TWO Broken Rocker Arms. GS700E.

[Nessism]

Piston hits valves and then breaks rocker arms?

[Larry D]

Not sure what would cause them to break...maybe the cam caps on that end aren't tightened correctly..I'd pull the camshaft and have a closer look. Then, replace them and see what happens.

I bought this bike ('85 GS700E) for dirt cheap because the PO said it stopped running with lots of clatter as he was pulling away from a stop light. He hit the starter once and heard lots of unpleasant clatter. Pushed it to the side of his house and let it sit for ~1 year. Circumstances forced him to sell rather than try to repair. Bike is in very good cosmetic shape, so I took a chance...

Yesterday, I pulled the rocker cover and found TWO broken rocker arms - both on #1 cylinder, the intake and the exhaust rockers. I've never seen a broken rocker on ANY vehicle, but some quick searching here let's me know it happens...

I haven't done any further troubleshooting. I haven't even turned the crank. Otherwise, the top end looks very good - no wear on the other rocker pads or cam lobes that I can see. No problems with the cam chain that I can see. The valve clearance adjusters and locknuts are in place and tight. No debris visible in the area.

What would cause TWO rockers to fail? I can see one, just as a fluke or something. Hmm....

Hopefully, this'll be all it needs, but Murphy says otherwise...

Thoughts?

Kirk