when i start my rap 350, it tings really loud. it sounds like its in the valvetrain, but dont know what it could be. i will change the oil, strip it down, and pull the valve covers and cam cover off tommmrow to see if anything looks amiss. its sounds like metal to metal contact so i am wondering if anyone has any ideas of what it could be. i was thinking the timing chain could use adj. it hasnt been looked at since the dealer looked it over a few weeks after i bought it. any help is appreciated

 

possibly a starter clutch - my warrior was making a clunking metal on metal sound when mine was going out, other than that I don't know of any noises that happen only when starting

 

oops, the ting continues while its on. it happens as soon as it cranks and continues when it fires up.

 

the yfm350 motor has an automatic timing chain tensioner, so there's nothing you can really tigheten for it. I can't imagine the timing chain is already stretched that much that it's out of the tensioner's limits, so my guess would be the timing chain is fine, unless maybe the tensioner broke. could be a bent valve or a valve way out of adjustment too. It sounds like you're on the right track, look for anything that is loose or broken in the top end. I never heard of a LOUD noise coming from the valvetrain before so I can't help much, but good luck with it.