Loud engine knock

The engine on my KZ550 is knocking very loud...i think it might be a problem with the valve height but I'm not sure. The engine has not been tuned for as long as I had the bike so it might need that I'm just wondering what some other opinions might be on this...thanks...

Simple fix....simply turn up your Ipod to the loudest setting and you won't hear the noises anymore:)

Have you had the carbs synchronized? Is there enough oil in the engine? Has you cam chain adjuster failed?

If the noise just suddenly started I wouldn't think valve settings as they would have become increasingly more noisy.

Check in this order...

Oil level

Cam Chain adjuster

Carb synch

If these items weren't the root of the noise then I would pull the tank and valve covers to check them.

A long screwdriver with a wooden handle will help you pinpoint the problem area. Put the screwdriver's business end against various spots in the engine and place your ear to the wooden end of the screwdriver. Think of it as a poor man's stethoscope.

Other members will likely chime in with their experience and advice.

Cheers-Colin Firth-Ontario Canada

Piece of rubber hose works the best. Rubber doesn't transfer vibrations that come from the surrounding area.

If the bike is idling on choke and is not revving high, the primary chain will make a pretty loud knock/rattle noise. After the bike warms up and idles smooth on some balanced/tuned carbs it should go away. Most of the 550's seem to do that when first started.

If it's not noisy at idle, but it's there at anything above idle, this happened to me, and once I removed the head, I found #3 rod the issue. I verified this by a loose #3 rod, and shavings in the oil pan. I hope this isn't your case.

Good advice...will get me started ...the cam chain is fine but it might be loose I'll have to check that, oil is there, the noise has grown gradually...I'll have to tune the carbs I guess since they havent been done over since I've owned the bike...

Honestly I;ve been at this for 3 weeks now everyday...I think I;ll just take it to the mechanic now...I mean I got it to work and fire up...I;ve never touched a bike engine in my life before this and managed to resurect it to fire up and work with a huge help from you guys but I'm just getting tired lol and I ran out of gloves

We;ll see what he says if it's not to expensive I'll just get him to check it out...

44,000+ miles mine had rod knock, just to let you know. Hope your's isn't that. It's comon for #3 to go, for some reason.