weird engine noise on 50cc

[Trent]

I have a 50cc ET2, yeah not the fastest scooter in the world, and about a month ago it started making a crackling like noise whenever it got above idle. (maybe not a great description but it sounds like flicking through a pack of playing cards at it's worst) This kind of affected it's already limited performance with a decrease in power. It doesn't get better or worse as it warms up or when under load. It just kind of slows the whole bike down and takes away power!

I don't have a mechanical bone in my body so was hoping some one might be able to advise on what this might be... and if simple what i could do to fix it.

[TUG]

a flicking sound? if you can could you take the belt cover off whilst the bikes off obviously, and turn the wheel by hand, and look at the belt, is there wires coming off? does it look worn out? is it fraying?
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Haz ER-5, innit!

[cheekythomas]

They are common for the cooling fan cover coming apart which allows the inner fan to touch the casing and make a noise while its shaving the plastic away on the inside... but its not gonna effect performance noticeably...

Have you checked the sparkplug is tight, could be loose and the noise is pressure coming past the plug threads?

[Trent]

Thanks - I thought I'd start with the easy one first and have remove and re tightened the spark plug. At this stage it seems to have sorted the noise, so here's hoping that was all it was! thanks for the help