Valve clearance inspection- how to turn motor over

[sliick2]

Its getting close to that time to check the engine valve clearance's. I'm considering doing this myself & am pretty sure I understand the

process -going through the intakes & exhausts.The adjustment part may be above my ability. I haven't heard of anybody going through the steps.

Is there a spanner of some kind to turn the motor over to get to the next cylinder for inspection ? I would

clean/blow out the spark plug cavities & either loosen or remove the plugs ( good time to check them as well ) so there is no compression to work against. Also, is the only part I would need , a valve cover gasket ? Any tips would be great. Thanks in advance. Sliick

 

[Auburn]

When you pull the timing cover on the bottom right, you put a wrench on the nut at the end of the crank and turn it clockwise

 

[Fred W]

No need to pull the timing cover just for a check (you would for an adjust). Put the bike in 5th gear and use the rear wheel to bump the engine around to the appropriate crank position for each cylinder's check.

You will probably not need a valve cover gasket. It is pretty heavy piece of rubber and can be resealed easily. What you will need is the two o-rings for the coolant riser pipe that must be removed from the head to get the valve cover off.

O-RING 93210-18417-00

Don't think there are any other parts that you need to do a check on a 2nd gen. Probably be wise to have replacement coolant on hand since you'll have to drain it anyway. That and I always replace the plugs with new since they are already out.

More Tips here: clicky

 

[RaYzerman19]

Very most likely you will re-use the valve cover gasket. Timing cover gasket is re-usable if you're careful removing the timing cover without damaging it. Coolant change time, must be drained down..... need O-rings for the coolant tube as it must be removed. Remove the spark plugs, time for an inspection. If they haven't been changed before, put new ones in. 14mm six point socket on the crankshaft to turn it over, and only in the clockwise direction as Auburn says.

 

[sliick2]

Thank you Gentlemen- Very helpful ! Love the Forum's brain trust ! !

 

[Fred W]

Thank you Gentlemen- Very helpful ! Love the Forum's brain trust ! !

That's OK... Just don't trust the Forum's love.

 

[lnewlf]

correct size O-rings are on the shelf at Lowe's

Danco #14...pack of 10...couple bucks

turn the engine as Fredd sedd

 

[Queensland Ken]

I have the plugs out and turn it over using the crank nut turning it only in a Clockwise direction.

 

[garyahouse]

Hey Slick

You musta earned some points around here. Nobody blasted ya fer asking about a procedure that's been covered before on these pages. Course I don't mind readin' this stuff again, I gotta get off my duff and check my valves one day soon anyway. Ehhh- mebbee I'll give HotRodZilla a call and have him swing by the house to help me.

Anyway, when ya plannin' to start on the valve check?

Fred... thanks for postin' up all the info. Ya still riding, or is the weather gettin' too cold up there?

Gary

 

[TomInPA]

I disagree with Fred with regard to removing the timing cover. I found the added visibility and ability to secure the timing chain invaluable. Then again, I also replaced the CCT when I did the inspection so securing the chain was necessary.

To the OP, if you have heard rattling noises during cold deceleration on the right side, that is timing chain slap. If you hear it, change the cam chain tensioner, otherwise you might be able to put this off to the next check. My service manual actually called for counterclockwise engine rotation...this was an error. Clockwise is the only direction to go. Note it may take more than one rotation to reach the top dead center position for checking the valve clearance.

 

[Fred W]

@Gary - I ride year round. Cold doesn't get me off of the bike, only snow or ice on the road do.

@Tom - We do not disagree. If I am slackening the timing chain for any reason (CCT removal/replacement, valve adjustment, etc.), then I definitely would pull the timing cover off and secure the chain. That is the only way to ensure you do not skip a tooth on the crankshaft sprocket!

But, if I am just doing a valve clearance check, and I have no intention to slacken the chain (because I'm committed to taking the bike to a dealership if it needs adjustment, as the OP said), then there is no need to remove the cover just to turn the engine.

 

[Constant Mesh]

Which cover? I remove the round plastic o-ringed cover to access the end of the crankshaft when checking clearances. I change the coolant when I check clearances so I have to remove the right side fairing anyway to remove and empty the coolant expansion tank. I guess you could use a MityVac and empty the tank in situ via the hose near the radiator cap but I haven't done that yet.

If I wasn't changing the coolant I'd probably just turn the engine via the rear wheel.

 

[RaYzerman19]

Curious, Fred, at which cam lobe position do you check the clearance? Like shown in the FSM where you check both intake and exhaust at once while pointing away from each other, or ??

 

[Fred W]

Curious, Fred, at which cam lobe position do you check the clearance? Like shown in the FSM where you check both intake and exhaust at once while pointing away from each other, or ??

Yep. Like this:

 

[Harald]

And make sure you lube the O-rings before reinstalling the coolant pipe. If you don't, they could easily distort and leak.