Valve adjustment on an '85

[balky1]

Hi all!

Couple of questions for valve adjustment procedure.
1. Any ideas where the special tool for pressing the valves could be bought in EU and is it really crucial?
2. What to buy before starting the job? (gaskets etc.)?
3. Any idea also where to buy feeler gauges in EU?
4. Do I need to reset the cam chain tensioner if I remove valve cover? (I had a Kawi where this was necessary)
5. And last, since I don't have any experience with valve adjustment (but plenty of expirience in fixing all other parts of bike, only a good will and a Clymer manual, I ask you for recommendation should I do it myself or look for an expert?

Enjoy your rides! 

[MOTOMYSZOR]

It is ,,easy" job if You have patience

You need:
1. valve shim tool - best source is eBay. It is expensive (less then 60 Euro from USA) but less then pay for mechanic to do the job. You can buy in EU but for crazy prices.
2. Feeler gauge - You can buy in any local shop with car parts. Or of course from eBay.
3. Shims- but which ones - You will know after You check clearances. I bought from Ford dealer. Ford ZETEC engines uses this same 25mm shims and they costs much less. If You need ,,half" sizes (258,262,268..) -again eBay.
4. Cover gasket - in my FJ survived already 4 disassembly procedures. So You decide....

If You want buy all together and be sure that all will fit perfect- visit RPM website: http://www.rpmracingca.com/products.asp?cat=39


You don't have to touch cam tensioner. And be aware: The Clymer illustrations are often generic....

For step by step instruction search on forum. You can start here: http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=1784.0

[FJ1100mjk]

4. No need to fool around with the cam chain tensioner. Not necessary.

Depending on the mileage of your bike and the care it received before you owned it, you may not need a new cam cover gasket. You may need new cam cover screw grommets though. When you take it apart, see how pliable they still are.

Remove the spark plugs, and cover their holes up. It makes it easier to turn the engine over.

While your in tbe area, clean the ignition coils's connections. Remove the spark plug caps, and trim the ignition wires back about 10-12mm and reinstall the caps.

Any manual for the FJ is good to have around. Factory Service Manual is best tbough.

Good luck!

[balky1]

Thx guys!

So the valve cover on FJ is not used for cam chain tensioning? That's the reason why the tensioner on my Kawasaki GPz 550 need to be removed if the valve cover was removed, so that was the reason for the question first place.
You see, mine bike has only 24000 km and according to many user experinces, I shouldn't even think on valves. But some ticking sounds somehow remind me on that every time. Although, they are not getting worse and bike runs like hell. Also, according to the manual, valve clearances should be checked on 20 k kilometers.
Does any of you has experience with leaded fuel or lead additives? I heard that lead was very beneficial for old motors like FJs, especially valve seats.

Tell me, please, what does TBE stand for? I'm not a native english speaker, sorry. And screw grommets? Does Randy have them or can I find them somewhere else?

[balky1]

Ah yes, found them at Randy's.

The problem is, I allready wanted to order something from Randy, but he doesn't have Croatia listed as a possible shipping country.

[FJmonkey]

Tell me, please, what does TBE stand for? I'm not a native english speaker, sorry. And screw grommets? Does Randy have them or can I find them somewhere else?

Where do you see "TBE"? Out of context it could mean a lot of different things.

http://acronyms.thefreedictionary.com/TBE

[Country Joe]

Ah yes, found them at Randy's.

The problem is, I allready wanted to order something from Randy, but he doesn't have Croatia listed as a possible shipping country.

Balky,
Give Randy a call before you give up on ordering from him. He may have an optional route for shipping that his website does not show. Otherwise the UK FJ group may be your next best source for parts.

Joe

[FJ1100mjk]

Ebay (at least the USA one does) has the screw grommet/seals also, if RPM doesn't support Croatia shipping.

[racerrad8]

Croatia has been enabled.

Robert -RPM

[copper]

Tell me, please, what does TBE stand for?

TBE is a fuel additive http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0009.html

The fj was designed and only recommended to use unleaded fuel. My owners manual and fuel tank sticker is my reference.

[balky1]

Croatia has been enabled.

Robert -RPM

Fantastic! Thanks!

[balky1]

Tell me, please, what does TBE stand for? I'm not a native english speaker, sorry. And screw grommets? Does Randy have them or can I find them somewhere else?

Where do you see "TBE"? Out of context it could mean a lot of different things.

http://acronyms.thefreedictionary.com/TBE

Look at FJ1100mjk post from 7:31 AM, 5th line. He mentions TBE area.

[balky1]

Tell me, please, what does TBE stand for?

TBE is a fuel additive http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0009.html

The fj was designed and only recommended to use unleaded fuel. My owners manual and fuel tank sticker is my reference.

Yep, I saw it also in the Manual. But my godfather drove the FJs back in time when there was still leaded fuel on stations in Europe and ridden them only on leaded. It is a question was there even unleaded fuel back then in Croatia (former Yugoslavia). Without any problems. In theory if the bike has no exhaust catalyst, leaded fuel should make no difference. Also, European FJs don't have that thing for fuel vapour, so I don't know. That's why I asked for fuel.

[FJmonkey]

Look at FJ1100mjk post from 7:31 AM, 5th line. He mentions TBE area.

So "TBE" was a fat fingered "THE"....

[snip] While your in tbe (the) area, clean the ignition coils's connections.

Never mind.... As you were lads...

[balky1]

Look at FJ1100mjk post from 7:31 AM, 5th line. He mentions TBE area.

So "TBE" was a fat fingered "THE"....

[snip] While your in tbe (the) area, clean the ignition coils's connections.

Never mind.... As you were lads...

OMG, like when I type on a smartphone.