Motorcycle Repair: Honda Rebel, valve piston, piston rod

Question
Rich,

I know you have experience on the older models, but you have helped me in the past, and was wondering if you knew anything on the 2004 honda rebel. I am working on one for my uncle, and the left cylinder area is producing a loud repeated click while running, unlike the other which sounds normal. Also, out of the exhaust on the left side, the bike is emitting quite a bit of smoke while running. What is wrong with the cylinder?

Thanks Rich,

Mike

Answer
Mike, you can locate the source by taking a long handled screw driver and hold the handle to your ear that the blade on various parts of the engine.  Where ever the sound is the loudest, is the problem.  It could be a cam, valve, piston, rod or crank bearing causing the noise.

Regards
Rich