Topic: Valve clearance check and adjustment... With or without cam cover?

[Colonel]

All,

I have performed valve clearance and cam chain tension adjustment. However, I have a question for you all...
I have performed the adjustment through the valve caps; did nit remove the head cover...
DO or DON'T?

 

[Bob Wessner]

That's how it's done on a running bike.

[OldSchool_IsCool]

The rockers are attached to the bottom of the cover, so the cover has to be in place and torqued to spec.  These little babies make the job easier...

http://www.motionpro.com/motorcycle/tools/category/tappet_feeler_gauges/

[Colonel]

I am asking the question because I saw an illustration without the cover in one of my tech books... And it got me thinking...

Thanks for the input... I guess I did it right then... 

[MrHellpop]

I am asking the question because I saw an illustration without the cover in one of my tech books... And it got me thinking...

Thanks for the input... I guess I did it right then... 

Hey, I've got a question for ya... I tried to do this today but was having problems... Did you use the kick start lever to get the T mark into position? I did (as per the clymer instructions) but it seemed like the valve arms were never loose (indicating tdc position). Are the supposed to be VERY loose, or more like just barely loose? Ha ha
Also, I have the carbs and airbox off the bike, is there any way that could be affecting things? I gave up after I couldn't get the locknut loose on the exhaust side of #1... it was way too hot in Texas today ha ha ha

[Colonel]

MrHellpop, this is what I did and remember that this was my first time...

I did use the kick start lever to crank and get the valves in position; 1-4 then 2-3 sequentially...
I used my hands as hammer and slowly aligned cylinder mark with T mark, then checked the valves clearance.
What I found out is that for the cylinder at TDC, the valves arms are slightly/barely loose but loose compared to the other three. (not sure I am helping here)

One more thing, this is really precision adjustment... After your done on the TDC cylinder, verify that the next gauge (thicker blade) for both intake and exhaust are not sliding in.
May be I am a little paranoid but I wanted to ensure I was as close as possible to the recommended adjustment.

I did this with no carb and no airbox mounted... I hope this is not affecting things... I would be surprised it does but if an expert pitch in and say it does, I will do it again "the right way".
BTW, after I was done with this I adjusted the cam chain tension as well...

And yes it was hot in Texas today...

Good luck...

[fire_strom]

I did this today too. the big automotive feeler gauges sucked to try an squeeze in so I ended up cutting tapers into them. Think I erred on the loose side cause usually the next .00x size gauge would fit in but with tons of resistance. Seems to run smoother (as far as I can tell not having an exhaust currently installed).
Scott

[OldSchool_IsCool]

Another trick to find TDC 1.4 power stroke is to use a large wrench (22mm I think) on the crankshaft nut under the points cover.  Rest your finger on the #1 inlet tappet.  As the crank rotates, you'll feel the tappet fall and rise.  The next time T1.4 comes around (should be a quarter turn away) you will be at TDC1.4 Power. 

Take care to not pinch you finger under the rising tappet!