Topic: cb550 valve adjustment advise

[mikecb550]

Hi.I am checking/adjusting the valve clearances on my 1978 cb550. When measuring the gap between the valve stem and and adjustment screw, the feeler gauge, coming in at an angle , forms an arc creating a bit of drag. I am finding this confusing when trying to assess the measurement. For example, it doesn't feel very different on #4 cylinder intake using a 0.05mm or 0.10mm feeler blade.I know it's meant to be .05mm.Is there a knack or trick to it ? maybe bending the blade to an angle? Any advise appreciated.Mike.

[Bankerdanny]

You have a couple of options.

You can spend $8 on the tool specifically for checking valve clearance on older Hondas. They are readily available on eBay. I actually have 2 of them.

The other option is to put a permanent bend in the appropriate sized feelers from an inexpensive set of feelers. Regular feelers are a bit wide. The tool I mention above has a much smaller gauge to more easily fit, but you can make a standard feeler gauge work.

[mikecb550]

 I'll bend my feeler gauges for now and buy specific tool for next time. Thanks.

[Deltarider]

I know what you mean that it is a bit confusing in the beginning. However when you exercise enough, you'll be able to feel that destinct drag that will tell you you're right on. It's not that difficult. I myself was never tempted to bend the gauges or buy special ones.

[BomberMann650]

You can also doublecheck with a "no go" feeler.  One size up.