Intake valve spring breaks on my 2000 FE501E

Thor's Hammer swings in my direction again. An intake valve spring broke at 347.4 hours. Fortunately the engine was only at about 3500 rpm and it quit quickly. The damage was limited to 1 bent valve, broken spring (3 pieces) damaged spring retainer, and valve keeper, and a bent 2003 rocker arm. The piston has a very shallow indentation from the edge of the valve (Jap intake valve sold by KTM) but checks out O.K., still has 0.003" skirt clearance. Cam lobes are O.K.and connecting rod is O.K.


Here is the picture


http://www.husaberg.org/modules.php?ful ... _photo.php

Here is an amendment: My mechanic friend Brett advised me to take a very close look at the cam chain also, he was right, it is damaged. A valve keeper wedged between the chain and the cam sprocket. The sprocket is O.K. but the chain has one damaged link plate that is pried 1/2 of the way off of 1 pin.

I had to push the Berg about a mile and then walk about 4 miles per my GPS. My cell phone worked, and my wife knew how to get to the spot where I was waiting in the 100 degree California desert. We retrieved my van and then drove about 20 miles over the worst powerline road terrian (big rocks and ruts) to get the bike out and get back to where we left her vehicle.

Those springs don't last forever I guess.

Joe

hribman,

The engine has had a sheltered life; 3 replacements of the cam follower bearings, oil changes hot immediately following a days ride; air cleaner and oil filter cleaned every 3rd ride etc.


At 299.8 hours I had a transmission main shaft bearing failure (clutch end of the shaft) that was progressive in nature, allowing me to ride 28 miles back to my van. Particles of the bearing ribbon ball retainer got into the gears and gradually back flushed into the engine through the reed valve, taking out the piston and scoring the cylinder.

I rebuilt the entire engine; new piston, 2003 rocker arms and crank shaft roller bearings, connecting rod kit, and all new transmission bearings. I had the head reworked, BMW guides, new intake valves, but for some dumb reason I did not install new valve springs.

I now have 9437.7 miles on it.

I left the damaged parts and spring pieces at my dealers shop Saturday just before closing, I will get them back on Tuesday and take some pictures for you.

Here is the picture http://www.husaberg.org/modules.php?ful ... _photo.php

Best regards,

Joe