misfiring / engine nosies till it warms ???

distortion · Nearly there... Joined: 08 Mar 2005 Karma :

Just looking at a bike for sale. The owner says that it misfires and the left side of the engine rattles till it warms up. Once warmed up the problems seem to vanish.

Anyone got any ideas of what it could be ? or a worst case scenario of what it could be? even a worst case scenario cost ?

*wait's for someone to say fucked engine*

Cheers

JP

Barry_M2 · World Chat Champion Joined: 09 Sep 2004 Karma :

The rattle is most probably the cam chain (although you've not said what bike it is?). The miss fire could be a number of things, from crap plug, through to poor valve clearance.....

Wouldn't say the engine is f****d, but sounds like it could do with a good service!

distortion · Nearly there... Joined: 08 Mar 2005 Karma :

its a zxr400 - what would a cam chain cost if that was the problem do you reckon ?

Barry_M2 · World Chat Champion Joined: 09 Sep 2004 Karma :

Not expensive to buy, the labour would be more than the part. I cant remember from my ZXR days how difficult it is to change with the engine in place!?

distortion · Nearly there... Joined: 08 Mar 2005 Karma :

seems like a good buy then .... now to source the cash from somewhere .... hmmmmmm

mchaggis · World Chat Champion Joined: 09 May 2004 Karma :

A rattle which goes away when it warms up is probably valve clearances. Dodgy valve clearances would probably also explain the misfiring. A service would probably get the valve clearances sorted out anyway. How expensive they would be depends on what bike it is.
____________________
I must not be a troll...
Mmmm, Guinness
Discovering the delights of Hammerite and a 3/4" brush. Very Happy

Jrod · Page 3 Girl Joined: 02 Aug 2004 Karma :

To get my valve clearances done cost me £10......... Smile

That was for the 5 shims needed. Labour was free. (I didn't do it myself no.)

Barry_M2 · World Chat Champion Joined: 09 Sep 2004 Karma :

Oh yeah, shims cost pennys, its getting to them thats the ba****d bit! Valves wont rattle when cold, its more of a tapping or clicking noise. If its definatly rattly, then its the chain.

ZRX61 · Victor Meldrew Joined: 05 Nov 2003 Karma :

So basically the owner can't afford to fix it himself because it;s not economically viable & then he found some mug willing to buy it?
Walk away

Barry_M2 · World Chat Champion Joined: 09 Sep 2004 Karma :

Out of interest, how much has the seller got it up for?

distortion · Nearly there... Joined: 08 Mar 2005 Karma :

The owner said his intentions were to use it as a track bike, he said he never got round to fixing it which is beleiveable because i know the amount of things that i said i was going to do this winter and never got round to doing. Even if the bike is a shitter i think its worth it even if its just broke & sold on Ebay. Anyway at the minuite i cant afford it but if i could i would snap it up

bish777 · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Nov 2004 Karma :

are they serious misfires or just popping or phutting noises?

if so it may just be shite in the carbs and/or a leak somewhere in the exhaust or airbox.
____________________
GSXR1100J