New issue: possible cracked valve rocker arm

[rtking]

Originally Posted by detours

Here's a big shout out to rojo_grande and marzhere!

Kudos to rojo_grande and marzhere for the generosity and for expanding the (insert Spud's voice) "Cult of Zong." Great that folks on the forum are helping each other out

[marzhere]

Originally Posted by detours

Here's a big shout out to rojo_grande and marzhere! Rojo is going on the CSC baja trip and generously offered to trailer my RX3 from Colorado to California, so Gerry can work on it!

I should note that CSC was ready and willing to pay for a local shop in Denver to fix it, but when rojo offered to take my bike to CSC, I jumped at the chance. Plus ... Gerry kindly offered to install my new progressive shock, chain and 45T rear sprocket at no charge (except the purchase price).

Thanks again guys!

We're glad we could help. It's really all Rojo's doing.

and since we all know that it didn't happen until the pics been published, here is Detours bike, along side mine, ready for the trip to California.

[detours]

Rojo_grande texted me today that they arrived safe and sound and dropped off my bike at CSC.

So I called Gerry and he'll be taking a look at it on Tuesday. He says if it's a broken valve rocker like he suspects, he'll just put in a new engine. Otherwise he'll do whatever needs repaired (all under parts and labor warranty).

Again, great service from CSC. You couldn't ask for better!

[Eco Mouse]

The break-in period all over again... uggh

[BlackBike]

How many miles on that puppy? Good lookin machines

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by detours

Rojo_grande texted me today that they arrived safe and sound and dropped off my bike at CSC.

So I called Gerry and he'll be taking a look at it on Tuesday. He says if it's a broken valve rocker like he suspects, he'll just put in a new engine. Otherwise he'll do whatever needs repaired (all under parts and labor warranty).

Again, great service from CSC. You couldn't ask for better!

Thanks for reporting yet another example of unparalleled customer service.

[Lee R]

CSC is awesome for taking care of it, should be back in action soon Detours!

[detours]

Originally Posted by BlackBike

How many miles on that puppy? Good lookin machines

Thanks! I have about 3500 on it. It's been awesome and I can't wait to get it back!

[detours]

Got a call from Gerry this morning. The valve rockers are fine. The problem was a little piece of metal banging around like a tic tac on top of my piston

He said it had to have come in from the airbox, because nothing was missing from inside the throttle body. But I don't know how it could have got past the air filter. I don't even know what it is ... doesn't look like a screw or anything, unless it was just pounded out of all recognition.

And look at all the damage on the piston and intake!

The good news for RX3 owners is this wasn't a part or engine failure after all. The bad news for me is it's not a warranty issue

On the other hand, Gerry is giving me a deal on a new engine for under $1000 bucks installed, including installing all the accessories I sent down (shock, chain, rear sprocket) at no extra charge

[CSaddict]

Do you get the old motor back for spare parts? I would want it.

[Lee R]

Wow

You had a UFO in your engine. Hopefully you can keep that thing as a souvenir!

Looks like they gave you a very fair deal on a new engine including the labor for the accessories.

I paid the same price for routine service once on my Tiger 1050 which is why I'm here on the RX3 forum haha.


Glad to see your bike being taken care of and you'll soon be back to smiling on your RX3!

[BlackBike]

Wow that looks like a Colorado Rock particle. A magnet would determine if it was rock medal metorite who knowes. That's a tough break but since it's an rx3 we're not talking super big bucks that's a relief so to speak imagine the cost if you had a BMW. Anyone have any estimates for a BMW motor replacement? Out the door. I would say it would probably be close to the cost of a new rx3. This makes me very wary of running up and down a dirt road as I do. I sure dont want to popcorn myengine .

[SpudRider]

My goodness! I certainly didn't expect a diagnosis such as this. I now feel compelled to enter the air box of my RX3, and look for similar debris. I am glad Gerry found the problem, and offered a reasonable solution for you. Thanks for posting the update.

Is the object a rock, or is it a piece of metal?

[Inroads]

Most Japanese bikes have a wire mesh screen downstream from the air filter,
I wonder if our RX3 has that ?

[detours]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

My goodness! I certainly didn't expect a diagnosis such as this. I now feel compelled to enter the air box of my RX3, and look for similar debris. I am glad Gerry found the problem, and offered a reasonable solution for you. Thanks for posting the update.

Is the object a rock, or is it a piece of metal?

I think he said it was magnetic. But I honestly have no idea how this object could possibly have gotten in my airbox, or even what it is. I mean, if it looked like a screw, I'd have to guess it fell in when I oiled the air filter. But that was the only time I opened the airbox, and that was just the filter door.