i ahve an old honda hotor it runs good dosnt smoke but when its at idle you can hear a clicking noise.could this be cause by the timing chain?

 

Could be, could also be valves that need adjusting.

 

has anyone hear of the timing chain breaking or needing replacedvery often?

 

It can happen but is rare.If it does hapen it will be expensive. What kind of honda engine you got?

 

its a 200 model 300ex engine

 

I would check the valves.

 

im pretty green on engines is it difficult to adjust these valves.could you tell me how to go about checking them? any info would be greatly appreciated

 

If the timing chain doesn't break it could jump some teeth. In that case it'll bend the valves. In a couple I've done the tensioner was still good but the chain was stretched and jumped. It will make a lot of noise before it goes, usually more at idle.

 

Itsnot that tough to do. you will need to pull the valve cover and find TDC,(top dead center) when the piston is at the top of the stroke. Then you need to stick a .002 thick feeler gauge between the valve tip and the rocker arm. If its tight you need to loosen the valve and if loose you neet to tighten the valve. It would help to get a manual for your machine but it can be done with out one.

 

300exfreak, if you want to try this and dont want to buy a manual I could type out some fairly decent instructions for you. Jusy let me know and I will.