Rattly top end and now won't start.

[phillym]

I have jst come bk from a trip to france, before i left my sv k3 was rattling, my old man said it was the valve clearences but said not to worry about it unless it gets louder. Luckily it was fine on tour, but now wont start. Is this the valve clearence or something different?

[hongman]

5p on kill switch :D

[bobbleheadbarne]

yer i would go for that kill switch 1st, if not whats happening when u try to turn it over ie sounds,

[BillyC]

Check:
- Kill switch
- Clutch Switch

The rattling is unlikely to be the valve clearances, but this should be checked at regular intervals - every 10k or so. It could be the cam chain - that's just the way SVs are; even on the K3. Get a loud exhaust and never worry about it again.

[bobbleheadbarne]

cam chain is not to be ignored though if goes looking at new engine or a good rebuild buddy the tensioner may need looking at if cam chain

[hongman]

Check the basics first though before jumping to conclusions.

Until the OP comes back with more details...

[Sid Squid]

Mostly the valve clearances will tighten, not loosen, so rattling is less likely to be that than something else, rattly camchains are nothing unusual so I'd look there first.
Not starting: unless you're suggesting the motor isn't turning over the rattlte is most unlikely to be connected, check the above suggestions first.

[Berlin]

But if the valve cleareances tighten up too much it could lead to low compression which leads to the bike being a pain to start.

I had this on an FZR400RR. Adjusted the clearances and it fired up every time. Before that it would just turn over for 20 minutes.

C

[hardhat_harry]

Rattling is probably front cam chain tensioner, replace with upgraded K5 tensioner.

When u say wont start is the starter motor running? Are there any lights on the dash? What happens when you try to start?