01Why is valve clearance important?

  • The valve clearance ensures proper operation of the engine's intake and exhaust valves.
  • Incorrect valve clearance can lead to poor engine performance, decreased power, and increased fuel consumption.
  • Excessive valve clearance can cause noisy valve operation and may result in valve damage.
  • Insufficient valve clearance can cause the valves to stay open, leading to loss of compression and potential engine damage.

02Tools and materials needed

  • Feeler gauges
  • Socket wrench
  • Screwdriver
  • Torque wrench
  • Service manual for your motorcycle model
  • Clean cloth
  • Gasket scraper
  • New gaskets (if necessary)

03Step-by-step guide to checking motorcycle valve clearance

  • Start by ensuring that the engine is cool and the motorcycle is on a level surface.
  • Refer to your motorcycle's service manual to locate the valve clearance specifications for your model.
  • Remove the necessary bodywork and parts to gain access to the engine's valve cover.
  • Carefully remove the valve cover by loosening the bolts in a crisscross pattern.
  • Inspect the valve cover gasket and replace it if it shows signs of damage or wear.
  • Use a gasket scraper to clean any residue or old gasket material from the mating surfaces of the valve cover and the engine.
  • With the valve cover removed, locate the intake and exhaust valves. They will be connected to the camshaft.
  • Rotate the engine in the direction of normal rotation until the first valve to be checked is fully closed.
  • Use a feeler gauge to measure the gap between the valve stem and the camshaft lobe. Refer to the service manual for the correct clearance specification.
  • 10. If the clearance is incorrect, you will need to adjust the valve by loosening the locknut and turning the adjuster screw until the desired clearance is achieved.
  • 11. Once the correct clearance is achieved, hold the adjuster screw in place and tighten the locknut to the specified torque using a torque wrench.
  • 12. Repeat the measurement and adjustment process for each valve, following the specified order and clearance specifications.
  • 13. After adjusting all the valves, reassemble the valve cover by tightening the bolts in a crisscross pattern.
  • 14. Double-check that all the valves have the correct clearance by re-measuring them.
  • 15. If everything is in order, reattach any bodywork or parts that were removed earlier.
  • 16. Start the motorcycle and listen for any abnormal noises or valve ticking.
  • 17. Finally, take the motorcycle for a short test ride to ensure everything is functioning correctly.

Conclusion

Checking the valve clearance on your motorcycle is an essential maintenance task that should be performed at regular intervals. By following the steps outlined in this article and referring to your motorcycle's service manual, you can ensure accurate valve clearance and optimize your engine's performance. Regular valve clearance checks will help keep your motorcycle running smoothly and prolong its lifespan.

MethodsDetails
Step 1Ensure the engine is cool and the motorcycle is on a level surface.
Step 2Refer to the service manual for valve clearance specifications.
Step 3Remove necessary bodywork and access the engine's valve cover.
Step 4Carefully remove the valve cover.
Step 5Inspect and replace the valve cover gasket if necessary.
Step 6Clean the mating surfaces of the valve cover and the engine.
Step 7Locate the intake and exhaust valves connected to the camshaft.
Step 8Rotate the engine to fully close the first valve to be checked.
Step 9Measure the gap between the valve stem and the camshaft lobe.
Step 10Adjust the valve if the clearance is incorrect.
Step 11Tighten the locknut to the specified torque.
Step 12Repeat the measurement and adjustment process for each valve.
Step 13Reassemble the valve cover.
Step 14Double-check the valve clearances.
Step 15Reattach any removed bodywork or parts.
Step 16Start the motorcycle and listen for abnormal noises.
Step 17Take the motorcycle for a test ride.
motorcycle maintenance
valve clearance
engine performance