When idling, I hear a pinging noise coming from the lower, rear, right side of my engine. (Same side as the mech. rear brake). It is not a constant noise, but comes and goes. IT doesn't seem to affect how it runs overall, but I'm afraid it's a sign of something going bad, or an adjustment that needs to be made.

I've never removed the crank case cover, so I don't know what mechanism is in this general area. Could it be the clutch? There is an oval inspection cover on that side. Any insight would be appreciated.

 

What year is your machine?
Auto or Manual?

2001 Arctic Cat 400 Manual Transmission-Service Manual has this.
A. Oil Filter
B. Water Pump
C. Primary Driven Gear
D. Primary Driven Clutch
E. Starter Clutch Housing
F. Gear Shift Shaft
G. Oil Pump/Oil Strainer

 

There is a pinging sound you hear from the top of the engine (not sure which side) that I have been told is casued by the automatic compression release mechanism onthe valves. There is no way to adjust it. To me it sounds like a valve tappet.

At one time I thought I had a problem that I isolated to the right side of my machine and when I looked closer I discovered it was the mechanical foot brake rattling. I put some silicone onit for disk brakes to keep things from rattling and adjusted it and it went away.

If it is a manual transmission there is a clitch adjustment panel that is small and oval onthe right side. If it is a Auto tranny then the black trans cover is onthat side I I rememeber reading on here a guy that had one of the nuts strip out on the clutch and cause a rattling sound.

That is about all I got with out hearing the sound.

Swampy

 

I heard the same thing from time to time... found out mine was a loose heat sheild bolt. Still hear some noise I would call (if it were a car ) piston slap, not sure it is the same.