Thoughts on my RS Problem

[RS-Jack]

Here is the story. I just purchased my 2011 RSSE5 a few weeks ago. after riding a few hundred miles i started hearing a noise coming from the left lower side of the engine (rattling/squeaking) it only does it once the engine is up to normal temp and around 4000 rpm's. It doesnt have to be in gear or moving for it to happen. I took the bike back to my dealer who rode it and heard the same thing but could not figure out were it is coming from. They contacted Can-Am who said you pull the oil filter and look for anything in the filters. We did and all clean. contacted Can-Am once again and now they want the dealer to tear the engine down and see if they can see anything. So 800 miles on the bike and the engine is coming out. Yes we have checked all of the exhaust and pretty much anything external being loose and found nothing.

Has anyone else ever heard of anything like this? And how would you react if it were yours? My dealer is doing pretty much everything they can but it seems like to me Can Am's problem. It just sucks to have a new bike and the engine being torn down to inspect it.

opinion,sugestions or advice greatly appreciated,
Jack

[Bob Denman]

I'd agree with you that your dealer is certainly trying to find the problem... Hats off to them! The only other thing that I can tell you is to let them find it and fix it... If it's an internal problem in the engine's "guts", well it's good that it's in the shop and being diagnosed in preparation for repairs. I wish you the best of luck and I'm sorry to hear that this is happening to you; nobody deserves a problem like this in a new machine! Please let us know what they find!

[bjt]

Here is the story. I just purchased my 2011 RSSE5 a few weeks ago. after riding a few hundred miles i started hearing a noise coming from the left lower side of the engine (rattling/squeaking) it only does it once the engine is up to normal temp and around 4000 rpm's. It doesnt have to be in gear or moving for it to happen. I took the bike back to my dealer who rode it and heard the same thing but could not figure out were it is coming from. They contacted Can-Am who said you pull the oil filter and look for anything in the filters. We did and all clean. contacted Can-Am once again and now they want the dealer to tear the engine down and see if they can see anything. So 800 miles on the bike and the engine is coming out. Yes we have checked all of the exhaust and pretty much anything external being loose and found nothing.

Has anyone else ever heard of anything like this? And how would you react if it were yours? My dealer is doing pretty much everything they can but it seems like to me Can Am's problem. It just sucks to have a new bike and the engine being torn down to inspect it.

opinion,sugestions or advice greatly appreciated,
Jack

Sounds similar to the problem I'm currently having. Just dropped it off at the dealers yesterday. After having gone through engine teardowns on my Spyder before, I hope it doesn't come to that again.

[wmsmini]

Just my 2 cents,
I am a new RS owner as well (got mine last thursday) and have logged over 200 miles now. I am a mechanic for BMW/MINI (cars) and this is my opinion.

With the intruduction of some new engines we have had several complaints of engine noises, turbo noises vacum pump noises and as per the factory in some cases these engines were removed, dissasembled and checked anly to find nothing and in the end the manufacturer found or claimed that some of these noise were just inherent charecteristics of the engine, because nothing was found and the engine was still opperating properly.
Having said that I will also state that acording to BMW 80% of internal engine failures have had previous internal engine repairs done prior. They say its due to contaminents that get into the engine when its apart.

So, if it was my RS I would likeley let them check everything they can without dissasembling the engine, if there is no metal or debris in the filter I would assume nothing is coming apart internally, if it doesnt vibrate, become too loud or run poorly I would just run it. If it is a problem it will eventually make itself clear. If the engine does fail and you have had the proper services done, maybee you get a new engine instead of one thats been taken apart and put back together.

Just my opinion.

[Dudley]

Just my 2 cents,
I am a new RS owner as well (got mine last thursday) and have logged over 200 miles now. I am a mechanic for BMW/MINI (cars) and this is my opinion.

With the intruduction of some new engines we have had several complaints of engine noises, turbo noises vacum pump noises and as per the factory in some cases these engines were removed, dissasembled and checked anly to find nothing and in the end the manufacturer found or claimed that some of these noise were just inherent charecteristics of the engine, because nothing was found and the engine was still opperating properly.
Having said that I will also state that acording to BMW 80% of internal engine failures have had previous internal engine repairs done prior. They say its due to contaminents that get into the engine when its apart.

So, if it was my RS I would likeley let them check everything they can without dissasembling the engine, if there is no metal or debris in the filter I would assume nothing is coming apart internally, if it doesnt vibrate, become too loud or run poorly I would just run it. If it is a problem it will eventually make itself clear. If the engine does fail and you have had the proper services done, maybee you get a new engine instead of one thats been taken apart and put back together.

Just my opinion.

Sounds like a plan. The Spyder is under warranty so I would have run it. If it blows up, it's BRP's. Now that BRP knows about the noises it's too late.

[Campverdefela]

Just my 2 cents,
I am a new RS owner as well (got mine last thursday) and have logged over 200 miles now. I am a mechanic for BMW/MINI (cars) and this is my opinion.

With the intruduction of some new engines we have had several complaints of engine noises, turbo noises vacum pump noises and as per the factory in some cases these engines were removed, dissasembled and checked anly to find nothing and in the end the manufacturer found or claimed that some of these noise were just inherent charecteristics of the engine, because nothing was found and the engine was still opperating properly.
Having said that I will also state that acording to BMW 80% of internal engine failures have had previous internal engine repairs done prior. They say its due to contaminents that get into the engine when its apart.

So, if it was my RS I would likeley let them check everything they can without dissasembling the engine, if there is no metal or debris in the filter I would assume nothing is coming apart internally, if it doesnt vibrate, become too loud or run poorly I would just run it. If it is a problem it will eventually make itself clear. If the engine does fail and you have had the proper services done, maybee you get a new engine instead of one thats been taken apart and put back together.

Just my opinion.

Real good advise!!!

[RS-Jack]

Just my 2 cents,
I am a new RS owner as well (got mine last thursday) and have logged over 200 miles now. I am a mechanic for BMW/MINI (cars) and this is my opinion.

With the intruduction of some new engines we have had several complaints of engine noises, turbo noises vacum pump noises and as per the factory in some cases these engines were removed, dissasembled and checked anly to find nothing and in the end the manufacturer found or claimed that some of these noise were just inherent charecteristics of the engine, because nothing was found and the engine was still opperating properly.
Having said that I will also state that acording to BMW 80% of internal engine failures have had previous internal engine repairs done prior. They say its due to contaminents that get into the engine when its apart.

So, if it was my RS I would likeley let them check everything they can without dissasembling the engine, if there is no metal or debris in the filter I would assume nothing is coming apart internally, if it doesnt vibrate, become too loud or run poorly I would just run it. If it is a problem it will eventually make itself clear. If the engine does fail and you have had the proper services done, maybee you get a new engine instead of one thats been taken apart and put back together.

Just my opinion.

I agree to a point! I agree with letting them check all that they can and maybe i should run it and if it blows then they can deal with it. BUT!! why should i spend the money that i spent to possibly get stranded in the middle of who knows where if it does let go. I'm not the average rider that only rides a few hundred miles a year. I bought it for a reason, ride and ride long distances. I purchased a new one just for the fact as i would not have to worry in the back of my mind on reliability from a used bike. I'm actually planning a cross country trip from SC to WA state. This is really making me re-think that decision.

Jack

[WackyDan]

Just my 2 cents,
I am a new RS owner as well (got mine last thursday) and have logged over 200 miles now. I am a mechanic for BMW/MINI (cars) and this is my opinion.

With the intruduction of some new engines we have had several complaints of engine noises, turbo noises vacum pump noises and as per the factory in some cases these engines were removed, dissasembled and checked anly to find nothing and in the end the manufacturer found or claimed that some of these noise were just inherent charecteristics of the engine, because nothing was found and the engine was still opperating properly.
Having said that I will also state that acording to BMW 80% of internal engine failures have had previous internal engine repairs done prior. They say its due to contaminents that get into the engine when its apart.

So, if it was my RS I would likeley let them check everything they can without dissasembling the engine, if there is no metal or debris in the filter I would assume nothing is coming apart internally, if it doesnt vibrate, become too loud or run poorly I would just run it. If it is a problem it will eventually make itself clear. If the engine does fail and you have had the proper services done, maybee you get a new engine instead of one thats been taken apart and put back together.

Just my opinion.

The rotax is a bit trashy sounding at higher rpms. You'll get that going down the road or revving it. I had never noticed until I put my touring shield on, and it was reflecting that noise back at me. After playing with other spyders, I realized that is normal. Now... If they can pin point this to one specific area on the lower left side, it may be something completely different.

I'm not sure a tear down was in order though. Wouldn't it have been just as easy to send a motor and do a swap?

[Dudley]

I agree to a point! I agree with letting them check all that they can and maybe i should run it and if it blows then they can deal with it. BUT!! why should i spend the money that i spent to possibly get stranded in the middle of who knows where if it does let go. I'm not the average rider that only rides a few hundred miles a year. I bought it for a reason, ride and ride long distances. I purchased a new one just for the fact as i would not have to worry in the back of my mind on reliability from a used bike. I'm actually planning a cross country trip from SC to WA state. This is really making me re-think that decision.

Jack

The decision is really yours to make. Don't really know what I would do in your case. I know it's easier for me to suggest you run it till it blows up or stops making noise. But as stated here, some noises are common to seasoned Spyder riders. Without having one listen to yours, it's hard to say.

[wmsmini]

I would not recommend ignoring the noise but if there is no signs of metal or debris in the filter I wouldn't be inclined to let them take my engine apart without knowing exactly what there looking for.
Try to find some local RS owners and compare.

[jedd]

I would not recommend ignoring the noise but if there is no signs of metal or debris in the filter I wouldn't be inclined to let them take my engine apart without knowing exactly what there looking for.
Try to find some local RS owners and compare.

Having not heard the noise I wish time was no issue it would be a good excuse for a ride. Long trip to listen to a .

My only question is does the noise frequency follow the RPM evenly or change with gear selection

Jim

[NancysToy]

I would not let them dismantle a new engine. They could either replace it in it entirety, or I would "ride her 'til she blows." If your tech feels something is odd, it is not just a "normal" sound for a Spyder, but doing a teardown to explore, is like doing brain surgery to see why your head aches. Nothing will ever be the same. I'd press for a complete engine. Let them tear it down when it lands in Wausau.

[bone crusher]

I would not let them dismantle a new engine. They could either replace it in it entirety, or I would "ride her 'til she blows." If your tech feels something is odd, it is not just a "normal" sound for a Spyder, but doing a teardown to explore, is like doing brain surgery to see why your head aches. Nothing will ever be the same. I'd press for a complete engine. Let them tear it down when it lands in Wausau.

If BRP told the dealership to take it apart, and the owner says not to, I don't think the owner will win this one.

I would hope the tech could determine if the noise is normal or not...being he thought it wasn't, then he likely has to go with what BRP is advising...

I'd bet 1000:1 on you as I think you know more about these bikes than just about anyone...however, it seems like BRP is on top of this one and getting the owner in the way might not be the best thing to do. I'd imagine that if the dealer takes the engine apart and there is still no resolution, then a new engine would be the next recommendation directly from BRP...

[bjt]

I don't want to be the wet blanket but, from my experience and what I remember hearing from other owners who had engine troubles, a new engine from BRP without a lot of coaxing from the owner and service tech or really extenuating circumstances would be the exception and not the norm.

[WackyDan]

I don't want to be the wet blanket but, from my experience and what I remember hearing from other owners who had engine troubles, a new engine from BRP without a lot of coaxing from the owner and service tech or really extenuating circumstances would be the exception and not the norm.

So true... But this guy just bought and has only 300 miles on his Spyder. I'd say they should go out of their way to make him happy.

[NancysToy]

If BRP told the dealership to take it apart, and the owner says not to, I don't think the owner will win this one.

I would hope the tech could determine if the noise is normal or not...being he thought it wasn't, then he likely has to go with what BRP is advising...

I'd bet 1000:1 on you as I think you know more about these bikes than just about anyone...however, it seems like BRP is on top of this one and getting the owner in the way might not be the best thing to do. I'd imagine that if the dealer takes the engine apart and there is still no resolution, then a new engine would be the next recommendation directly from BRP...

The dealer is in a position to express his reluctance to BRP, and request a new engine, due to the small amount of miles. BRP can say "No", and they will have to proceed from there, but I would dig in my heels and try to get the dealer to go along. No good ever comes from tearing down a factory engine in a workshop setting, IMO. How many dealers that you know have a clean-room for teardowns. If ever there was a time to ask for more, this is the time. I'd at least go down fighting.

[Firefly]

Good advice here---- DO NOT let them do a tear down.

Run her hard for a few thousand miles and see what happens. Did you get the BEST warranty? If so then you have roadside coverage.

You've got between 2 and 5 years (depending on what BEST policy or factory policy you have) where the engine will be covered. 800 miles in is too early to know squat.

Run her HARD and see if you can bring the problem to a boil----

It's your bike - you can refuse this 'teardown' idea -- and BRP probably doesn't want to spend the $$$ on it anyway.

[bone crusher]

The dealer is in a position to express his reluctance to BRP, and request a new engine, due to the small amount of miles. BRP can say "No", and they will have to proceed from there, but I would dig in my heels and try to get the dealer to go along. No good ever comes from tearing down a factory engine in a workshop setting, IMO. How many dealers that you know have a clean-room for teardowns. If ever there was a time to ask for more, this is the time. I'd at least go down fighting.

I like the spirit...I guess no harm in trying your hardest...pushing BRP as the bike is virtually brand new and should perform as such. I'd imagine the dealership can help with this...do they risk punishment from BRP if they back the owner in this case?

[Bob Denman]

[QUOTE=NancysToy;318438]They could either replace it in it entirety, or I would "ride her 'til she blows." QUOTE]
Scotty, This is the first time that I ever thought to debate you on a point...
Your reasoning is absolutely correct; but these things would never have the good manners to blow up in the driveway on a trailer... They'll let go at night in the middle of a rainstorm 150 miles from home in an area where cell service is spotty... (Remember that guy Murphy and his law?)
From a standpoint of minimizing the misery; I would try to let them find what they can before you're left on a roadside with a long face...

[dave01]

Let the dealership do their job and tear it down. If and when they find the problem, do not allow it to be repaired, but push then for a replacement. You will get nowhere if you don't let them look inside. Kind of like'''' I think its broken, so replace it just in case'''. I have a great dealership that I use and this approach has worked very well for me. Just my 02 cents on this one.

Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk

[IWN2RYD]

My $.02. No way in Hockey Sticks they would be tearing down my brand new bike.

New bike/engine or I would ryde it.

Check the Clutch and items like that? Sure you bet. Complete tear down? NO!

A question has not been asked yet that I think is very important. Do they have another RS-S like/similar to yours and have you ridden that one to see if the sound is there as well?

Did this happen all of the sudden or from day one?

Please know we are on your side. And I trust Scotty, and I can tell you he and I had our own issues on our own Spyders, and came out the other end please with the end results.

If I learned anything, it is to hold your ground in a respectful, mature, reasonable fashion and you will too be happy in the end.

New Bike or new engine please... (If something is actually wrong) Good luck!

[Firefly]

Let the dealership do their job and tear it down. If and when they find the problem, do not allow it to be repaired, but push then for a replacement. You will get nowhere if you don't let them look inside. Kind of like'''' I think its broken, so replace it just in case'''. I have a great dealership that I use and this approach has worked very well for me. Just my 02 cents on this one.

Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk

And miss out on a summer of riding??? No way hombre!

[Campverdefela]

[RS-Jack]

After much much thought and the advice from here. I have decided to let them take it and start looking into the motor. If it at first they find nothing under valve covers, side covers and the easily accessible inspections of the engine i'm going to tell them to contact me before proceeding to disect my engine. Hopefully something obvious will be found early in the process.

I do not expect the dealer or BRP to give me the world just what i paid for. a Reliable machine!

Whatever happens i will update you all on what they find.

Thanks to all that have given advice on here. It is much appreciated!

Jack

[Firefly]

After much much thought and the advice from here. I have decided to let them take it and start looking into the motor. If it at first they find nothing under valve covers, side covers and the easily accessible inspections of the engine i'm going to tell them to contact me before proceeding to disect my engine. Hopefully something obvious will be found early in the process.

I do not expect the dealer or BRP to give me the world just what i paid for. a Reliable machine!

Whatever happens i will update you all on what they find.

Thanks to all that have given advice on here. It is much appreciated!

Jack

Sounds like a good 'compromise'. Pulling the valve covers and checking things out isn't very major at all-- especially compared to tearing it all apart.