[Patrick]

I have a 1999 ForeTrax 450 ES. Last winter I had it on the ice and reving it kind of high. It shut down and when I checked the oil it was really low. It runs, but now it has an engine knock/ping. What damage do you suppose I inflicted on it ?

 

[Helmut]

Welcome to the forums. It's hard to say without hearing it run. Would you describe it as a knocking sound or a ticking sound? If it's a knocking sound, it's probably the rod bearing. If it's a ticking sound, it might just be your valves.

 

[cableguy256]

^^^^^ agree with Helmut... if it's a knocking, and turns out to be the connecting rod bearing, be looking for a lower end rebuild in your near future.... hopefully you'll get lucky and it's just some valve lashing your hearing.. but that is more of a fast ticking sound.... good luck on whatever it is...

 

[jeffnott]

you may get lucky and it be a loose timimg chain. i doin one now that had knock and it was timing chain slapping. it was that loose

 

[Patrick]

Thanks for the reply. Now that you mention it, I'm not sure if it's a ticking or a knock. I'm going to have to run it and try to get a better idea. I guess either way I'm tearing this thing down however.

 

[Patrick]

Well it seems to be more of a ticking/pinging kind of sound. Reminds me of a rattling heat sheild type noise. Consistent with engine rpms and revs.

 

[cableguy256]

good possibility it is the valves tapping... not sure on your model if you have seperate valve covers or not.. but the first thing I would check is the valve clearance/valve tappets... someone here will have a better idea on how to check them on your bike. if that's not the case, it may be the cam bearings are worn...

 

[shadetree]

Well it seems to be more of a ticking/pinging kind of sound. Reminds me of a rattling heat sheild type noise. Consistent with engine rpms and revs.

loose valves or worn timming chain.

 

[Helmut]

Yep, valve clearance or worn timing chain and tensioner. Tensioners on the 450 go bad pretty often.