Looking under the tank - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

BudTheGrey · 10-13-2008, 03:58 PM

My '05 C50 has developed an annoying rattle somewhere under the tank. Is it possible to just unbolt the back of the tank and lift it up to peek underneath, or do I have to go all the way and remove it?

**intimid8er** · 10-13-2008, 04:56 PM

Yes it's possible.

Quite possibly it's the pucks near the front. The rubber dries out or shrinks and gives the tank some play to rattle/squeak on them.

Squeeze your knees tight to the tank when you hear the noise and see if it goes away.

sra4031 · 10-14-2008, 09:13 AM

Have you changed out your grips? When you take the weights off the nut can fall into the bars, and you will hear a rattle there. This happened to me last weekend, and while riding it sounded like it was in the tank area.

Sandman · 10-14-2008, 09:25 AM

Yes, you'll have to remove the seats to get to the large tank bolt, Remove that and you can lift the tank from the back up about 6-8 inches. The front will pivot on the rubber pucks Intimid8or mentions above. You won't be able to lift it much further without unplugging the electrical connection and unhorsing the fuel line.

Are you sure the rattle is under the tank? My speedo display gets loose from time to time. The two front allen head screws only screw into rubber washers and work their way loose, also make sure the back screw on the housing is snug.

sra4031 · 10-14-2008, 09:31 AM

I never understood the rubber bushing there instead of a welded nut.

**intimid8er** · 10-14-2008, 09:32 AM

Just remembered.

Is there a gremlin bell anywhere?

BudTheGrey · 10-14-2008, 07:32 PM

Thanks to all for the advice

Yes, there is a gremlin bell, but I don't think that's it. Still running stock grips.

I didn't think to check the speedo bolts; will do that tomorrow.

I did find a couple cable tie ends; they would make the kind of noise I'm hearing. It's not really a metallic rattle, and is definitely linked to engine speed. No noise at idle or at 75MPH on the interstate. But at 55 on the 2 lane, it's definitely there.

I turned the cable ties slightly and tucked the ends in. I'll see on the way to work tomorrow if that was it.

**intimid8er** · 10-15-2008, 08:28 AM

Definitely squeeze your knees to the tank when you hear it. If it goes away, it's the pucks.

BudTheGrey · 10-15-2008, 07:43 PM

Nope, not the gas tank pucks.

The noise was gone for most o hte ride to work; came back in the last mile or so. Inspection when I got home showed that one of the cable ties as worked it's way around, and it was clear to see it touching the top of the cylinder head. A few seconds with the diagonal cutters and I think I've solved the problem.

**intimid8er** · 10-20-2008, 08:09 AM

Cool!

Good job! Easy fix!

10-13-2008, 03:58 PM	#1 (permalink)
BudTheGrey Third gear and cruising Joined: Jul 2005 Bike: 2005 Suzuki C50 LE Location: Keeseville NY Posts: 486	Looking under the tank My '05 C50 has developed an annoying rattle somewhere under the tank. Is it possible to just unbolt the back of the tank and lift it up to peek underneath, or do I have to go all the way and remove it? __________________ If you can't stand behind our folks in the military, feel free to stand in front of them

10-13-2008, 04:56 PM	#2 (permalink)
intimid8er It's A Conspiracy Joined: May 2005 Bike: '06 XB12X Location: 30 41'47.99" N 83 11'26.54" W Hold My Beer Posts: 10,092	Yes it's possible. Quite possibly it's the pucks near the front. The rubber dries out or shrinks and gives the tank some play to rattle/squeak on them. Squeeze your knees tight to the tank when you hear the noise and see if it goes away. __________________ Song Pick of the Week 12/03 Booker T and the MG's - Green Onions Bonus for Buster The Airborne Toxic Event - Sometime Around Midnight I had no idea 20% ABV beer could get me drunk so fast!

10-14-2008, 09:13 AM	#3 (permalink)
sra4031 Third gear and cruising Joined: Jul 2008 Bike: '08 Suzuki C50C Location: Smyrna, TN Posts: 457	Have you changed out your grips? When you take the weights off the nut can fall into the bars, and you will hear a rattle there. This happened to me last weekend, and while riding it sounded like it was in the tank area. __________________ Jason B Bour Smyrna, TN boozing and cruzing definitely don't mix

10-14-2008, 09:25 AM	#4 (permalink)
Sandman Kickstand Operator Joined: Feb 2006 Bike: 06' C50 (Blue/Gray) Location: Richmond, Va Posts: 297	Yes, you'll have to remove the seats to get to the large tank bolt, Remove that and you can lift the tank from the back up about 6-8 inches. The front will pivot on the rubber pucks Intimid8or mentions above. You won't be able to lift it much further without unplugging the electrical connection and unhorsing the fuel line. Are you sure the rattle is under the tank? My speedo display gets loose from time to time. The two front allen head screws only screw into rubber washers and work their way loose, also make sure the back screw on the housing is snug. __________________ -Sandman

10-14-2008, 09:31 AM	#5 (permalink)
sra4031 Third gear and cruising Joined: Jul 2008 Bike: '08 Suzuki C50C Location: Smyrna, TN Posts: 457	I never understood the rubber bushing there instead of a welded nut. __________________ Jason B Bour Smyrna, TN boozing and cruzing definitely don't mix

10-14-2008, 09:32 AM	#6 (permalink)
intimid8er It's A Conspiracy Joined: May 2005 Bike: '06 XB12X Location: 30 41'47.99" N 83 11'26.54" W Hold My Beer Posts: 10,092	Just remembered. Is there a gremlin bell anywhere? __________________ Song Pick of the Week 12/03 Booker T and the MG's - Green Onions Bonus for Buster The Airborne Toxic Event - Sometime Around Midnight I had no idea 20% ABV beer could get me drunk so fast!

10-14-2008, 07:32 PM	#7 (permalink)
BudTheGrey Third gear and cruising Joined: Jul 2005 Bike: 2005 Suzuki C50 LE Location: Keeseville NY Posts: 486	Thanks to all for the advice Yes, there is a gremlin bell, but I don't think that's it. Still running stock grips. I didn't think to check the speedo bolts; will do that tomorrow. I did find a couple cable tie ends; they would make the kind of noise I'm hearing. It's not really a metallic rattle, and is definitely linked to engine speed. No noise at idle or at 75MPH on the interstate. But at 55 on the 2 lane, it's definitely there. I turned the cable ties slightly and tucked the ends in. I'll see on the way to work tomorrow if that was it. __________________ If you can't stand behind our folks in the military, feel free to stand in front of them

10-15-2008, 08:28 AM	#8 (permalink)
intimid8er It's A Conspiracy Joined: May 2005 Bike: '06 XB12X Location: 30 41'47.99" N 83 11'26.54" W Hold My Beer Posts: 10,092	Definitely squeeze your knees to the tank when you hear it. If it goes away, it's the pucks. __________________ Song Pick of the Week 12/03 Booker T and the MG's - Green Onions Bonus for Buster The Airborne Toxic Event - Sometime Around Midnight I had no idea 20% ABV beer could get me drunk so fast!

10-15-2008, 07:43 PM	#9 (permalink)
BudTheGrey Third gear and cruising Joined: Jul 2005 Bike: 2005 Suzuki C50 LE Location: Keeseville NY Posts: 486	Nope, not the gas tank pucks. The noise was gone for most o hte ride to work; came back in the last mile or so. Inspection when I got home showed that one of the cable ties as worked it's way around, and it was clear to see it touching the top of the cylinder head. A few seconds with the diagonal cutters and I think I've solved the problem. __________________ If you can't stand behind our folks in the military, feel free to stand in front of them

10-20-2008, 08:09 AM	#10 (permalink)
intimid8er It's A Conspiracy Joined: May 2005 Bike: '06 XB12X Location: 30 41'47.99" N 83 11'26.54" W Hold My Beer Posts: 10,092	Cool! Good job! Easy fix! __________________ Song Pick of the Week 12/03 Booker T and the MG's - Green Onions Bonus for Buster The Airborne Toxic Event - Sometime Around Midnight I had no idea 20% ABV beer could get me drunk so fast!

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