CentralCoaster

I'm checking valve clearance and I guess I need to turn the engine so the cams are on the base circle.

Is there an easy way to turn the engine over?

I have the valve covers off, but turning it via the cam sprockets doesn't sound like a good idea.

How about just using trial and error by bumping the starter?

CentralCoaster

Nevermind. Duh. I got it. Engine side cover. Luckily my torx-55 bit fit it. (10mm?)

Forgive me, I'm new to this bike thing.

Now I have to figure out how to check valve clearance. I'm guessing it has to do with removing the stock shims, reinstalling cams and measuring gap from lifter to the base circle, and then subtracting shim height? I guess I printed the wrong part of the manual because it doesn't say in the valvetrain section.

Truckinduc

or get the back tire off the ground and put it in 6th gear. Turning the rear wheel will turn the motor over slowly.

gboezio

Don't remove the cams to check valve lash, just insert a feeler gauge until it drags under the cam lobes and note the thickness.
And yes 10mm Hex and 8 for the timing cap (I think)

loserbaby

Best way is by a GO/NO GO method... Use MAX gap and make sure it DOESN"T GO, then use MIN gap and make sure it DOES GO. If so... Your good!

yruyur

The spark plug remover in the tool kit fits perfectly.

VTRsurfer

Minor correction. Maximum lash PLUS .001" (.02 mm) should NOT GO. Min lash should go.

1. Check lash on all valves.
2. If any are out of spec, measure actual lash accurately.
3. Remove that shim (now is where you get to remove cams).
4. Measure that shim.
5. Compute thickness of shim needed to bring lash to within spec (do this carefully)
6. Install new shim and recheck lash.

Many times on shimmed valves they are all within spec, so it's not necessary to remove cams.
I know this since I taught vocational automotives for 34 years.

CentralCoaster

I measured with my inch feeler guage.

I started on the back cyl and thought I was wasting my time, but it turns out the front needs help.


LF intake .003
RF intake .004
LR intake .006
RR intake .006

LF exhaust .010
RF exhaust .010
LR exhaust .012
RR exhaust .010

Manual specs:
intake .006 +.001"
exhaust .012 +.001"

CentralCoaster

valve shims:

LF intake 190
RF intake 195
LR intake ok
RR intake ok

LF exhaust 175
RF exhaust 180
LR exhaust ok
RR exhaust 178

CentralCoaster

valve shims needed:

LF intake 182.5
RF intake 190 (have)


LF exhaust 170
RF exhaust 175 (have)

RR exhaust 172.5

HondaJim

You didn't mention it. Just make sure you are rotating the engine counter-clockwise.

gboezio

When you are done, turn the engine over at least two turns to make sure it goes freely not to bend a valve.