i bought a 87 250x not running. when i kicked it over it makes a clanking noise. so i took the top end off to see whats up. to me it looks like every thing is still good. befor i pulled the head off i pulled on the timing chain and it was really loose and the tensioner was all the way in. also when i kick it over there seams to be no compression. does anyone have an idea what might be the problem. has eanyone else had this happen to them.

 

The clanking was likely a valve contacting the piston because the engine was not in time. Also inspect for a warped valve and/or a bent rocker arms(s). Both common problems with this engine more than others when the chain stretches that bad.

 

if the cam chain is that loose it has proble jumped time and like KNOWSALOT said you have valves hiting the piston a new cam chain and tenstioner should fix you up if the pisto and valves are ok

 

thanks. ill get a new chain and put it back together and see what happens