Topic: Question about adjusting valves.

[Moosey]

I have a 1971 cb500 and am going to adjust the valve tappets. Ive seen two different ways to adjust them on this forum and am wanting to do them correctly.
One way is to bring 1-4 to TDC and adjust the tappets on either 1 or 4, which ever is loose. Then rotate 360 to TDC and adjust the other (1 or 4). Then rotate engine to 2-3 TDC and adjust the tappets loose on either 2 or 3. Turn engine 360 to TDC and adjust the other tappets (2 or 3).

Second way is to rotate to 1-4 TDC and adjust the tappets on 1 or 4 that is loose and the exhaust on either 2 or 3 and intake on 2 or 3. Its in some manuals in an O and X grid.

Curious if both ways are correct or if one method is better.
Thanks

[tlbranth]

This method works on ANY inline 4 engine. Rotate the engine 'til any valve is all the way open and adjust its counterpart. 1 & 4 are each other's counterparts as are 2 & 3. So, for example, when #1 intake valve is all the way open, #4 intake valve is all the way closed and can be adjusted. Draw a simple diagram of the top of the engine and check off each valve as it's adjusted and you can do them all with 2 revs of the engine. Remember: 1&4 pistons move together but are 180 degrees apart valve-wise.

[DaveBarbier]

Either of those methods work. I do 1 and then rotate 360° for 4 then move to the 2&3.

[Moosey]

Thanks so much for the replys. Ill get adjusted tomorrow.

[jonda500]

This method works on any inline four cylinder engine:
First I rotate around forwards and backwards until I see #4's tappets both rocking (one valve closing whilst the other valve is opening) - this tells me #1 is on its compression stroke.
Then I adjust them in the same order as the firing order:
Adjust #1's tappets, then rotate 180 degrees clockwise and adjust #2's tappets, then rotate 180 degrees clockwise and adjust #4's tappets, then rotate 180 degrees clockwise and adjust #3's tappets.
John
Edit:  T 1.4 mark will be aligned when adjusting #1 & #4 and T 2.3 will be aligned when adjusting #2 & #3.