Valve Adjustment

[Scooterbob]

Any pointers or tips for a first timer on the valve adjustment/check?  Done on cars before, but never on a bike. 

Searching didn't help.  Maybe someone can point me to an old post at least?  Thx

Bob G.

[simi_ed]

I found a pretty good post of how-to, on the UK XJR site.  It's post #18 in the thread <http://www.xjrog.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=666.15>.  Once you get past the British, it's a pretty good description of the job.  Some of the differences of the XJR vs. FJ become apparent, but they have the same motor, so how much diff can they be ...?

[Scooterbob]

Agreed.  That's a pretty decent write up with good photos.  Thanks for the link.

[junkyardroad]

I drew a map of the top of the motor, basically a row of circles drawn around a 1' socket or something. Then for each valve I wrote down clearance, the shim thickness that came out (if required), the shim that went in, and the clearance after.  Handy to have a record to refer to.

[Scooterbob]

I'm guessing I will need the valve shim tool?  Anywhere recommended for purchase? Any other method or homemade device that can be fabricated?  Or is it possible to find a used tool somewhere?

[simi_ed]

Yup, you'll need the valve tool.  I don't think I'd try w/o it.  Perhaps Randy has the tool available.  I've seen a few on Fleabay, lately for ~$65US (OUCH!).  Don't know where else to find one.  Sorry.

[Scooterbob]

That's what I figured.  Bummer.  I seen the Ebay one this morning too, for about $70.  Ouch indeed.

[mz_rider]

I'm guessing I will need the valve shim tool?  Anywhere recommended for purchase? Any other method or homemade device that can be fabricated?  Or is it possible to find a used tool somewhere?

Bob,

I made my own adjusting tool about 15 years ago and have been using it since. Just bent from sheet steel with a bit of trial & error on the shape.

Stuart (Glasgow, Scotland)

[Scooterbob]

I'm not brave enough to fabricate one sight unseen.  I can't afford for my daily driver to be sitting too long while I play with getting the right bend in it.  Maybe if I have another one in hand to copy, but not just making it out of the air.  I will continue to look for the tool, or a friend that might have one I can barrow.

[dumpster]

I'm not brave enough to fabricate one sight unseen.  I can't afford for my daily driver to be sitting too long while I play with getting the right bend in it.  Maybe if I have another one in hand to copy, but not just making it out of the air.  I will continue to look for the tool, or a friend that might have one I can barrow.

......there are some valeshim tools on ebay for about 70.00 bucks and i pretty sure they have the shims on there but shim can still be gotten at the dealer....if your not comfortable with doin that type of a job on your on your own pay the 175.00 bucks to have a good mechanic do it .....i wish i had done that with this transmisson.

[Scooterbob]

That's what I figured.  Bummer.  I seen the Ebay one this morning too, for about $70.  Ouch indeed.

That's already been gone over Dumpster.  Thanks.

[Scooterbob]

I'm not brave enough to fabricate one sight unseen.  I can't afford for my daily driver to be sitting too long while I play with getting the right bend in it.  Maybe if I have another one in hand to copy, but not just making it out of the air.  I will continue to look for the tool, or a friend that might have one I can barrow.

......if your not comfortable with doin that type of a job on your on your own pay the 175.00 bucks to have a good mechanic do it .....i wish i had done that with this transmisson.

I want to learn how to do these things myself.  I may just have to bite the bullet.

[andyb]

Pull the cams as you do it then, like it was shim under bucket.

[Scooterbob]

Pull the cams as you do it then, like it was shim under bucket.

Please explain.  You lost me.

[TRoy]

Please explain.  You lost me.

....if you pull the cams then you don't need the valve-bucket-holder-downer-tool.

I have the tool, you can borrow it.... send me your mailing address.

...just don't make me send Ted down to Texas to pick it up