell a hi-performance one.

Posted:  04 Aug 2008 03:49	[?]
Registered User Currently Offline Join Date: Aug 2008	Posts:  5 Reputation: Unranked [?] User Rank: Second Lieutenant
That was going to be my next question because I have came across a couple of other people online with the oil pump gear problem but I just didnt think it would be that loud, would it be?

Posted:  04 Aug 2008 04:42   Last Edited By: Buellysses	[?]
Registered User Currently Offline Join Date: Jul 2008	Posts:  154 Reputation:  4 [?] User Rank: Captain
It being loud isn't a direct result of the broken gear.  It is a result of the engine being starved of oil.  (I would assume anyway, maybe someone that has dealt with it can correct me) It looks like you will have to pull the cam cover off, the  oil pump drive gear should be attached to that.  It should be pretty obvious what is broken. At this point you are getting into the guts of the motor.  If ur going to do it yourself make sure you have a clean garage to work in.  Once you take the gearcase cover off you will have to replace the gasket. The oil pump is on the bottom of the engine. From the manual; -remove chin fairing -drain oil -remove filter -disconnect 2 feed lines -detach return line -remove 5 mounting screws -remove pump. Once again, if the drive gear is broke it should be pretty obvious.

Posted:  04 Aug 2008 05:10	[?]
Registered User Currently Offline Join Date: Apr 2007	Posts:  170 Reputation: Unranked [?] User Rank: Captain
Yes, if you don't see anything obvious outside the engine, check the gear. If it's gone then it doesn't sound good. The knocking is probably bad connecting rod bearings from running without oil pressure

Posted:  04 Aug 2008 05:29	[?]
Registered User Currently Offline Join Date: Jul 2008	Posts:  154 Reputation:  4 [?] User Rank: Captain
I was kinda thinking the knocking may be from deflated hydraulic lifters.  (?)  Go after the oil pump, if it's still knocking loud it's (unfortunately) time for a rebuild. An engine will run for a small amount of time with no oil pressure and not cause severe damage.  So unless you drove it home after the light came on, you may be alright.  (cross your fingers.)

Posted:  04 Aug 2008 14:16	[?]
Moderator Currently Offline Join Date: Jun 2007	Posts:  2627 Reputation:  49 [?] User Rank: Five-Star General
1. do not start it again to hear the noise. 2. keep fingers crossed and hope that if damaged,  it is only the drive-gear. 3. open the inspection cover and you should be able to see the drive-gear, push it it 4th gear to see it from on several sides. if it is worn, get a service manual, a beryllium drive-gear, the necessary gaskets and go to work.

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