I have a 1994 Bayou 220 and maintain it well, change the oil more frequently than I really should but ride the living hell out of the machine. I've never had it in the shop for a tune up, since it's always ran fine.

Over the past 2 years, a knock has developed when accelerating. It is really loud when high reving in 2nd or 3rd gears. But the time when you can really notice it is when you downshift from 3-2, and 2-1. I believe it needs a valve adjustment, but dont really want to spend the money, and also go retrieve it from the cottage in NE Michigan.

Could something like this be damaging my engine and robbing me of power?

Also, has anyone with the Bayou series have had problems with water and junk getting in the transfer case?

Just another thought that sometimes the machine leaks oil from somewhere on the case of the engine. This doesn't occur often (maybe 1 or 2 times over the life of the machine) but is this something to worry about also?

 

Some time ago I read a post from someone who said that Kawasaki engines are known for developing a harmless knock in the clutch basket once they get a lot of hours. Maybe someone else out there can confirm this with insight as to what causes it.

Value noise of more of a tapping sound. Loose values will decrease power. However, values that are too tight will burn their seats.

 

My 220 does it too i only notice it in 2nd when im goin at a slow speed. I have heard its harmless.