Topic: Valve adjustment

[mrblasty]

Quick question about the procedure, when tightening the adjusters against the feeler gauge how much drag should I be feeling on the feeler gauge. 
I think I may be setting them on the loose side and need a little input on the matter.
Thanks in advance.

[cbcoker]

its hard to explain, like how much drag should be felt when gapping spark plugs. you just know it. it you don't then pick a number in between the min/max and set it to that. that way if your a little loose or tight you'll still be within tolerence. you want enough drag to know your there , if you don't feel any drag tighten some more and if you have to forcibly insert and remove the feeler gauges back off a bit. you'll know when its right. good luck...s

[TwoTired]

If the feeler will slide with no resistance it is too loose.
If you can't get it to slide at all it is too tight.
Anything in between and you should be within .0005 inch, which is close enough.

Cheers,

[jdpas29]

if yours is like mine, the angle that the feeler gauge is at makes the measurement a little tougher than it should be.  i will say this...  one size bigger on the gauges should not be able to be pushed through the entire gap, but will kinda stick in there a little.  i know it sounds like a lot of crap to do all that gauge switching, but how often do you plan on doing this crap?     so when you think you've got it, whip out the next gauge size up and try to get it through.  you should be able to get it started, but NOT able to get it all the way through.  hope this helps.  worked for me.

[mrblasty]

Thanks all, I'll get on it again in the next few nights.

[Dave Wyatt]

If you have a straight feeler gauge, you can bend then near the end to better feel the adjustment.  I did that to a spare set and it really helped.

[nomadwarmachine]

Stick the feeler guage between the pages of a phone book -- that is the resistance you are looking for.

[JonnyHonda]

Stick the feeler guage between the pages of a phone book -- that is the resistance you are looking for.

Are we talking "war and peace" or "Janet and John".

Seriously, that's a good analogy.

[SuperVel]

Has anybody found the "perfect" feeler gauge?   I use steel feeler bent at an angle but it is so tricky.  I also worry that it is going to break and disappear in the engine.

Take Care.

Marty

[scondon]

Motion Pro makes a decent gauge for under $5.

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

[SuperVel]

Thanks for the info scondon.  Those look like something I have been trying to find for almost 30 years.  I think I'll pick up a set for the bike.  I have always dreaded trying to get the right angle with a piece of bent metal to get the proper clearance set for those valves.

Take Care

Marty