1982 Honda ATC 200 making cracking noise when idling

[kormos_93]

My 1982 Honda ATC 200 is making a cracking/snapping noise when idling, sounds like a tree branch snapping in half. Only does it about every 4-7 seconds. What could be causing this?

(Also,It runs good & quiet when in gear, it only does this idling).

[davrei87sx]

possible ratchet spring broken allowing the one or two of the three kidney shaped ratchets bouncing around

[kormos_93]

Not a spring, I pulled it apart a couple of times & the recoil is in good shape.

[davrei87sx]

hmm, im stumped. sounds like it could be something serious

[kormos_93]

I hope not, but it's really weird, it runs fine after I put it in gear. It sat outside not running for probably 20 years if that helps.

[Howdy]

Probably something ( probably rust ) in / on the clutches or tranny gears.

[muthey]

I was thinking that it might be the timing chain, and when it's under a load it get pulled taunt, however since howdy brought up the clutches it could be in there as well.

[kormos_93]

O.K, I wasn't sure if the rusty clutch would do that or if it was something more serious, hopefully just the clutch. Thanks

[muthey]

If your clutch is rusty you had water in the bottom end for a long time, I recommend a complete tear down if you haven't already done it to check for other parts that might give you problem