symptoms of a bad cdi box

[splitnock]

what are some of the symtoms of a bad cdi box or one that is "going" I have a 300 bayou which is amking a chattering or noise which comes and goes. it kidnd of sounds like somethig is rattling around insode the engine. I brought it to my local kawi. dealer 2X and neither time they didn't hear any noises, but as soon as I got it home the noise was there. when I explained it to them they thought it might be the CDI box going bad and the noise I was hearing was a spark knock ???? thanks in advance

[RPM]

Never heard of a CDI causing ignition chatter?

Every CDI I have had go bad, the motor will start to miss and then stop running. When they go, they won't start or run anymore.

[splitnock]

That's what I thought about the CDI box, I'm checking the timing chain now to see if that's causing the noise

[Hayashi]

Yes, I think you are in the right direction - check mechanical stuff. Get your mechanic's steth scope and pinpoint the location of the noise. Could it be tight valves?

[splitnock]

We checked the valves they seem fine. the noise comes and goes, does it at idle and at higher rpms. It basically sounds like a really loose chain clattering. I'll let you know when we figure it out

[Hayashi]

Two more possibilities:
1. Cam chain tensioner not working (extending out to tighten the chain).
2. Loose rivets holding the basket to the cetrifugal clutch housing.

[splitnock]

we already replaced the clutch housing and the rivets were very loose, thought that was the problem, but apparently not