Need to check my valves

[Striker]

Well as the title of this post states, I am in desperately needing to check the valve clearances on my 85 FJ. My question is how much time should I plan on to be able to do this? And also what are all the tools I will need to make any adjustments? (I am going to get the adjustment tool from Randy's site. Just not sure of everything else.) I am fairly mechanically inclined so do have an idea of what I'm doing. (I hope ) It is my only mode of transportation at the moment so can't have her out of commission for more than a day. Just want to say thank you in advance for any help on this!! 

[Mark Olson]

this is kinda a 2 stage process , 1st part is remove valve cover and check clearances of valves .  then you will need to measure what size shims you will need by removing the shim and using a caliper or mic. then put your shims back in and put the valve cover back on and ride your fj until the shims you order arrive in the mail.
2nd part , remove valve cover and install new shims.

sometimes you can swap them around between valves and not need any new ones. this is rare .

the fj valve clearances get tighter with wear which will cause burnt valves.

so if your engine is quiet then your valves are tight, if noisy then it's usually ok.

[Striker]

Thanks for the info! I will be doing just that in the next week or so when I have a day off. I'm hoping they are not tight and I have a burnt valve!! FJ has treated me so well I am trying to keep her healthy! The engine does make some noise. But as this is my first personal street bike, I don't have much knowledge for comparison in valve noise.

[movenon]

Check with your Yamaha dealers service dept. Here at my location the service dept will just trade with you if they have the right size and they had everyone that I needed. Or sell you one at a discount exchange. The 25mm shims are also used by other bikes.
Sounds like you are on the right track. I also replaced the valve cover gasket and seals for the retaining nuts. There is a very useful chart in the service manual that helps you quickly select the right size of shim. I took 2 days, did the intakes first and then the exhausts. 2 trips to the dealer. As a note if the valve adjusting tools slips off the bucket, try to throw a Quarter or penny in place of the shim and reset the tool. It will probably happen.  It will bend the heck out of the quarter but works. Also the tool ONLY WORKS WITH VALVE FULLY DEPRESSED before you attach it. Attach it snug, there is not much of a lip for it to hang on to. There is a online copy of the service manual on the internet. Not the best quality but all you need. Yea I know about the copy write laws etc.. I also know about speeding, double yellow lines, helmets, reflective vests etc.. The bike is 20 plus years old and not exactly into the current pipe line of revenue. And no its not my site that publishes it. You will have to dig a bit but it is there.