Valve clearance check results.

81 XJ 550 maxim. Ok I just completed my valve clearance check. I did not do my shims though. That will be in the morning.

Here are my results so far.
1. In - 006 Out - 005
2. In - 004 Out - 006
3. In - 005 Out - 005
4 In - 005 Out - 005

It is supposed to be 004 to 006 for intake and 006 to 008 for Out.

Since I don't know much only that they are out by a little, any comment appreciated.

 

Intake could go 1size smaller on the 004 but 005 need to go maybe 2 sizes smaller shim and maybe go 1 size on the 006 while your in there
A little too tight will burn them up as Len And K-Moe say not enough face time to transmit heat away.

 

I have been suspicious that it was getting a little too hot. She works great until about 45 to hour ride then she gets a little noise and jerky. If it cannot transmit the heat away, that would likely explain that part of the problem. Thank you

 

In that case you should park the bike until the valve clearances are set back into spec (and hope that you haven't burned an exhaust valve yet).

 

It is that serious? Was not expecting that. But thank you.

 

I am being very serious.

 

Thank you very much K-moe. Sniff sniff, it is gonna be difficult without my bike for a few days. The valve shims are coming off this morning and recording them on my handy dandy chart. I am likely not gonna get a good look at those valves unless I take the head off, I am not gonna try that one until I learn this step.

 

I don't have the tool to remove the shims and I am trying to figure out by the pictures that Fitz took how to use the wire method. It seems that I am not getting under neath the valve correctly. When I took out my first spark plug, it was black and sooty which I think it means she is running rich.

 

all you need to remove the shims is a very small flat screwdriver
a wrench and a zip tie
it is very easy, dont waste money on the shim tool

 

you need to bend the wire into an L shape, with the base of the L being just barely short enough to pass through the sparkplug hole. The valve you are working on must be open. Slide the base of the L along the top of the combustion chamber toward the valve pocket, then slowly rotate the crankshaft to close the valve. as you close the valve you will be able to feel the valve grab the wire.

 

Takes a bit if practice.
Once you get it you will know

 

Or zipties--- I double them up, tape the shanks, curl the tips and clip the " inside" one a little short. The longer one acts as a feeler guide. They slip right in. I've used the same pair of zipties for three years now. Takes only a couple seconds to install. Just like the wire method, a few seconds of practice and you get the feel for it pretty quick.