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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> setting valve clearance
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Message started by Phelonius on 06/04/09 at 13:07:17

Title: setting valve clearance
Post by Phelonius on 06/04/09 at 13:07:17

As you all know, suzuki in their wisdom made valve adjustment easier for people with tiny hands and eyes on movable stalks.
In my case it seems I can either see the top of the valve or manipulate the feeler gauge but not both at the same time.
I obtained some of the gauges with a feeler at each end fastened at a dogleg angle. They are better but still so short it is difficult. I cut each one in half and brazed a longer handle to it so that it is easier to reach into the pocket and still see what I am doing.
http://p1.bikepics.com/pics/2009/06/05/bikepics-1688454-800.jpg

Phelonius

Title: Re: setting valve clearance
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 06/05/09 at 04:26:24

I might have done that if my grippers were any bigger. As is, I can ( barely) get in & out up there. By removing the feeler gauges from the assembly & bending a Z into them & curving the ends like a ski tip so they will slip between rocker & valve better, Its less difficult.
Ive found that since I went with the closest tolerance allowed, it is quieter, & I havent had to adjust them in a long time. When it was new, the adjusters hadnt had a chance to drive a dent into the rocker. Those pointy little things have to take a beating & deliver one, too. Once enough miles are on it( I guess) the mating areas stop deforming so much & with closer tolerance settings, the cam doesnt get a chance to slam the adjusters into the rockers. Is that reasonable?

Title: Re: setting valve clearance
Post by Jay on 06/05/09 at 06:55:39

The "Z" shaped feelers sound like a great idea. I may have to try that, as valve checks are such a PITA. As I read "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenence", I was amazed at entries by Robert Pirsig saying he went out in the morning before taking off to check oil, tire pressure, valve adjustment. Valve adjustment! Just a quick nonchalant check of the valves, like it wasn't a big deal. Of course he was riding (I think) a 1964 Honda SuperHawk, a much easier to access proposition.

Title: Re: setting valve clearance
Post by Duane on 06/05/09 at 08:17:30

How often (in miles) should you check and adjust if necessary the valves?

Title: Re: setting valve clearance
Post by Phelonius on 06/05/09 at 09:03:43

19283C33385D0 wrote:

How often (in miles) should you check and adjust if necessary the valves?

When ever you hear them asking for you to do it. {Too loose}
Or when ever you experience a small unexplained power loss.{Too tight}

Phelonius
Oh, and when ever you are bored.

Title: Re: setting valve clearance
Post by PTRider on 06/05/09 at 09:07:31

600 miles, then every 3500 or 4000 miles.

3 to 5 thousandths

Cold engine.

Title: Re: setting valve clearance
Post by Jay on 06/05/09 at 11:11:18

I check every 4,000 miles. In 11,000 miles, I've had to adjust only one time; after I tightened the head bolts. Always in spec otherwise.