Bad engine? replace, repair or swap?

[elpayaso96]

So I have had my '82 ascot for a few months. its my starter bike. when i first got it it would start up and i was learning to ride on it. when i first started to ride the bike it did sound a little off. there was a loud clanking noise coming from the engine. I didn't know if it was supposed to sound like that it being a fairly old and used motorcycle. when i finally got comfortable enough to ride it on the street it would not go past 40 and it kept dying on me when i tried to drive off in first. i let it sit for about a week before i went and tried to see what was wrong with it. when i tried to start it it wouldn't start after I had charged the battery. in the end we finally got it to run and start after messing with the petcock. But now the clanking noise is more prominent and my brother in law informed that it didn't sound right but hes not sure what it is. it idles fine but when we give it gas it automatically dies.

I don't have much experience in working with motorcycles but i do know how to work on cars so im not afraid to do repairs on the bike or an engine swap since ive done the same on a car, as well as my brother in law knows how to work on them a bit. but i was wondering if anyone knows what it could be or maybe have had the same problems. worst case scenario i wont mind buying a new motor but would like to see if i can fix it or maybe swap it for a motor that would work im not sure help please!?

[WTF304]

Could be alot of things ... timing comes to mind as well as valve clearances. Something in the bottom end could be broken or worn out to where it's causing something to get hung up, possible connecting rod, transmission gears ... you name it. Best thing i could say cause obviously i can't see or hear it run ..... get a book ... start reading ... get some basic tools .... try to narrow it down to where exactly the noise is coming from via a stethoscope or a very long screwdriver with a solid handle ( old school stethoscope ) and see what parts of the engine are in that side ( again check the book first before taking things apart ). And just be sure to check that those parts are still available either through a dealer or second hand, never hurts to get every piece of information before hand .... I'm sure some of the guys on here can help out in some way