tom_nuke
Junior Member
Did I screw up my engine? (Yet another vibration post)
Sorry for the wall of text... I'm nervous that I broke my baby!
Firstly, I've done a bit of searching and reading, and feel that this is a unique problem (maybe).. so here goes:
This is my first bike that I've owned. Learned to ride on my buddies Shadow. Been riding for about 2 years. Back in March, picked up a real nice 2009 FZ6 with ~9300 miles on the clock. Got it home, did an oil change almost immediately, since the bike had pretty much sat all winter (PO used Amsoil I believe). Did my own work, no shops are involved.
After A LOT of reading, I decided to try the Rotella T6 5w40 with the PureOne 14610 filter (changed at ~9700 miles). The oil ran fine, got a little more valve tick than when the previous oil was in. At ~2500 miles, shifting was starting to get notchy. Did much more reading on oils.
After ~2500 miles, changed oil and this time used Rotella T 15w40 (changed at 12188 miles). I DID NOT CHANGE MY OIL FILTER. Noticed a bit more vibes when running this oil, decide I don't really like it all that much. At about 1000 miles into this oil, I decide it's time to change. Figured I had at least another 500 miles on the oil.
Get to about 1200 miles in this oil and a vibration like nothing like I've felt starts up. This isn't like a normal slight vibe in a certain RPM range that can be cure with a TB sync. This vibe is pretty consistent throughout the RPM range. It's definitely in the engine, can feel it just revving in Neutral, or coasting and pulling the clutch. It definitely follows engine RPM.
Changed the oil out, right at 1500 miles into the oil, with some Castrol Actevo 10w40 4T oil (Plus new Oil Filter, PL14610). Trans loves this oil, shifts much smoother, but the vibration still persists, even after about 100 miles on the new oil.
I mostly use the bike to commute to work (25 miles one way, lots of sitting in traffic, idling or clutching) and some 2 up weekend riding. Wife and I combined are under 300lbs. I don't abuse the bike, make a few runs out to redline, but mostly I'm just putting along at 50mph in traffic. No wheelies or high RPM clutch drops. No wrecks, but I did drop it in the driveway one time.
Things I've done to try and fix this:
-Change back to motorcycle specific oil
-TB Sync (before last oil change, plan to do another this weekend)
-Spark Plug Cap (recut all 4)
-Cleaned and Lubed chain at normal intervals.
Have I totally screwed my engine? I suspect the oil broke down too much and caused some damage, but I'm not 100% sure. It seems to perform the same, no bogging or stuttering, just has this constant vibration. It's bad enough to make my feet tingle after about 30 min of riding. Can also feel it in the tank around my legs, and in the seat.
Is there anything else I can check? Is it worth picking up a torque wrench and check all the engine to frame mount bolts?
I DO Engine break from time to time. I've read that can cause extra wear on the CCT, which I think I can also hear in certain situations. Can a worn CCT cause extreme vibration?
I fear I've totally borked my engine...
Appreciate any help.
-Tom
Sorry for the wall of text... I'm nervous that I broke my baby!
Firstly, I've done a bit of searching and reading, and feel that this is a unique problem (maybe).. so here goes:
This is my first bike that I've owned. Learned to ride on my buddies Shadow. Been riding for about 2 years. Back in March, picked up a real nice 2009 FZ6 with ~9300 miles on the clock. Got it home, did an oil change almost immediately, since the bike had pretty much sat all winter (PO used Amsoil I believe). Did my own work, no shops are involved.
After A LOT of reading, I decided to try the Rotella T6 5w40 with the PureOne 14610 filter (changed at ~9700 miles). The oil ran fine, got a little more valve tick than when the previous oil was in. At ~2500 miles, shifting was starting to get notchy. Did much more reading on oils.
After ~2500 miles, changed oil and this time used Rotella T 15w40 (changed at 12188 miles). I DID NOT CHANGE MY OIL FILTER. Noticed a bit more vibes when running this oil, decide I don't really like it all that much. At about 1000 miles into this oil, I decide it's time to change. Figured I had at least another 500 miles on the oil.
Get to about 1200 miles in this oil and a vibration like nothing like I've felt starts up. This isn't like a normal slight vibe in a certain RPM range that can be cure with a TB sync. This vibe is pretty consistent throughout the RPM range. It's definitely in the engine, can feel it just revving in Neutral, or coasting and pulling the clutch. It definitely follows engine RPM.
Changed the oil out, right at 1500 miles into the oil, with some Castrol Actevo 10w40 4T oil (Plus new Oil Filter, PL14610). Trans loves this oil, shifts much smoother, but the vibration still persists, even after about 100 miles on the new oil.
I mostly use the bike to commute to work (25 miles one way, lots of sitting in traffic, idling or clutching) and some 2 up weekend riding. Wife and I combined are under 300lbs. I don't abuse the bike, make a few runs out to redline, but mostly I'm just putting along at 50mph in traffic. No wheelies or high RPM clutch drops. No wrecks, but I did drop it in the driveway one time.
Things I've done to try and fix this:
-Change back to motorcycle specific oil
-TB Sync (before last oil change, plan to do another this weekend)
-Spark Plug Cap (recut all 4)
-Cleaned and Lubed chain at normal intervals.
Have I totally screwed my engine? I suspect the oil broke down too much and caused some damage, but I'm not 100% sure. It seems to perform the same, no bogging or stuttering, just has this constant vibration. It's bad enough to make my feet tingle after about 30 min of riding. Can also feel it in the tank around my legs, and in the seat.
Is there anything else I can check? Is it worth picking up a torque wrench and check all the engine to frame mount bolts?
I DO Engine break from time to time. I've read that can cause extra wear on the CCT, which I think I can also hear in certain situations. Can a worn CCT cause extreme vibration?
I fear I've totally borked my engine...
Appreciate any help.
-Tom
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