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Valve tune-up question.

Discussion in 'Hangout Lounge' started by ronha13, Apr 15, 2013.

  1. ronha13

    ronha13 Member

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    What all do I need to buy to do a valve tune up?
    I plan on replacing the valve cover gaskets as well, but not sure what I need for valve tune up.
    My future Son Inlaw is gonna do the tune up for me.

    Thanks
    Ron
     
    ronha13, Apr 15, 2013
    #1
  2. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    You will most likely need some shims; but until it's determined what sizes are currently installed, you can't order them.

    You also need new "donuts" for the valve cover bolts; they are what actually push the cover against the gasket/head.

    The whole thing (especially the first time) is pretty much a two-step process: measure clearances, determine the installed shims. Order and install new shims and your new cover gasket/donuts.

    Valve adjustment how-to: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=14827.html

    Part Deux: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=29209.html
     
    bigfitz52, Apr 15, 2013
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  3. ronha13

    ronha13 Member

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    Do they sell a kit that comes with various shims?
    I dont want my bike down long lol

    Thanks
    Ron
     
    ronha13, Apr 15, 2013
    #3
  4. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    You can get shim kits, but they are horrendously expensive for a home mechanic. A kit will come with many more shims that you will need for a single bike. There are three good sources for shims, Xj4Ever (link at the top right of every page), Member Hogfiddles runs a shim pool (shims on an exchange basis + postage), or (if you are lucky) A local motorcycle shop will either trade shims with you or sell them at reasonable cost.
     
    k-moe, Apr 15, 2013
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  5. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    Exactly.

    Once this has been done once, you can "predict" what shims you'll need for future adjustments based on the clearances and what the installed shims are. That's why it's important to "read" even the ones that might still be in spec, so that you'll already know what the installed shim is if/when they go out of spec. This is another reason keeping a good log book is a major help.

    If this is the first time they've been checked, it's very possible that many or all will be out of spec. But they can be swapped around; so until you've been through the longer process once, you have no idea what you'll need. A "shim kit" would have dozens of shims in it that you'd NEVER use; the most you could possibly need would be 8 and that's almost impossible if you swap them around.

    Bite the bullet. Do it right. It will go quicker each time. (Every 5K miles.)
     
    bigfitz52, Apr 15, 2013
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