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Message started by zipidachimp on 03/31/17 at 23:09:52

Title: tappet clearance check
Post by zipidachimp on 03/31/17 at 23:09:52

has anyone done this without taking the engine out of the frame? with the covers off, not enough room for a wrench/screwdriver let alone a feeler gauge. >:(

Title: Re: tappet clearance check
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/31/17 at 23:23:49

Pull the tank, head trim, valve inspection plates, timing cover left side,TDC compression, pull the blade outta the feeler gauge, end wrench and offset screwdriver.
Nobody pulls the engine.

Title: Re: tappet clearance check
Post by zipidachimp on 04/01/17 at 00:28:15

thanks! gotta admit it's awkward. 8-)

Title: Re: tappet clearance check
Post by Dave on 04/01/17 at 03:06:43

Start with the exhaust valves up front.......they are a bit easier to get to. Then when you do the intake valves in back - you will have a a little experience! (The back ones are harder to access).

Title: Re: tappet clearance check
Post by Ruttly on 04/01/17 at 10:00:40

It helps if you have tiny Japanese hands

Title: Re: tappet clearance check
Post by norm92de on 04/01/17 at 10:25:38

It certainly is one of the most tricky engines to adjust the valves. Still a lot better than shims under the bucket types.

I always remove the .004" feeler from the stack and then bend the tip to make it a little easier to insert. Sometimes I do the same with the .005" feeler as a no go measurement but it is not really necessary. I get really comfortable on a stool and take my time since I am not being paid by the hour. :)

Title: Re: tappet clearance check
Post by Dave on 04/01/17 at 14:35:53

Yep...me too.

My feeler gauges for the Savage are bent in a Z shape.

Title: Re: tappet clearance check
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 04/01/17 at 15:11:31

4E75786F7E72696F747C716E1D0 wrote:

Yep...me too.

My feeler gauges for the Savage are bent in a Z shape.

Mine too, with a ski tip bent into the end.

Title: Re: tappet clearance check
Post by eau de sauvage on 04/01/17 at 15:21:50

It never gets easier! Ironically my old LS650 (bmw) had the easiest tappets possible to adjust!

Motion pro make a feeler gauge that is a flat but thick chunk of metal with a tiny feeler tip on each end bent at an angle. Keeping the main body of the feeler gauge unbendable did make it easier. But it's still a pain in derriere.

I disagree about the buckets, because when they're set you know they're right but with the awkward angle you are never quite sure if you've done it right. In the end I found it easier to loosen them up then put the gauge in and then lightly tighten the tappets down on the gauge and slide it out.

Title: Re: tappet clearance check
Post by eau de sauvage on 04/01/17 at 15:23:46

517677776F7A030 wrote:

It helps if you have tiny Japanese hands

Or if you're Donald Trump!

Title: Re: tappet clearance check
Post by verslagen1 on 04/01/17 at 16:53:49

http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1477114768

Title: Re: tappet clearance check
Post by norm92de on 04/01/17 at 17:30:05

Removing the cams and replacing them just to adjust the clearance is in my opinion just dumb. My triumph is like that, I hate it.
On old Suzuki's you could replace the shims on top of the buckets at least.

With a SOC you can do the job quickly. By comparison. Tricky maybe, but so much less hassle. in the long run. Maybe a two beer job. :)