Author Topic: Tappet Adjuster Question  (Read 1575 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline smccloud

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 340
    • Shaun's blog
Tappet Adjuster Question
« on: June 09, 2008, 07:03:57 PM »
Ok,
I went out for a ride yesterday to help my parents with something and I hear a horrible sound.  Come to find out that the #1 cylinder tappet adjuster came loose and the locknut came completely off in almost no time.  My big issue is how do I find the damn locknut?  Instead of completely pulling the engine, can I leave just the rear engine bolt in place and drop the front down to get a little more clearance to lift the valve cover up for more room to look?  And then if I can't see it, pull the engine (and finally put a new head gasket in).

I'm stuck riding a new fangled DOHC 750 Honda for right now, and I miss my baby already.
CB750 K2

Quote from: Hush
Who needs a mobility scooter when you've got a SOHC4?

Gun/Cars/Motorcycles/Computers/Insert Next Expensive Hobby here

Offline bradweingartner

  • 74 CB 550 x2
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 367
Re: Tappet Adjuster Question
« Reply #1 on: June 09, 2008, 07:24:59 PM »
My suggestion would be magnet first if not the Valve Cover. I'm sure it's just sitting down by the valve seal.

Depending on what it is, I thought the 500/550s you could get the valve cover off without pulling anything but the tank. Don't quote me on that one though, been a while since I've even seen my bike...

Offline smccloud

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 340
    • Shaun's blog
Re: Tappet Adjuster Question
« Reply #2 on: June 09, 2008, 07:32:00 PM »
My suggestion would be magnet first if not the Valve Cover. I'm sure it's just sitting down by the valve seal.

Depending on what it is, I thought the 500/550s you could get the valve cover off without pulling anything but the tank. Don't quote me on that one though, been a while since I've even seen my bike...

couldn't see it down there, but then again i am going on two hours of sleep right now since i had to move out of my apartment in a hurry due to my crazy now ex-fiance.  that why i need to get the bike running, it whill help me keep my mind off what happened.

and sorry, its a 750.
« Last Edit: June 09, 2008, 07:35:10 PM by smccloud »
CB750 K2

Quote from: Hush
Who needs a mobility scooter when you've got a SOHC4?

Gun/Cars/Motorcycles/Computers/Insert Next Expensive Hobby here

Offline scondon

  • No way my run was THAT slow, must be an
  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 3,137
  • Mmmm......tasty bugs
Re: Tappet Adjuster Question
« Reply #3 on: June 09, 2008, 08:26:22 PM »
 With the SOHC 750's the engine must be taken out of the frame to remove the valve cover. Not sure how far it can be lifted for a peek underneath with the motor still in the frame.

   Those adjuster nuts don't typically go shooting off when they back out with engine running. They kinda just stick around right in the are of the rocker they fell off. The location of the valve adjuster port can make it difficult to see around inside but my guess would be that nut is resting against the valve cover just to the left or right of the rocker arm it came off. A thin, curved tool might be able to dig it out without much fuss.
Give me..a frame to build a bike on, and my imagination will build upon that frame

Offline smccloud

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 340
    • Shaun's blog
Re: Tappet Adjuster Question
« Reply #4 on: June 09, 2008, 08:31:25 PM »
With the SOHC 750's the engine must be taken out of the frame to remove the valve cover. Not sure how far it can be lifted for a peek underneath with the motor still in the frame.

   Those adjuster nuts don't typically go shooting off when they back out with engine running. They kinda just stick around right in the are of the rocker they fell off. The location of the valve adjuster port can make it difficult to see around inside but my guess would be that nut is resting against the valve cover just to the left or right of the rocker arm it came off. A thin, curved tool might be able to dig it out without much fuss.

yeah, i just want to know if i can pivot the engine forward some to get a little more clearance to lift it up.  my dad and i both looked, but as we have 4 hours of sleep since sunday morning total we might have missed it.
CB750 K2

Quote from: Hush
Who needs a mobility scooter when you've got a SOHC4?

Gun/Cars/Motorcycles/Computers/Insert Next Expensive Hobby here

Offline 754

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 29,058
Re: Tappet Adjuster Question
« Reply #5 on: June 09, 2008, 09:13:47 PM »
I have not tried, but have seen it posted on here that some have changed their valve cover gasket in the frame..


I dont hink lifting the valvecover is a problem... removing it or the head is the problem.. so you will be able to get it out, try a wire.

 The lady.... red hair by any chance..?
Maker of the WELDLESS 750 Frame Kit
dodogas99@gmail.com
Kelowna B.C.       Canada

My next bike will be a ..ANFOB.....

It's All part of the ADVENTURE...

73 836cc.. Green, had it for 3 decades!!
Lost quite a few CB 750's along the way

Offline scondon

  • No way my run was THAT slow, must be an
  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 3,137
  • Mmmm......tasty bugs
Re: Tappet Adjuster Question
« Reply #6 on: June 09, 2008, 10:33:38 PM »
With the SOHC 750's the engine must be taken out of the frame to remove the valve cover. Not sure how far it can be lifted for a peek underneath with the motor still in the frame.

   Those adjuster nuts don't typically go shooting off when they back out with engine running. They kinda just stick around right in the are of the rocker they fell off. The location of the valve adjuster port can make it difficult to see around inside but my guess would be that nut is resting against the valve cover just to the left or right of the rocker arm it came off. A thin, curved tool might be able to dig it out without much fuss.

yeah, i just want to know if i can pivot the engine forward some to get a little more clearance to lift it up.  my dad and i both looked, but as we have 4 hours of sleep since sunday morning total we might have missed it.

   I've never tried just pivoting the engine on the rear hanger but would guess that you could only get 1/4-1/2" drop in the front which would translate to less up at the rear of the valve cover. Then you're left with cleaning the gasket surfaces and reinstalling a new gasket in a tight working space.

  There is a bowl shaped recess in the head surrounding the valve/spring and the deepest points of the bowl are to the side and rear(against the valve cover) of the valve spring. The bowl size is not much larger than a silver dollar and each bowl ( 8 total ) is kept separate from the adjoining one by a high ridge( except the 77-78 750F model ). In front of each bowl (towards the middle of the head) is the high, insurmountable wall of the cam towers. There's just not a lot of places for that nut to go except right around the base of the spring, either to the side or against the valve cover.

    I doubt you will ever see the locknut but you should be able to fish for it with the right tool and save yourself a bunch of work. Sleep on it ;) :)
Give me..a frame to build a bike on, and my imagination will build upon that frame

Offline Gordon

  • Global Moderator
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *****
  • Posts: 12,114
  • 750K1, 550K2
Re: Tappet Adjuster Question
« Reply #7 on: June 09, 2008, 10:49:39 PM »
A magnet on the end of a flexible wand is what you need. 

Offline NickC

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 703
Re: Tappet Adjuster Question
« Reply #8 on: June 10, 2008, 03:46:50 AM »
Same thing happened on my 550.  I was lucky enough to see it resting on the top of the valve, and fished it out with a pick.

Offline nteek754

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 364
  • 1973 K3/750/836/70 1970 750 chopper 1973 cafe
Re: Tappet Adjuster Question
« Reply #9 on: June 10, 2008, 04:21:49 AM »
smccloud you wont get much movment of the engine  Like Ive always said they fit like a glove. I would do the magnet thing with maybe some air, keeping the magnet in there to hopfully catch it. we did this some 20 years ago on a 73 750 got lucky. Now you could rig up a shop vac with a Magivorized skinny end and go suck the little bastard outta there be persistant and I feel you wil retrive it  good luck keep us posted  Craig in Maine
seven fifty four ever its not the destination its the journey Ive been collecting these old dinasours for 33 years . they are quite an ICON

Offline Bob Wessner

  • "Carbs Suck!"
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 10,079
Re: Tappet Adjuster Question
« Reply #10 on: June 10, 2008, 06:01:15 AM »
Quote
Magivorized..

A new technical term? :)
We'll all be someone else's PO some day.

Offline smccloud

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 340
    • Shaun's blog
Re: Tappet Adjuster Question
« Reply #11 on: June 10, 2008, 06:48:22 AM »
thanks for the replies guys.  guess i may be pushing the thing back up to the front today to look again.  and no, my ex is not a red head, just crazy ;)

she called me last night to tell me she is now moving out of the apartment and i can move back in.........argh
CB750 K2

Quote from: Hush
Who needs a mobility scooter when you've got a SOHC4?

Gun/Cars/Motorcycles/Computers/Insert Next Expensive Hobby here

Offline smccloud

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 340
    • Shaun's blog
Re: Tappet Adjuster Question
« Reply #12 on: June 10, 2008, 02:19:51 PM »
it looks like it will be time to pull the engine.  i cannot find the lock nut around the valve spring at all :(
CB750 K2

Quote from: Hush
Who needs a mobility scooter when you've got a SOHC4?

Gun/Cars/Motorcycles/Computers/Insert Next Expensive Hobby here

Offline lordmoonpie

  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 2,053
  • Feal the Fear and do it anyway...
    • Moonpie
Re: Tappet Adjuster Question
« Reply #13 on: June 10, 2008, 03:19:58 PM »
it looks like it will be time to pull the engine.  i cannot find the lock nut around the valve spring at all :(

Hey look on the bright side - at least now she's gone you can strip the engine IN the apartment - woohoo!  ;D
1994 Ducati 888 SP5
1951 Ducati 50cc Cucciolo
1981 Yamaha XV750 SE

Offline smccloud

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 340
    • Shaun's blog
Re: Tappet Adjuster Question
« Reply #14 on: June 10, 2008, 04:39:25 PM »
it looks like it will be time to pull the engine.  i cannot find the lock nut around the valve spring at all :(

Hey look on the bright side - at least now she's gone you can strip the engine IN the apartment - woohoo!  ;D

i don't have a key right now, and am currently living 75 or so miles from the apartment
my dad and i will do it in his driveway since the garage is full of my stuff................
at least i will finally get the head gasket replaced ;)
CB750 K2

Quote from: Hush
Who needs a mobility scooter when you've got a SOHC4?

Gun/Cars/Motorcycles/Computers/Insert Next Expensive Hobby here

Offline NickC

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 703
Re: Tappet Adjuster Question
« Reply #15 on: June 10, 2008, 04:54:03 PM »
Did you try and vacuum, or compressed air to see if its in there?

Offline smccloud

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 340
    • Shaun's blog
Re: Tappet Adjuster Question
« Reply #16 on: June 10, 2008, 04:58:33 PM »
Did you try and vacuum, or compressed air to see if its in there?

not gonna try the compressed air, and i can't get to my dad's shop vac.  plus i have been putting off the head gasket since i got the bike around 3 years ago  :o
CB750 K2

Quote from: Hush
Who needs a mobility scooter when you've got a SOHC4?

Gun/Cars/Motorcycles/Computers/Insert Next Expensive Hobby here

Offline 754

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 29,058
Re: Tappet Adjuster Question
« Reply #17 on: June 10, 2008, 08:38:26 PM »
Dont use compressed air, it wont bring it to the front & worse may go down cam chain cavity.. >:(

I have heard the camchains Honda uses have nut allergies.. :o




Give it a few hours of trying, feel around with a bent wire..

It may be over at the next valve..
Maker of the WELDLESS 750 Frame Kit
dodogas99@gmail.com
Kelowna B.C.       Canada

My next bike will be a ..ANFOB.....

It's All part of the ADVENTURE...

73 836cc.. Green, had it for 3 decades!!
Lost quite a few CB 750's along the way

Offline UnCrash

  • Pass
  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,705
    • My Blog
Re: Tappet Adjuster Question
« Reply #18 on: June 10, 2008, 08:59:49 PM »
Hey Mate,

I had the same thing happen to me on my 750F.  Turns out that the #2 tappet nut was nestled down in a nook by the spring. 

I was able to remove the cam tower cover, unscrew and gently pry up the valve cover and there it was.  I pulled it with a magnetic wand, and re-fastned the covers.

Miraculously there was no oil leaking so I haven't replaced the valve cover gasket.
You can't make too much popcorn, but you can definately eat too much popcorn.

Offline smccloud

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 340
    • Shaun's blog
Re: Tappet Adjuster Question
« Reply #19 on: June 11, 2008, 05:56:51 AM »
meh,

i'll just pull the engine since i have wanted to replace the head gasket since i bought the bike ;)
CB750 K2

Quote from: Hush
Who needs a mobility scooter when you've got a SOHC4?

Gun/Cars/Motorcycles/Computers/Insert Next Expensive Hobby here