Topic: Valve Tappet Adjustment

[76 Supersport]

Hi All, just want to start by saying how happy I am to be a member of this forum, and how grateful I

am to everyone's knowledgeable contributions. This forum has helped me so much in my quest to restore my 76 CB400f.

On to my question. While adjusting my tappet clearances I ran into an issue.

While unscrewing (opening the gap) my rocker arm. My arm seems to follow (so to speak) my tappet down as I unscrew it. So the clearance does not open.

 I've also found this on tappers I've not adjusted yet. Where I can apply upward pressure to the rocker arm and open the gap.

I've found no mention of this in any procedure I can find. Am I doing something wrong, or is It just commonly known to keep upward pressure while making adjustments/checking clearances?

[70CB750]

Do you have the crankshaft in the correct position?

[76 Supersport]

Yes, TDC compression stroke. Cylinder 1. As is right now, bike pulls pretty strong. No funny noises. It’s just something in the back of my mind bugging me.

[FourUsTry]

If I understand your question correctly, it is normal for gravity to make the rocker close the gap. You just pick up the rocker with one hand and slide in the feeler gauge with the other.

[76 Supersport]

That’s exactly it! Thank you very much. I’ll just make sure to keep pressure against the cam as I adjust.