FX-1 Loud knock noise when turning over

[chadetroit]

Was having some electrical issues to the point I came out to my garage a month ago and found my starter just spinning on it's own, I ran over and disconnected the battery and have not done anything until now. Thought it was the relay so I replaced that, but after replacing still wouldn't turn over until i gave a little tap on the coil.

Anyway it started turning over but now there is a loud knock everytime it tries to turnover. Scared the crap out of me so I'm not going to hit the starter button any more until I have time to pull the engine. I'm not an engine guy but can usually get by with a manual and the wonderful knowledge on these board. Anyone care to take a stab at what that sounds like just so I know what I'm in for.

I was planning on selling this ski as soon as I got it up and running to help fund my other winter project ski, now I feel like I might have 2 projects this winter.

Any help is always appreciated.

 

[infamy]

its hard to know without hearing it... do you think the noise is in the motor or is it related to the starting issue (like maybe a bad starter or bendix) ??

 

[chadetroit]

It's definitely coming from the engine. on each revolution Knock...Knock....Knock...

 

[chad]

You could pull the plugs and rotate the coupler by hand ... if you feel something, pull the head

 

[chadetroit]

Thanks Chad, sounds like a good first step. I'll give that a try tomorrow

 

[Andrew1289]

wild guess(s)...... bad starter relay. Then I'll GUESS bad crank shaft bearing or wrist pin bearing. Just guesses.

 

[Polish jet pilot]

bendix??

 

[special fx]

Dont overlook the possibility of a swelled pump liner either.......that can make a similar noise.

 

[chadetroit]

before heading out to work I pulled the spark plugs, coupler cover and flywheel cover. No apparent metal teeth or anything came out of the flywheel cover area. With 2 hands I was able to turn the coupler over several times, didn't feel any binding or scraping at any point. When I get home I'll have to dig a little more. Thanks for the suggestions thus far guys.

Do I need to remove the pump in order to check the liner?

 

[special fx]

If you turned it over by hand, then there's no need to check the liner....it's good.

 

[chadetroit]

That is good. I guess, next I'm going to pull the flywheel, and Bendix to make sure all my teeth are intact from starter on through. Then I'll start with the head and cylinder and work my way down until I find something

 

[Waternut]

Did you have to turn it over with 2 hands? Once you pull the plugs, you should be able to turn the engine couplers with one finger.

 

[waterfreak]

check your rubber dampner on the couplers. when they start breaking, then the aluminum will hit and make a nasty knocking noise...especially when turning over and stopping

 

[chadetroit]

It took 2 hands to turn it over without the plugs in. Did not have a chance to tear into it this morning might have to wait for the weekend to get dirty and find out why I'm getting resistance. I'll post up my findings. Appreciate the help

 

[Waternut]

It took 2 hands to turn it over without the plugs in. Did not have a chance to tear into it this morning might have to wait for the weekend to get dirty and find out why I'm getting resistance. I'll post up my findings. Appreciate the help

In that case... My money is on one of the crank bearings or midshaft bearings being shot. It could be the pump bearings too but you said you thought it was coming from the engine so I'm betting it's not the pump. For your sake, it's hopefully something easier and cheaper but I'd think you'd hear grinding if it was something simple that was just dragging.

 

[junkyardj]

was your bindex stuck open?

 

[chadetroit]

something was stuck open because when I came out to the garage I just hear something spinning. Thought my bilge was stuck on then I realized it was the starter, so part of me thinks that in order for that to just spin something happened to the starter or bendix. will no more once I dig a bit more. A lot of great guesses that is why I love this forum, it also helps me learn to trouble shoot better from those of you who know these engines top to bottom

 

[Andrew1289]

Pull the pump off to eliminate that as the problem. Have you tried just connecting a charged battery to it and cranking it over?

 

[chadetroit]

Yes that is when the knocking sound occurred. I did not like the sound so I did not push my luck on continually cranking it over.

Pull the pump off to eliminate that as the problem. Have you tried just connecting a charged battery to it and cranking it over?

 

[chadetroit]

had a little time tonight so I pulled the head and cylinder. Sleeves look good, pistons good and all I can do at this point is look down by the crank for anything weird so far everything looks ok. I don't have a flywheel puller so I'm going to have to pick one up tomorrow in order to check the other end of things. Maybe something in my Bendix did go bad and it's slipping when cranked. I'm at least going to check that route before I pull the entire engine and get at the crank if needed. Really wish I was working on my other ski I want to ride next summer but I guess this is just prepping me to know the 701 a little better.