Valve Clearance Question

Infidel · 11-03-2012, 03:46 PM

I pulled the valve covers and moved the piston to TF. I tried to check the valve clearance and couldn't even get the thinnest feeler gauge leaf between the shim and the rocker arm. The bike has almost 15k miles on it. Is that normal?

pacomutt · 11-03-2012, 04:35 PM

Checking the correct cylinder for that timing mark?

Infidel · 11-03-2012, 06:24 PM

I believe so. I'm checking the front cylinder when TF is aligned. I haven't checked the rear with TR aligned yet...

I even tried to get the thinnest feeler gauge between the rocker arm and the shim on the exhaust side without any luck....I must be doing something wrong....back to the manual....

sfair · 11-03-2012, 07:42 PM

Do not forget that there are two possible positions for TF...one at TDC on compression stroke and one at TDC on exhaust stroke.

Infidel · 11-03-2012, 08:06 PM

I spun it so the TF is aligned with the mark and the cut on the gear is aligned with the top of the cylinder head. Still no love. I just bought a shim kit so I can swap them out. I'm pretty sure I followed the manual correctly...it's just that this is my first time and I don't want to mess anything up. What are the consequences of the valve clearance being off a little?

Infidel · 11-03-2012, 08:13 PM

Also, the kit I bought goes from thickness of 1.20 to 3.50, but the shims I pulled from the bike are 4.?0. I can't read the middle number. Shouldn't they be in the same range as the kit?

Infidel · 11-03-2012, 08:16 PM

Nevermind, that can't be the thickness number, since the shim is thinner than the 3.50. I'll play with the shims until I get the clearance I need.

sfair · 11-03-2012, 10:09 PM

Just to make sure that you are at the correct TDC, rock crankshaft back and forth about ten degrees (or more) and there should be no valve train movement at all.

rick · 11-03-2012, 10:10 PM

Another method is to watch your cam lobe, the high spot on the cam. When it is facing up, your valve will be open, turn motor till it is completely down, your valve should be completely closed at this point and you can adjust it there.

Infidel · 11-03-2012, 11:03 PM

Thanks guys. I guess the clearance really was shot. I adjusted the two intake valves on the front, then did the exhaust. Three of the 4 shims needed to be adjusted. Same with the back cylinder.

AND! as a grand finale, I hooked everything back up and tried to start the bike. Apparently, I forgot to reconnect the line with the lock that connects on the left side of the tank.......gotta let the garage air out overnight now....

Damn, computers are so much easier to mess with. HAHA!

Again, thanks for the tips, guys!