Hello , I have a 1989 lt80 .. Just got it running since last fall. Ran great for a few days and then it starting making a noise, something clicking . I thought it was the starter trying to engage while it was running , but took the clutch cover off and it doesn't seem to be the problem . I fired it up again and it sounded more like it was on the stator side .. So I took that side all apart too .. Thought maybe the fan was rubbing the plastic housing .. Fired it back up with all the plastic engine cover off and still clicking .. It's very loud .. Sounds like a kids bike with playing cards running through the spokes ! It doesn't make the clicking sound until it has been running for about 30 seconds .. Any ideas guys ? Piston slap ? Bad crank bearing ?

 

Check the compression. That'll tell you if it's a wore piston.

 

I've had LT80s in for service which made that noise. Always assumed a bit of fan cowl was detached and catching the fan. The owners didn't seem worried so I left well alone, and next time the bike came in, it would still be making the same noise, and still working.

 

Maybe stator/flywheel...not too much moving in a 2 stroke...

 

Just wanted to give an update incase anybody runs into the same sound .. Turns out it was a bad wrist pin bearing .. Really bad ... i could hold the rod still and move the piston up and down about 3/8 of an inch. All 11 little steel bearings were still there but the metal that keeps them separated was gone and smashed into the head and piston. This is the second wrist pin bearing we've had go bad between our two lt80's . Both were from them cheap eBay rebuild kits. I think I'll stick to Suzuki parts when it comes to the engine from now on. Thanks for all the replies

 

yup...that'll do it!


don't ever go cheap on engine/brake parts...going and stopping are just too damn important

 

I am jut about to do a top end overhaul on an LT80 (compression down to 40psi) and was thinking of fitting one of those Chinese kits. The boss is "old school" and would probably have got it re-bored and a new Suzuki oversize piston. Now I'm wondering if he is right. What do you think Jack?

 

Merryman: I have used a few of the cheapo kits. I did have trouble with 1 piston.
I found where they get those kits. They costs 13 bucks each in volume. What do you get for $13 these days.
50 bucks and worry..or..100 bucks and not worry. I prefer not to worry

 

OK, looks like a rebore it is. I am very wary of buying genuine Suzuki parts though, not sure if it is the local dealer, the importer, or Suzuki, but someone is overcharging. We ordered a reversing light for an Eiger a while back, £50 + tax when it came, they look just like the ones you get from car accessory shops for under £5. They also charged £300 for a CVT belt, so we now buy Gates belts for £30.

 

yeah...you're getting robbed...try ebay...