Catastrophe

[Pterodactyl]

Checked my valves this weekend at 33K miles. Last check was at 21K... it's a winter thing.

At the previous check every valve was at +0.02 mm or more above the minimum spec. This time seven of the intake valves are at 0.15 mm (the minimum spec) and one is at 0.16 mm. Two exhaust valves are at 0.18 (the minimum spec), all the others are at 0.21-0.22 mm. The exhaust valves at the bottom of the range are the two outboard valves. I'm moving all ten into the middle of the spec range. Was a bit surprised to see so many intake valves at the low end of the spec range.

Oh, and the catastrophe.... I was walking downstairs to watch the Packers with a glass of Jameson's in my hand and I spilled most of it.

 

[PhilJet09]

Alcohol abuser!

 

[RaYzerman19]

There's only one cure, get a taller glass!

 

[CAJW]

No need to rush down stairs to see the Raiders win!

 

[rehabgen1]

So, I guess having someone bring it after your seated wasn't an option? You likely would have spilled in a momentary reaction to on screen mayhem anyway!

 

[Bugnatr]

Next time take the whole bottle down to watch the game, nothing to spill.

 

[Pterodactyl]

HA!!!!! Packers 30 - Raiders 20. My kind of mayhem.

 

[art miller]

Was the valve adjustment pre or aft Jameson's?

 

[Redfish Hunter]

I can see how spilling most of a glass of Jameson could be a bad thing but it could have been worse. You could have broken the entire bottle.

I have not tasted Jameson and do not have the palate to appreciate such things anyway. I am splitting my time among 3 decent bottles now, and they have almost nothing in common. Gentleman Jack, Russell's Reserve, and The Balvenie Doublewood. I would probably consider spilling the Russell's or The Balvenie a catastrophe.

I am on the fence about checking the valves myself or letting the dealership do it. I am sure by the time my '15 needs it, Pop's '07 will need it again. I just hate to go through all of that when it is so easy to just throw my Visa at it until it goes away.

 

[Pterodactyl]

Spousal Unit pushed for me to take it to a dealer, but I just wanted to make the adjustments myself. Did some reading and decided no guts no glory. Pulled the cams and measured the shims today and ordered the new shims I need. So far not too difficult, but the proof will be in the reassembly and first start-up. I've been doing all my own maintenance since I retired four years ago and find it very rewarding and satisfying to do all the work on our bikes myself.

 

[Redfish Hunter]

You must not be as lazy as me. Actually, I do not know anyone as lazy as me so that is a moot point.

I have concerns about the CCT on the '07 and I am thinking it should get changed next valve check anyway. I have been doing some heavy reading and studying on this forum so I am certain I could do it if I needed to but I am still intimidated. It is hard for me to start tearing apart the nicest motorcycle I have ever owned.

Oddly, I have no issues dealing with the instrumentation in my plant and there is often millions of dollars worth of equipment and many millions of dollars worth of lost production riding on my skills. Maybe my priorities need adjusting. Or maybe not.

 

[Bugnatr]

You must not be as lazy as me. Actually, I do not know anyone as lazy as me so that is a moot point.
I have concerns about the CCT on the '07 and I am thinking it should get changed next valve check anyway. I have been doing some heavy reading and studying on this forum so I am certain I could do it if I needed to but I am still intimidated. It is hard for me to start tearing apart the nicest motorcycle I have ever owned.

Oddly, I have no issues dealing with the instrumentation in my plant and there is often millions of dollars worth of equipment and many millions of dollars worth of lost production riding on my skills. Maybe my priorities need adjusting. Or maybe not.

Go to work, pay someone else to work on it while you are at work. Then when you are not at work you can ride it instead having to work on it. Or something like that........

 

[CAJW]

HA!!!!! Packers 30 - Raiders 20. My kind of mayhem.

Oh well, at least the Cardinals are doing well. We'll see come next Sunday how the Packs fare.....

 

[PhilJet09]

For me, it isn't a money or time thing. I simply don't trust anyone else enough to work on my bike. That's why I do all my own stunts...err, work.

 

[Pterodactyl]

Every time I've tackled a big project for the first time it has been scary. But every time I've done one I've come to realize it is not was as bad as I thought. The Internet and forums are a fantastic resource.

 

[lnewlf]

Before first startup, with the plugs out, I usually rotate the engine thru several turns using the rear wheel and fifth gear to check for interference in case cam timing is off...

 

[rbentnail]

Before first startup, with the plugs out, I usually rotate the engine thru several turns using the rear wheel and fifth gear to check for interference in case cam timing is off...

Or you could simply check the timing marks

. Contrary to the popular, I believe there is no way to absolutely, positively be sure the timing chain hasn't slipped a tooth no matter how many sockets are installed or tywraps are used, unless you actually check the timing marks before reassembly just like the FSM instructions say to. Since jumping one tooth on the crank is still non-interference, you (the collective you, not you particularly) are simply verifying you didn't thoroughly F it up, you only [possibly] minorly F'd it up.

Do the deed then check the timing marks, it's the only way to be sure. Time and time and time again folks have posted, including me, about being sure the job was done right with wire ties and sockets and it wasn't. It's how we've come to know the symptoms of it.

 

[rbentnail]

For me, it isn't a money or time thing. I simply don't trust anyone else enough to work on my bike. That's why I do all my own stunts...err, work.

Ain't that the truth! One of many threads, my story is post #40 at the end of pg 2. Never again.....

 

[Pterodactyl]

Before first startup, with the plugs out, I usually rotate the engine thru several turns using the rear wheel and fifth gear to check for interference in case cam timing is off...

Or you could simply check the timing marks

. Contrary to the popular, I believe there is no way to absolutely, positively be sure the timing chain hasn't slipped a tooth no matter how many sockets are installed or tywraps are used, unless you actually check the timing marks before reassembly just like the FSM instructions say to. Since jumping one tooth on the crank is still non-interference, you (the collective you, not you particularly) are simply verifying you didn't thoroughly F it up, you only [possibly] minorly F'd it up.

Do the deed then check the timing marks, it's the only way to be sure. Time and time and time again folks have posted, including me, about being sure the job was done right with wire ties and sockets and it wasn't. It's how we've come to know the symptoms of it.

Good advice and I shall abide. I'm using zip ties and they seem to be doing the job, but I intend to check it the way the manual says. I also have a friend who is a retired prof of auto tech. He has not worked on an FJR, but has worked on many overhead cam engines with the same sort of shim and bucket arrangement. I'll ask him to double check my work.