First Valve Clearence Check Results

[Idaho Red Rocket 3]

I finally pulled her down to do a bunch of services and upgrades. I inspected the valves and found several in spec and few out of spec. She is a 2006 black engine standard 3 pipe. 32,479 miles.

I want to change the shims without pulling the cams. I've read Rocket Scientist's post about his horseshoe valve depressor tool and Flying Finn's post about the ground screwdriver depressor tool. Are there any other methods you guys have come up with over the years ?

Take a look at the clearance numbers and please pass on your adjustment recommendations.

Intake Spec .10 - .15 mm.

Cylinder 1 Cylinder 1 ... Cylinder 2 Cylinder 2 ... Cylinder 3 Cylinder 3
In Back ... In Front ......... In B ......... In F ......... In B ...... In F
0.076 ...... 0.166 ............ 0.102 ...... 0.114 ........0.038 .... 0.102


Exhaust Spec .15 - .20 mm.

Cylinder 1 Cylinder 1 ... Cylinder 2 Cylinder2 ... Cylinder 3 Cylinder 3
Ex Back ... Ex Front ...... Ex B ........ Ex F...............Ex B ...... Ex F
0.203 ........ 0.203 ......... 0.178 ..... 0.203 ........... 0.178 ..... 0.178

 

[scot in exile]

Could do with a wee bit more info--how many miles on the bike and is the first valve check, my valves were good to 44000miles and then only one needed adjusted.

 

[Idaho Red Rocket 3]

Thanks Dave.

 

[scot in exile]

I'm bad never read the top line must be true what my wife says about me. Did you just insert that line or am I going bongers

 

[Idaho Red Rocket 3]

I edited it after you pointed out my omission.

 

[mport]

I recently shimmed the valves on mine at 40,000 miles. All my exhaust valves were a bit loose. Was making a ticking noise when cold.
I made a tool like the one Rocket Scientist posted. It took some time but I was able to change the shims without pulling the cams. Compressed air to pop the shims loose
and a magnet to lift them out is a must.

 

[Idaho Red Rocket 3]

I made a tool like Flying Finn made out of a large screwdriver but I'm not strong enough to use it. I could push down the valve but couldn't hold it while working out the shim. So I made the Rocket Scientist tool and that worked well. I decided to leave the exhaust valves as they are and just adjust 3 of the intake valves. I got lucky and was able to swap the front and back shims of cylinder #1 and got a good new clearance in spec for both valves. I'll have to purchase one new shim for cylinder #3 back valve to bring it back into spec.

 

[mport]

I found that Honda shims work they are the same size from the old CB Hondas. Most dealers in my area will swap shims if you ask. They seldom use them in that size anymore.

 

[gR3yWolf]

I had one shim go in at 40k, barely out of tolerance. 80k on the clock and everything is still within specs. '07 with the faster black engine and fastest Cardinal Red.

 

[Pres10]

What diameter shims do our bikes need?
I may just buy a set and have what I need when I check mine.