Hi, I'm new to the site. I need to know if my 2002 Kawasaki 220cc Bayou has a cam chain tightener. It's running fine but the motor sounds very rattley lately. Any help would be apprciated. There is no info in the owners manual on this.
Dave

 

Welcome to the forum. I don't have a manual for your machine but if you search for a member here "hayashi" he is the expert that can help you.

 

Noise is one of the most difficult symptoms to diagnose... The best way is to get a mechanic's stethscope and find the exact location of the source of the noise.

220/250 is a rather simple engine to work on, so let's give a try. There are 3 possible sources:
1). Valve clearance - if not checked/adjusted within last 50 hrs. Exh: 0.18~0.23 mm, Int: 0.15~0.20 mm. Set them to the looser side. You are lucky, just 2 valves!
2). Clutch adjustment - on the right side at the bottom of your engine, just behind the oil level sight glass, there is a black cover held by 2 screws. Remove the cover and loosen the large LOCKNUT. Then, turn the slotted adjusting screw COUNTERCLOCKWISE until you can't turn. Then tighten the LOCKNUT.
3). Clutch Hub/Basket/Plates - Open up the clutch cover on the right side of the enigine, the one with Kawasaki name stamped. Check for anything that might be loose or piece of metal that's broken off and rattling.

Get a service manual if you will work on it.