A Tree Falling in the Forest

After a particularly stressful day, I decided I would take OBB for a ride on what he calls the "little motor." So I rolled the Moto 4 out of the garage and prepared to start it, which usually means giving it a little push in the driveway (the battery needs to be replaced.)

After a few feet, I stopped in shock. The motor, when it started to turn over, sounded like one of those mechanical monkeys clapping his cymbals together. Clack-clack-clack-clack. My heart sank. I knew it was catastrophic. Not willing to face the demons, I rolled it back in the garage and closed the door. OBB's questions followed me back into the house.

A few days later, I decided to have a closer look. The noise seamed to occur on every stroke, and the compression was non-existent... could only be one thing... so I unbolted the head to see which valve it was.

Intake? Exhaust? Any guesses? If you guessed intake, you're right. Unfortunately, the varnish that the previous owner allowed to play havoc in the carburetor seems to have had its way with the intake valve as well. The noise was the rocker arm tapping on an open valve.

I can't tell if it's bent, or just sticking from all the varnishy gunk. I suspect it's both. The piston and jug look fine, so I'll see if I can get the valves working again. We'll see. I'd hate to have to take Ole Yeller out to the shed.