Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > 998 / 996 / 916 / 748 > Engine noises

[CipiVTS]

Hi all,

Could the more experienced guys post some info / description of different engine noises for a 916/748?

How does a piston slap differ from the rockers knock or the main bearings gone noise? What other symptoms appear with the noises and can facilitate the identification of the problem?

I noticed on my 916 a strange knoking sound at around 4000-6000 rpm. It can only be heard while riding and when you accelerate and the rev is around 4000-6000.. I tried to hear the noise while idle, but i couldn't hear it/distinguish it.

thanx

[rockhopper]

In my humble opinion the Ducati engine is so mechanically noisy anyhow what with the dry clutch and the big exhaust that its very difficult to hear noises that shouldn't be there.

Does the noise go away when you pull the clutch in?

Worn mains make a rumble (well on cars they do anyhow!) DUcatis have roller mains so maybe different. Could it be bodywork or exhaust resonating?

[CipiVTS]

Noise can only be heard while accelerating, if you keep the revs constant or pull the clutch it cannot be distinguished from the exhaust or other loud noises

[Mr C]

Dont worry about it till it drops off

[CipiVTS]

The only thing i'm worried is what if it's the rockers and i can still do something.
From what i understood rockers have a lighter metallic sound?

For the others... God knows

[rockhopper]

It won't be the rockers.

Blowing exhaust perhaps.

[CipiVTS]

Exhaust i doubt, cause the sound is metallic (not steel / steel like but more alluminium knocking type) and comming definatelly from the engine (front).

The bike was in service to change the rear eccentric hub and the sprocket flange which were complettely knackered and the back wheel was almost blocked.

The first thing i noticed when i took it yesterday was how freely and smooth it went and of course this noise i haven't heard till then.

In service i put them to grease the throttle cable, the throttlebody linkage system and to check the water expansion tank which was leaking.

Because they removed the airbox, i assumed they probably forgot to fit an air filter (BMC) so i checked yesterday. Hopefully everything was in place, only the top cylinder air funnel is moving and doesn't have an o-ring

[Douglas]

Also maybe its the induction noise,which can be pretty loud when you accelerate hard at lowish revs?

[phil_h]

Sounds like it could be an induction noise at that kind of revs.
I think you should do some recording for us so we can all have a listen

[ducv2]

Just make sure its not your alternator coming loose