Motorcycle Repair: loud valves on an 83 kawasaki KZ550, free email servers, valve clearances

Question
Hi, I have a very loud ticking sound coming from the valve cover. I can not seem to isolate it I do not know if it is the piston or a valve. the ticking happens at idle, and at high rpm. I also have a carb issue. The bike will not run off of choke. The istant you touch the gas it dies when the choke is off. Help me please!

Answer
Hi Allen,

I can help you.

The ticking is likely from excessive valve clearances. Checking and adjusting valve clearances will determine if this is the cause of the ticking noises.

The fuel left in the carburetors has varnished. The carbs will need thoroughly cleaned to restore proper performance.

I return tech information files (how to info) by email. There was no email address with your question as requested and explained in my instructions.

If you want additional help, reply with your email addy. It should be know that free email servers such as Hotmail and Yahoo do not receive these large tech file sizes.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively