motor problems help!!!!!!!

[dkripper911]

My 400 starts up easy, has great throttle response, and idles fine. but it smokes really bad less once it warms up but at first its horrible. and it ticks/knocks. I took the motor apart and cant figure out what’s wrong. however with the head off, i pressed down on all my valve springs and my right intake valve spring is softer than the rest. could that be my problem? if not what else could be wrong??????

[headache]

could be worn valve guides or seals...

[Scro]

How long have the rings been ran? They may be worn.

[400exMO]

The 400ex is notorious for ticking valves. While the head is off, might as well get the top end rebuilt.

[dkripper911]

my rings are like a month old but i didnt get the cylender honed before redoing it