Top End Job

[Col90]

Thanks guys. Well, I finally got her running and you can tell she is firing on all three. Now I just have to get to work syncing the carbs and setting the timing. Only problem I notice is that the left cylinder seems to be making a tapping noise as it runs. The noise seems to be very consistent and speeds up as I rev the bike. My father seems to think it may be that the timing is off. Is that a possible cause?

[yeadon_m]

Ticking is more likely to be piston slap, little end or a broken ring. It may be less evident - if its slap - when everything is well-balanced (timing as well as carbs, latter are also critical and folk often find it rewarding to balance them really carefully).
Does it make the same noise as it slows down from a rev up as when idling? how about does it change as it warms up?
Cheers,
Mike

[Col90]

The noise seems to remain even if the engine is warm. It will continue its rhythm with the speed of the engine and will increase in frequency when raced. Also when I checked the left spark plug for wear I accidentally forgot to reattach the spark plug cap but the noise was gone.

[Coyote]

The 550's were notorious for the baffle plates breaking or disintegrating completely. A broken baffle plate will make a very similar ticking noise. See if you can isolate the source of the noise by placing the handle of a screwdriver to your ear and the blade to different points on the motor and exhaust.

[Suzukidave]

I will guess you used new small end bearings ? as that could have a ticking noise every time the piston changes direction .

[Col90]

Hey guys, sorry for the lack of responses. Last time I chatted with you guys I realized I needed to tighten the bolts holding on
the exhaust as they were a bit loose, especially on the left side. Well today I finally got a chance to run in it up again and I
don't hear the noise anymore(at least not from what I can hear). However it does still refuse to idle when warm as the right
cylinder seems to be running faster than the others. Does anybody have a good guide or link to a thread that explains how to
properly sync the carbs? Thanks.

[Suzukidave]

http://www.oldjapanesebikes.com/mraxl_G ... cover.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Col90]

Thank you