Kawasaki Bayou 300 with a problem

[kenny]

I have a 90 model 300 bayou bought new and taken very good care of. Always ran great and has given no trouble. It has developed a knock or rattle at low rpm when under a load. It starts fine and makes no noise at idle or when it is reved up. A frend that's a mechanic said it was the clutches so I had him put new ones in, didn't help. Carb has been cleaned, cdi box checked compression ok valves adjusted,stator checked and nothing helps. I don't know what else to look for. It sounds to me like the spark goes crazy and changes the timing, or like a bad fuel knock. This is a super good machine and has never been abused.I would appreciate it if someone could give me some ideas of what else to look for.

Thanks....Kenny B

[Sc0tt]

I am moving this thread to the Kawasaki forum so hopefully you will get some help from people who own or know something about the Bayou.

I have no idea it sounds like you have check most everything. DirtDemon "Josh" is probably the most knowledgeable on the list he will probably see this and chime in. I will ask my father-in-law he is very knowledgeable too. We have had a couple of those machines they are very tough. I still have a 96 Lakota my wife rides which is pretty much the same motor.

Edited September 9, 2010 by Sc0tt
added a statement about moving the thread.

[DirtDemon]

A knock and a rattle are two different sounds. If I heard a rattle, I would be looking for anything that may be hanging loose and making noise, possibly a tranny bearing wearing out. A knock is more typical of a low end problem, like a work crank or crank bearings. A bad wrist pin bearing could make noise too. I hope for your sake, it is something rattling loose outside the motor, but I think it is most likely an worn internal part or parts. Good luck.

BTW Scott, thanks for stroking my ego a little, mighty nice of you.