Engine knock at low rpm

  • mosser
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Engine knock at low rpm

30 Jan 2016 16:27
#708633
Hello there !
I am new to this forum and after searching for a while I could not pin point the knock problem. I recently acquired a 1982 Kawasaki kz750 Twin. When starting the motorcycle there is a kicking noise that is coming form the cam covers ? :huh:
The problem is that even when the engine is hot, the knocking/clicking noise AT IDLE still persists. When revving the engine I goes away... sort of.
My suspects are:
1)Cam chain is lose, needs tensioning.
2)carbs are out of sync
3)valves need adjusting ?
4)ignition timing

what are your thoughts ?
here is a short video below
thanks for the help !!!

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  • SWest
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Re: Engine knock at low rpm

30 Jan 2016 17:17
#708638
Combination of things. Exhaust leak? Out of sync? Valves out of adjustment? (likely) Timing off?
Steve

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Re: Engine knock at low rpm

30 Jan 2016 17:58
#708649
I have to double check everything. There is a small exhaust leak for sure. I will measure the clearances tomorrow. Carbs are I think ok. I can kick start it in -10°C pretty much without any problems. I think the valve clearances are out, a lot. Will try to check timing. (the service manual is a bit confusing)
Thank you

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Re: Engine knock at low rpm

30 Jan 2016 18:02
#708651
Kick it? Weak battery? If the charging system is overworking it will make all kinds of noises and not run for SHT.
Steve

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Re: Engine knock at low rpm

30 Jan 2016 18:29
#708658
Battery is weak. It barely turns over once. Could that be the issue of the noise ?

thanks

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Re: Engine knock at low rpm

30 Jan 2016 18:33
#708659
Could be. The bike will struggle to run.
Steve
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Re: Engine knock at low rpm

30 Jan 2016 18:43 - 30 Jan 2016 18:46
#708663
It does struggle to run, but I think that's because of the cold. Having said that, with the choke all the way out the bike will not idle unless you give it some throttle (upon cold start)
Last edit: 30 Jan 2016 18:46 by mosser.

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Re: Engine knock at low rpm

31 Jan 2016 07:05
#708733
Sounds don't translate well via video so it's hard to say for certain, but it sounds to me like a combination of it running rough and a loose cam chain that is slapping around because of the erratic running.
1978 KZ1000A2 Wiseco 1075 kit
1977 KZ650B1
1973 Triumph Tiger TR7V
1968 BSA Victor Special 441
2015 Triumph Thunderbird LT
1980 Suzuki SP400

Old enough to know better, still too young to care
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Re: Engine knock at low rpm

31 Jan 2016 10:35 - 31 Jan 2016 10:36
#708759
An exhaust leak will get MUCH louder if you crank the throttle open when you take off. Yours does sound metallic like a cam chain or maybe valve clearance. As somebody said, could be more than one thing.

Make sure the timing advancer is working right.

The chain should be easy to adjust from the front if it is same as my 750 twin.
1979 KZ-750 Twin
Last edit: 31 Jan 2016 10:36 by bountyhunter.
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Re: Engine knock at low rpm

31 Jan 2016 11:23 - 31 Jan 2016 11:23
#708763
Adjusted the chain today, the knock went away for the most part. It still ticks a bit, but I think those are the valves (bad clearances)

thanks guys for the help !
Last edit: 31 Jan 2016 11:23 by mosser.

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Re: Engine knock at low rpm

01 Feb 2016 21:13
#708978
That's good news :) nothing expensive wrong by the sounds of it.
1978 KZ1000A2 Wiseco 1075 kit
1977 KZ650B1
1973 Triumph Tiger TR7V
1968 BSA Victor Special 441
2015 Triumph Thunderbird LT
1980 Suzuki SP400

Old enough to know better, still too young to care

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