26k valve check

[motorcop2396]

Having my 26 k valve check done on the bike this week as well as the ignition recall. The shop I am taking it to seems to be ok but man I sure am worried about the engine being cracked open. Any of you guys ever have problems after a valve check?

And while they are done there anything else I should have them check/replace?

 

[HaulinAshe]

They should do a coolant flush and refill. It has to be dumped anyway.

You should check ALL the fairing fasteners. Make sure they put them all back in the correct places too. Look for the one at the bottom front, at the aft edge of the wheel well. If you find fasteners missing or out of place, then that's a bad sign for them. Mechanics who rush through the tupperware probably also rushed through the things underneath.

If you find anything, don't be shy about demanding they raise the tank and double check things like T-bar bolts and hose connections with you watching.

The valve clearance check is not major surgery, just a lot of work to get at the job. Valve adjustment is way more work.

Make sure they give you a printed report detailing the clearances that were found.

 

[wfooshee]

It's not really the engine being opened, just the valve cover right off the top, but a lot of ancilliary stuff has to be removed to get there, including the air injection system and a coolant pipe (requiring coolant drain). Shouldn't actually be a problem for them, basic stuff, just a lot of it. If valves are in spec that's as far as they have to go.

Now, if they have to change shims then they have to pull the cams out, and reassembly requires careful attention to timing. A mistake there is Very Bad.

Unless they are completely and totally incompetant there will be no trouble, but like Jeff says, misplaced or missing fasteners would be a sign of lacking attention to detail.

(Even though I, myself, had two plastic fasteners left after I installed Patriot's cruise last week. :blushsmiley: )

 

[Jazz/Rock]

Where are you taking it? Cycle Nation, Moto 400, or the one in Athens? Just wondering.

 

[03HiYoSilver]

motor,

To add to the above suggestions, I do the following especially if you don't know your shop:

https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?s...st&p=381276

It has helped me many times when the shop messed something up or left something out.

Good Luck on your adjustment!

 

[n2osx]

Is there a detailed write up around here on how to do this myself? I am at 26000 miles and there are (I think) some possible valve noise and I do not have the money to have a shop do it.

Carl

 

[03HiYoSilver]

n20,

Here is a link to get you started on this job:

https://www.fjr1300.info/howto/valveadj.html

 

[ShinyPartsUp]

I'm at 20K. Wondering if I can go past 26K (for a long ride this summer) and if so how far? Everything is sounding and working great and the 20K check-up was fine. I'd like to hold off till after the summer when money is less tight. TIA.

 

[HaulinAshe]

I'm at 20K. Wondering if I can go past 26K (for a long ride this summer) and if so how far? Everything is sounding and working great and the 20K check-up was fine. I'd like to hold off till after the summer when money is less tight. TIA.

It's a personal choice, but I would get it done sometime in the 26-30k range. You should be fine this summer IMHO.

 

[garauld]

Yup, I am at 26k and will be checking mine soon. I've been thinking that maybe we could pool or trade unused valve shims... Whaddya think?

 

[odot]

I'm at ...um..over thirty and won't worry about it till I crash the thing again. Runs fine, though. No odd smells except for the seat. Must be left over from the first crash.

 

[ShinyPartsUp]

Thanks guys.

 

[BobbyBlue]

Motorcop,

I had mine checked 4K over at 30K and all was perfect and this is the case with almost all who have commented on this procedure. Besides, your a cop....shoot the *******s if they lie to ya...there is board karma supporting this...just kidding....maybe.... :assassin:

We is Blessed,

Bobby

 

[motorcop2396]

Where are you taking it? Cycle Nation, Moto 400, or the one in Athens? Just wondering.

I'm taking it to Cycle World in Athens.

 

[motorcop2396]

Motorcop,I had mine checked 4K over at 30K and all was perfect and this is the case with almost all who have commented on this procedure. Besides, your a cop....shoot the *******s if they lie to ya...there is board karma supporting this...just kidding....maybe.... :assassin:

We is Blessed,

Bobby

Yea in there lies the problem if I shoot em what do I do with all the spare parts from my bike they left off?

 

[motorcop2396]

motor,
To add to the above suggestions, I do the following especially if you don't know your shop:

https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?s...st&p=381276

It has helped me many times when the shop messed something up or left something out.

Good Luck on your adjustment!

Hey thanks for the advice silver I go in next week for the ingnition recall and the valve check. God help em if they f.... it up. Pray they don/t

 

[03HiYoSilver]

Motor,

You're Welcome and Good Luck with your repairs.... and be prepared, just in case!

Let us know shat shop and who you use.

 

[s_boy]

They should do a coolant flush and refill. It has to be dumped anyway.
You should check ALL the fairing fasteners. Make sure they put them all back in the correct places too. Look for the one at the bottom front, at the aft edge of the wheel well. If you find fasteners missing or out of place, then that's a bad sign for them. Mechanics who rush through the tupperware probably also rushed through the things underneath.

If you find anything, don't be shy about demanding they raise the tank and double check things like T-bar bolts and hose connections with you watching.

The valve clearance check is not major surgery, just a lot of work to get at the job. Valve adjustment is way more work.

Make sure they give you a printed report detailing the clearances that were found.

jeff - do you have any local dealer/ indy recommendations for valve adjustment work here in eastern NC? thx/ alex

 

[mtnhigh]

The tech at the dealer I bought mine from told me not to bother with the valve check, if it starts fine in the morning. When it starts taking longer to start in the morning, or after sitting awhile, then it is time to get the valves checked. "Just keep the oil changed and ride the thing", was my service advice(for the most part). Both he and the owner of the dealership both own Fjr's.

So far, any question I have had for him has been pretty straight forward. I had mentioned a few issues to him that I had noticed on the board and he gave me the same answers I saw here, so at the moment I have no reason to think he is not competent about these bikes.

Time will tell I guess.