Piston Slap/Small End?

[FlubbaBubba]

Have an Aprilia mx 125, it has a rotax 122 engine which has developed a ticking noise, I have had a listen around and I am more than certain its coming from the top end.

Its not very loud but the moment the revs drop or you come to a stop you can hear it.

The plug is light brown but the pilot is running rich.

It seems to only be doing it after it warms up.

Dont know what mileage is on the top end but i know it was replaced last year.

Any suggestions on what to check?

[Evil Hans]

[Islander]

The first thing I'd be checking with a ticking noise is the exhaust header for leaks where it joins the head.

[FlubbaBubba]

[quote="Islander"]The first thing I'd be checking with a ticking noise is the exhaust header for leaks where it joins the head. [/quote]

Its leaking a bit as there's burnt black oil on the front of the engine, its coming from the ball socket, I polished it and fitted stronger springs but it still leaks.

I did this 2 weeks ago and the noise started yesterday.

[Islander]

Well, a leak isn't going to improve, it's going to get worse and so is any noise. Fix that first and see what happens. Is the exhaust gasket ok?