Topic: Valve Adjustment - Quick Question

[Bristledisk]

I'm attempting to adjust my tappets for the first time on my CB400F. The bike seems to idle okay.

The engine is cold. I rotate the crankshaft and align to the "F" 1/2 mark. To ensure the piston is at TDC on the compression stroke, I feel the tappets of No1 cylinder with my finger. Seems to be no play or wriggle.

I rotate the crankshaft 360 degree. Feel the tappets again. Still seems to be no play or wriggle. Same on No4 cylinder.

The tappet clearance seems tight as I can never get my feeler gauge (0.04 or 0.05mm) between the adjusting screw and valve stem.   

This should be a simple job. What am I missing here? 

[Scott S]

 Use the T mark, not the F mark. T is TDC.

[Bristledisk]

Sorry. Mistake in my question. I am Using the "T" mark

[Bankerdanny]

Doesn't sound like you are missing anything. Based on what you wrote you need to loosen the valves.

[Scott S]

 Here's a thread with some pics that may be helpful:

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=136792.0

 When #1 is on TDC, check the #2 exhaust and #3 intake to make sure you have THAT piston at TDC. If none of them show any play, check the other valves and see if you have #4 at TDC.
 Take a look at the X's and O's in the pics.

[Deltarider]

I'd advice you a much simpler method. Watch #1 inlet valve go down and come up again. Then rotate crank till T 1+4 is in line with the mark. Check in- and outlet valve #1. Then rotate crank till T 2+3 lines up and adjust the #2 valves. Then rotate till T 1+4 lines up again an do the #4 valves. Finally rotate crank till T 2+3 lines up again and do valves #3. Done. Advantages: mistakes practically ruled out and lining up doesn't need to be that very precise. The Honda scheme with X's and O's can easily lead to mistakes. BTW, often you'll find no adjustments are needed.

[BomberMann650]

Delta said it first,

Check the tappet clearance before going to "adjust" it.