i have a 2002 honda 400 ex and it burns a lot of oil and has developed an engine tick in the top end somewhere. im putting a 440 kit in it but before i do i want to find out what the tick is. I think if could be rockers, lifters,or possible piston, has anyone else had this problem

 

Mine also ticks, however I have no leaks and no burning oil. It only ticks when I start it and goes away after a few seconds. It has done this since I got it back in 02. I have read on here that the valves need to be adjusted. I have just not done that yet because it hasnt gotten any better or worse since I have had the bike.

 

your ticking is coming from the right side of the motor right? listen good. If it is its the timing chain. Ive owned 12 400ex bikes in my life. And 99.9% of the time its the chain. There famous for making that sound. They just stretch so much. If your smoking, it could be something as little as the clip on a valve seal come loose, or just bad seals. I would 110% change the timing chain if your going to use the 440 kit. If you cant find a good dealer on a chain let me know and i will send you info to a web site that has great prices!! Hope this helps.

 

how hard is the timing chain change, im pretty sure the piston rings are fried as far as the smoke goes so im fixing that with the 440 kit, yeah it is from the right side of the motor

 

First, take the left cluth cover off. Second, remove the 5 clutch springs, and all the clutch plates. In the center of the clutch basket there is a bolt.(not sure what size, maybe a 19mm) Afer the basket is removed, you will see the crank shaft bolt, also think thats a 19mm. Third, after that bolt is removed you will have easy axcess to the timing chain. To help your removal of thes bolts you might need a impact wrench.


Check your compression. Your ring might just be fine. I would check into the valve seals.

Anymore ?'s let me know!! By the way, i had built a 440ex, and if you dont feel like spending a lot of money, i would just jo with a 415, 2mm bore with a je 12.5-1 compresson piston, and a web cam, or hot cam stage 1. Take my word for it. Youll be more than happy!!! It just takes so much work to do it right with the 440. Besides it is only a air cooled motor, and a 440 is preeeety big.

 

well the deal with my 400 is i got it from a guy who didnt take good care of it, and the last thing i have to fix is the engine, does the 415 bore cost less, i have heard that the 440 big bore tends to everheat so im kinda leary about it, sounds like you know a lot about it, what would you suggest for the whole set up with the bore, piston and cams, thanks for all the information

 

Like i said if your looking for power, i would just get a stock high comp. piston. If you must go bigger, than the 415, or some makers call them a 416, is where you wanna go. Your right. The 440 is just to big for a air cooled engine.


1) If you have money...416 cp piston. You can get then custom made, like ceramic coating on the top, and teflon on the skirts. This helps to keep the engine cool. Get a web cam. They have really high lobe lifts. There great for this bike. Last but not least a heavy duty cam chain. If your doing the work i HIGHLY RECOMEND getting a clymer book, or take it to a shop.


2) Now if your low on doe....just get a 415 je high comp. piston, or the 426( but i wouldent go bigger than that) and a stage 1 hot cam. You can use a stage 2 but you would need to get hard faced rockers, and good valve springs. Also if your not a fan of je than you suck...just kiddn, wiesco pistons are good to. But i go for quality. You know, you get what you pay for!!


Both 1, and 2 are good choices. Ive used both, and by far the first ran way better, but i dont think it would last as long as 2. Riders vary, and i ride like i got something to prove.lol. So thats why i am running 2 now. Dont forget the cam chain. DO NOT GET ANOTHER STOCK CHAIN. It will stretch way to soon.

Any more ?'s let me know. Im not on here a lot so jus bear with me if it takes a day or so to get back to you. Good luck!!!

 

where did you get the 440 kit?

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: go-hard-or-go-home

your ticking is coming from the right side of the motor right? listen good. If it is its the timing chain. Ive owned 12 400ex bikes in my life. And 99.9% of the time its the chain. There famous for making that sound. They just stretch so much. If your smoking, it could be something as little as the clip on a valve seal come loose, or just bad seals. I would 110% change the timing chain if your going to use the 440 kit. If you cant find a good dealer on a chain let me know and i will send you info to a web site that has great prices!! Hope this helps.</end quote></div>


Would it be safe to say that a trx300fw would have the same chain problem? I have the same problem and have already pulled the rocker assembly off and verified the chain has slack. Is it usually the chain or do the tensioners and / or guides wear out? Thanks in advance.

 

tHE 440 KIT I GOT FROM JE RACING.

AND YES, THE 300 WOULD MAKE THE SAME NOISE. MOST OF THE TIME THE GUIDES, OR TENTIONER DONT GO BAD.