My '86 Honda 200SX quad has a sporadic knocking at idle. It sounds like a rod bearing but I've never had a rod go out on a machine thats had regular oil changes. Any ideas? Also, does anyone know if the aftermarket guys still have strokers for this engine (they'd be cheaper than the dealer)? Thanks

 

I think the only way to hurt that engine was to run it with very little oil. Are you sure you dont have an oil leak? Sounds like the damage has already been done. Maybe overrevving the engine could have caused this?

 

The oil level hasn't dropped since new and the valve lash has been set regularly. Regarding the cam, the knocking is not coming from the head, it's in the bottom end (expensive.) I'm going to check the centrifigal clutch to see if anything has come loose enough to rattle before I tear into the cases. PS-Anyone know if aftermarket strokers are still available? Thanks for the replies.

 

do u check valve clearence regularly? this is a major problem down the line if the maintenance is not done the valves burn and the valve guides wear away and need replacing. also if you run a 4 stroke low on oil you will eventualy wear the cam out an that would cause a tapping or knocking sound. and if you 4 stroke smokes you defentialy need a valve adjustment or worse
alex

 

sure its not chain slap ? or a valve going ?.