To those who checked own valve clearances..
 

okay I'm really considering checking the valve clearances on my bike as its approaching the 15k mark. Now looking in the manual just checking the clearances looks straightforward enough (famous last words!) for even me to attempt.

There is no way I would even think about changing them however if they are incorrect - this would be left to a proper mechanic.

Now my question to those who have done this is how likely is it I would need new gaskets? is it a definate you need to or sometimes can re-use the old ones. Now normally something like this i would have just used new ones but the price of them shocked me a bit - about 20 each!

thanks

Re: To those who checked own valve clearances..
 

Nah you don't need new ones, they're not gaskets they're closer to O rings so so long as you don't rag them into 10 pieces you'll be right.

Re: To those who checked own valve clearances..
 

Just what I wanted to hear, thanks Yorkie Chris.

Re: To those who checked own valve clearances..
 

P.s If you put it back together and it leaks, not my fault :-P Just because I've never needed to replace them doesn't mean you won't.

Re: To those who checked own valve clearances..
 

Of course:).
There is always a risk with these things that they will fall apart i was just interested as to what others had experienced, 20 each seemed a lot of money!

Re: To those who checked own valve clearances..
 

Once radiator removed and tank up and valve covers off is access to the shims (checking only) very good or is it a bit fiddly (confined space?).

thanks

Re: To those who checked own valve clearances..
 

With the radiator off its fine, put the steering over to one side, a bit of carpet on the floor and lean on the wheel to do the front one, quite comfy lol.

Rear one, remove the tank entirely and its easier than having the head sat on a workbench for you.

Re: To those who checked own valve clearances..
 

They do very occasionally need replaced- though I reckon that's often down to mishandling, I'm sure not always but often. Mine have been on and off a fair few times and never needed replaced. You're spot on though, actually changing shims is a bit more complex. It's not exactly difficult, just high stakes- if it goes wrong you could basically demolish your engine. It'd be oh so easy to drop a bolt or shim down the cam tunnel too. So yeah, sometimes discretion is the better part of valour ;)

If you can change the front plug you can check the shims, access is the only fiddly part.

Re: To those who checked own valve clearances..
 

I always assume myself to be a ham fisted numpty and put rags down anything which may attract engine demolishing stray parts...

Re: To those who checked own valve clearances..
 

thanks again Yorkie Chris!

northwind
Yeah I just KNOW that I would start something like that and regret it but checking I should be ok.

Don't think there is but anything else I should be aware of / plan for?

Cheers!