Engine 'rattles'.

[Jammy-G]

Had some problems earlier with plugs etc. and since i've given it a few good runs that seems to have sorted it out.

My bike has done nearly 21 and a half thousand miles. I have recently bought another of the same model that has done just over 7, and the engine sounds completely different.

Of course, it has had alot more use, but in low revs, it sounds very rough and it sounds like it is rattling.

Could my problem with the fouling spark plugs, and this rattling be caused by split or broken piston rings?

I have a full gasket set, and can get my hands on a piston kit easily enough, so is this worth doing?

Plus, the screw on the baffle has been abused, so it cannot be removed with a screwdriver. It is in a quite awkward place so what would be the best way to remove it?

Cheers,

James.

[mr.z]

I don't know what bike you have but i think rattling at low revs is a common thing when a cam chain is loose, 21k could well need a new one dependant on the bike... (presuming its a chain not a belt)
____________________
>RidingSkills<->Tech Tips<->MyBikes<

[Hex]

Yeah doing the rings would be well worth while mate.

The rattle could be wear in the bearings, loose fitting or anything mate. The baffles in the exhaust may be gone/going and as such it sounds different.

As for the damaged screws, see if you can cut a slot in the top of the screw and use a flat head screw driver to undo it.
____________________
The BCF's very own Party boy! Though he's getting old and feeling it!
Monkey hanger, Born and bred
My little photo portfolio