Valve clearance check

[Grumpy Goat]

Finally, got this done. All clearances in spec ... just, in some cases. Since the gaps are towards the lower end of the range, with wear the gaps would only increase and at this rate I'd likely not need shims for quite some time (barring some unforeseen event).

Also changed the plugs and made a cool tool to check for TDC.

[JWMcDonald]

Actually, with wear of the valves, it is more likely that they will tighten up (as the valves tend to "sink" into the seats).

The shims do not wear.

[Grumpy Goat]

Actually, with wear of the valves, it is more likely that they will tighten up (as the valves tend to "sink" into the seats).

The shims do not wear.

You are probably right on the first bit ... never thought of that. As the valves wear at the interface with the cylinder head, assuming they wear evenly all around, they will tend to "rise up" and hence decrease the gap at the top in way of the cams.

All parts subject to friction wear. It is just that the cams / shims / followers will most likely wear at a much slower rate than the valve seats.

Thanks for pointing this out. Now I am wondering ... if some of my valves are at the lower end of the range, there is not much leeway for the closing up of the clearances due to valve seat wear ...

But that is a worry for another day ... TDC as "found" using the DIY tool has some inaccuracy in it as well, and that can also introduce some variance in the clearance measurements, so I am not bothered.

[mojoguzzi]

quick question on your tool--do i infer correctly that the correct TDC depth is 150mm? Hence the straw with mark? That'd be cool, if so.

[MrVvrroomm]

As stated above, valve clearances tend to tighten, no loosen.

[Grumpy Goat]

quick question on your tool--do i infer correctly that the correct TDC depth is 150mm? Hence the straw with mark? That'd be cool, if so.

Sorry I did not respond sooner - was camping with no cell service. Unfortunately my straw tool fell down a gap in my workbench and I can no longer reach it [easily] or else I'd actually measure it.

[mojoguzzi]

quick question on your tool--do i infer correctly that the correct TDC depth is 150mm? Hence the straw with mark? That'd be cool, if so.

Sorry I did not respond sooner - was camping with no cell service. Unfortunately my straw tool fell down a gap in my workbench and I can no longer reach it [easily] or else I'd actually measure it.

Dang! At least it didn't fall into the cylinder

[mojoguzzi]

So...did the valve check yesterday (crappy video to follow later on Brothers, Bikes, & Bourbon YT channel). Some findings and comments:

• INTAKE
  • .127mm left (spec is .10mm - .17mm)
    
  • .152mm right
    
• EXHAUST
  • .36mm left (spec is .34mm - .41mm)
    
  • .381mm right
• Valve covers came off with just some upward-and-outward pressure
  
• We could not align a straight-edge, because the new cam design precludes that (wish I'd take a closeup but, oh well)
  
• I'm still gonna have the dealer do the check in September when they also replace the air filter and reset the service nag warning.
  

thanks to all for advice.

[Grumpy Goat]

Good findings. Thanks for updating the thread.