Won't run

[greenhorn_1958]

I have a 1975 Gl -1000. I was riding to work this morning and as I was coming into a lower speed zone off the high way I let off the throttle it made a sound like running over a flat can. It lost power I looked at the guages and the tach wasn't working but was still running at this time. I down shifted to keep up momentum but it died and now it won't start. Could this have happened because of a belt or related falure. It has 19k miles on it and the belt to my knowledge has neve been changed.

[virgilmobile]

19 k miles is low for a belt 119k miles is high and near 40 years old is way too much.
The fact that your tach quit leads me to a possible broken 'something' on the right side.
Remove the timing belt cover and look.Post what you see or a picture of it.
I've a bad feeling the belt broke.Looking further will tell if there was serious damage.

[WingAdmin]

I agree, the "flat can" noise is somewhat like what you'll hear from a broken belt, and the fact that the tach quit points to the right hand timing belt broken. Your fuel pump will also stop running, because it is also run off the right cam. Hopefully there isn't too much damage done to your engine.

Incidentally, it seems that every time someone reports a failed timing belt, it's always the right one. I wonder if this is due to the increased load placed on it from the fuel pump?

[virgilmobile]

Increased load theory.
I wonder how much more.
Maybe just that little bit more to push a ready to fail belt over the edge before the left one.
Another reason just to replace them in a timely manner.

[dingdong]

I agree, the "flat can" noise is somewhat like what you'll hear from a broken belt, and the fact that the tach quit points to the right hand timing belt broken. Your fuel pump will also stop running, because it is also run off the right cam. Hopefully there isn't too much damage done to your engine.

Incidentally, it seems that every time someone reports a failed timing belt, it's always the right one. I wonder if this is due to the increased load placed on it from the fuel pump?

Never say never. I broke the left belt on my 76. I don't remember any other reports of the left belt though.

[greenhorn_1958]

Thanks for the enforced info. Some what enexperienced what kind of damage would I look for.

[virgilmobile]

Best case.no damage..just new belts.
Next..bent a valve.A few hundred bucks worth.
Worse case...poked a hole in a piston.Now a paper weight.
More inspection needed.

[Placerville]

Thanks for the enforced info. Some what enexperienced what kind of damage would I look for.

If you mean "'what damage do I look for after removing the belt covers? Well, you'd be looking for a broken belt. Virgilmobile's advice is what you'll be looking for IF you find one and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that you don't. If you don't, please change them ASAP. Your comment above indicates the immediate need to do so. Belts should be changed every 5 years of 25K.