How To Check And Adjust Screw-Type Valve Clearances

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How To Check And Adjust Screw-Type Valve Clearances | MC Garage

Рет қаралды 223,989

Күн бұрын

You guys asked for a vid on checking valve clearances, so here it is! Yep, I totally cheated and used the easiest bike to work on-Kawasaki’s Z125. This bike uses old-school-type screw-type adjusters, not the more complicated and challenging shim setup that’s found on most modern bikes. But don’t worry, we’ll cover that in another video. For now, we’re starting small (literally and figuratively) with the Z. After all, plenty of bikes on the market still use screw-type adjusters!
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Metal parts expand as they get hot, and the clearance between your engine’s cams and valves is there to account for that expansion. If that clearance increases, you’ll end up with a lot of valve-train noise. If the clearance decreases-as it often does on the exhaust valves as the miles stack up-the valves may not seat fully. If that happens, it won’t be long before hot exhaust gasses burn the valve. And then you’re really in trouble.
The service interval for checking the valves and the procedure itself is different for just about every bike, so as always, review your shop manual for your bike’s specifics, but this demonstration from MC Garage will give you a rundown of the steps involved in checking and adjusting screw-type motorcycle valves.
Allow Bike To Cool And Remove Parts
First up, your engine needs to be cool, so let it sit overnight before you start working on it. With most bikes, you’ll need to remove the bodywork, gas tank, air box, and other parts just to get to the cylinder head cover and valves. That’s one of the reasons most people don’t want to deal with checking their valves. The other reason is that on most modern bikes, adjusting the clearance means removing the camshafts, and that freaks people out.
Set The Engine To Top Dead Center
Then, you need the engine to be at the top dead center (TDC) on the compression stroke, meaning the piston is all the way up and both valves are closed. To get there, remove the spark plug so the engine is easier to turn over, then remove the inspection covers from the side of the engine and put a socket on the rotor bolt and turn the motor counterclockwise until the “T” on the rotor lines up with the reference mark on the cover. That “T” stands for Top, as in Top Dead center. If you go past it, just keep going for two more revolutions. Don’t try to turn the engine backward or you’ll be grinding it against the starter clutch. You’ll notice there’s an “F” on the rotor as well, that’s an ignition timing mark that you can ignore, but it does serve as a head’s up that the “T” mark is about to appear.
The goal here is to put the engine in a position where the cams are not pushing on the valves. If you’re lined up with the “T” but there seems to be some pressure on the valves, you’re probably at top-dead-center on the exhaust stroke. Turn the motor over 360 degrees and you’ll be at TDC on the compression stroke.
Measure The Clearance Of The Valve With A Feeler Gauge
The intake and exhaust valve clearances will be listed on a sticker on the frame and in your shop manual. Select a feeler gauge that’s in the middle of the range and try to slip it between the adjuster and the top of the valve. Sometimes you have to bend the end of the feeler to get it to slide it parallel. Not sure how to use feeler gauges? We have another MC Garage that breaks it down for you.
Adjust The Valve Clearance By Turning The Screw
Okay, so you found a valve that’s out of spec. Don’t give up on the bike just yet! On engines with shim-type adjustment, you’ll need to pull cams, but with screw-type adjusters you just need to loosen the locknut and then turn the screw in or out, depending on if you need to close or open the clearance. Not much, maybe a 1/16th of a turn will open it up quite a bit. Use trial and error until you think you have it.
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01:30 Start With A Cold Motorcycle Engine
01:35 Turn The Engine To The Top Dead Center On The Compression Stroke
02:45 Take Note Of The Valve Clearance Specs
02:50 Select A Feeler Gauge And Slide Under Adjuster
03:10 Tighten Or Loosen The Screw Adjuster
03:40 Recheck The Clearance After Turning The Engine Over By Hand

Пікірлер: 151

@88Heckenlively 3 жыл бұрын

Learned on a XR650R - thing was bullet proof and a hand-grenade to ride. One of the best bikes Honda ever developed. Thank you Scott Dunleavy

@chunhaylee 4 жыл бұрын

You forgot to talk about the marks on the Motion Pro tool. As you said, on some bikes it's REALLY tough to bend the feeler gauge to get it in there. So as an alternative, you can do this: Once you get the clearance just right with the feeler gauge, you note down the position of the knob. Now turn the knob to tighten the adjuster until it just touches the valve stem (ie. 0 clearance now). Note how much you had to turn that knob. Let's say you turned the knob 20 minutes. From now on you don't have to use feeler gauges anymore. You just loosen the lock nut, tighten the adjuster until it touches the valve, and then back up 20 minutes, and it will be the correct clearance.

@dimos5422 3 жыл бұрын

i wouldnt do this its not THAT big of hassle to not check it again after tightening the nut

@ikeperez3922 4 жыл бұрын

The part of how to determine TDC was spot on. Everything I found only stated to get to TDC but never explained how to get there. Thanks!!!!!!

@mrvwbug4423 7 жыл бұрын

There is an easy way to turn the motor over for doing valve adjustments if your bike has a center stand. Put the bike up on the center stand, put the bike into gear (a higher gear preferably as it will reduce the effort needed) and slowly turn the back wheel forwards

@AudreysKitchen 2 жыл бұрын

Curious about why my service manual would tell me to take off the crank case cover instead of just doing this. Any thoughts?

@RSx94 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks alot. Adjusted the 2 valves on my 125cc Keeway RKS and it runs like a charm.

@NoShadowOfDoubt1 8 жыл бұрын

How many people actually do this valve clearance inspection and adjustment on their bikes?? dealers can barely do a poor tire replacement job.

@dkongul 6 жыл бұрын

then you have to learn how to do it and do it yourself.

@fivespeed3026 6 жыл бұрын

NoShadowOfDoubt I just did my first clearance check last week. I’ll never pay someone else to do it again. I do my own tires too thanks to Ari.

@JwayT 6 жыл бұрын

I do, but I have a 125 with screw types so it isn't much harder than what's shown in this video.

@MotoPIX 6 жыл бұрын

kzfaq.info/get/bejne/etSlqrieqc2Yimg.html it's easy

@AjiraKimberly 5 жыл бұрын

I do it every time I change the oil on my scooter. Gotta wait for the oil to drain anyway, might as well check the valve clearance and spark plug condition.

@hommebizzare 8 жыл бұрын

never seen that tool before, that would make my job so much easier on the transalp. the front exhaust valve is really tight to work on

@pataconaso 8 жыл бұрын

Great videos in the MC garage section, thanks for all the content and visual information, pro level.

@mastergogoy6166 6 жыл бұрын

Ok so last week I had the valve clearance on my lil 125cc bike checked and adjusted on the dealership. The poor thing just sounded bad. I didnt even bother to go back to the dealership, I went straight to a local private shop just around the corner and the engine sounded like new. Do dealerships even regularly check the work of their mechanics?

@joedoole3527 7 жыл бұрын

Those Z125 and Honda Groms are awesome little bikes. When I get some extra disposable income that isn't already claimed by any of the two bikes or 3 cars I already own, I'm definitely adding one of those little things to my garage! Great vid also btw, watched it just cuz I'm watching all the vids in your series, but this one I watched while checking valve lash on my B18C powered DC2 time attack racer.

@pyromofo14 10 ай бұрын

wow, much simpler than expected. Thanksguys.

@mauro954rr 8 жыл бұрын

can you make a video about how to change the cam chain tensioner?

@HaCkErZ931 8 жыл бұрын

I'd love to see that!

@ridinglifestyle6297 7 жыл бұрын

I agree!

@Kaspurr84 8 жыл бұрын

I did the valves on my CBR500R it wasn't too bad, shim style, but unlike my CBR650F which I haven't hit the miles yet to need it, the 500R was shim over bucket and had a bolt that dropped the cam out of the way enough to reach the shim, the 650F is traditional inline-4 style of shim under bucket which requires the removal of the whole cams, it will definitely be an adventure, if I even do it myself.

@upsidedowndog1256 8 жыл бұрын

I have done this many times to motorcycles and cars/trucks. The clearance is not perfectly parallel because the rockers move in an arc, while the valves are linear. How do you account for that? I have always resorted to "ear" adjustment after I get a few set with feeler gauge. Motion Pro tool is nice.

@upsidedowndog1256 8 жыл бұрын

Thanks, I'll try it like that next time on my hotrod '71 cb350!

@IsraelHernandez-sw3ky 2 ай бұрын

I have a question, so when I’m done checking the valve clearance I leave the TDC or it needs to go back to another settings?

@thomas-el Ай бұрын

Nice video, but it's missing an important bit of info: How much to tighten the lock nut?

@fpvgearhead5034 8 жыл бұрын

I like these videos looking forward for the shim style adjustments.

@ronenronen9411 2 жыл бұрын

Hello, help is possible. Before I find the timing chain, I need to turn it to the mark. What could be the problem.

@alland4931 3 жыл бұрын

I have a 2003 yamaha v star 1100 and I need to check my valve clearance but I can not find feeler gauge blades with the proper thickness that is needed. Would it be recommended if two blades are used to get the measurement required.

@toolman9081 8 жыл бұрын

I need a Z125 in my life

@Spartan375X 5 жыл бұрын

I got a Grom, I'm sure it's equally a pleasure to ride.

@agawdsparadise3782 3 жыл бұрын

I want a grom The OG

@dickjohnson52 4 жыл бұрын

What if you adjust your valves, get them within spec, and now you have excessive tinging? It’s possible I did something wrong, but I’m assuming the valves are burnt up, any thoughts?

@KIDLATBUHAWI 4 жыл бұрын

my honda xr 150L intake tappet valve clearance is .08mm and exhaust is .12mm(standard).. i brought it back to my dealer for a tune up at 12k km odo. they adjust the intake to 0.10mm and ex 0.12mm . anny disadvantage for not following the standard clearance?

@josephpinheiro9667 Жыл бұрын

Awesome vid mate

@JoranPrins 6 жыл бұрын

If I open my timing cover on my 2006 crf150f, oil spills out... is that bad or do i need an oil drain before doing this?

@dustinketelhut1176 6 жыл бұрын

my 250 overheating now i think i wasnt on tsc so now inm just gonna let the local shop do it. i fixxed something that didnt need to be fixxed...

@dustinketelhut1176 6 жыл бұрын

TDC*

@ivan9066 7 жыл бұрын

Im riding a suzuki dr 350,if i open up the valve plates and the other pates,wont all of the oil fall out ?

@giraffesinnam70 Жыл бұрын

What gear should the bike be in to perform this maintenance?

@MotoSjaak 8 жыл бұрын

can you make a video on how to prepare your bike for storage.

@zackerysansom752 7 жыл бұрын

hopefully before 21 november

@Destraight 2 жыл бұрын

Do you guys have to replace an o-ring when you do this though on a z125?

@davidkrempaszky2325 5 жыл бұрын

Great vid as always!!! Has anyone else struggled with cracking the adjusting nut and has any tips please? I have a 1990 Kawasaki ZZR250 with a 9mm lock nut and I'm worried I'm gonna snap it in two just loosing it any help would be greatly appreciated please

@StuntTriple 3 жыл бұрын

Looks like I'm going to a mechanic for this one 😂

@1Turnatatime 3 жыл бұрын

Lol I just made my bike not able to start now. I think I screwed them down too tight but I think I should have loosened them. It gave a few loud pops but wont start as if its suffocating. I'm about to just bring it to the mechanic and get a new bike lmao

@fivespeed3026 8 жыл бұрын

I'm looking forward to the shim video. I think I could do it on my own, but the work is overwhelming.

@fivespeed3026 8 жыл бұрын

+Ari Henning Just watching other shim videos is tedious. Then there's the whole "keeping all the parts" thing, and the "damn, did I just drop the timing chain?" thing, and the "great, my shim kit doesn't have the shim I need" thing. I'll probably need to take a Xanax just to get started. ;)

@paulocarreiro5855 8 жыл бұрын

Thanks for another great video!

@halooord 8 жыл бұрын

How do you check the chain tensioners?

@JudyAbbott494 5 жыл бұрын

Feeler it is?! I've always thought it was Filler as it fills the gabs or the clearances intended to be measured :'D

@paulf2534 5 жыл бұрын

Do a lot of motorcycles require the locking nut to be torque tightened?

@not1au 3 жыл бұрын

Where can I find vavle clearance specs for the 2021 XT250? Thanks.

@ebubekirbinici6031 8 жыл бұрын

if these maintenances were as easy as you guys make it seem , the mechanics wouldnt charge so much for labor :)

@Mudux 8 жыл бұрын

This kind of valve adjusters make it super easy. Shim under bucket type is where it gets complicated. (as Ari said in the video)

@ebubekirbinici6031 8 жыл бұрын

Mudux yes i herd but not everyone has z125 or would trade their 600 or 1000cc for one just for that

@Mudux 8 жыл бұрын

ebubekir binici doesn't change the fact that it's easier to do on some bikes than others.

@ebubekirbinici6031 8 жыл бұрын

Mudux yea and thats why i said the videos not just this video.

@user-yc5ow3tm3z 8 жыл бұрын

i think its 12 euros for this tipe of bike

@sigmundalcover9601 2 жыл бұрын

Why are the factory valve clearances noisy on older engines? It sounds like the clearance is too loose even when its adjusted to spec. Thats why local mechanics use tighter than spec valve clearance on old engines. Can anybody enlighten me?

@elmst6775 8 жыл бұрын

so what happened with this z im still waiting to see another final HP and torque video with all the mods u did

@pisotvph.2568 4 жыл бұрын

my honda xr 150L intake tappet valve clearance is .08mm and exhaust is .12mm(standard).. i brought it back to my dealer for a tune up at 12k km odo. they adjust the intake to 0.10mm and ex 0.12mm . any this adavantages for not following the standard clearance?

@HaggisPower 4 жыл бұрын

Apparently your dealer is worried about the factory spec being too tight. Valves do tighten up with use, maybe they are being cautious?

@deffarhan6748 7 жыл бұрын

can you make a video about hydrolic clutch and normal clutch?

@helicopter234 7 жыл бұрын

please do the shim under bucket valve adjustment type !!!

@Stick_jitsudad808 4 жыл бұрын

What size is the adjustment special tool?? Link please

@kyore789 Жыл бұрын

Can’t ignore it on a 06-07 R6 they’ll get outta spec quick pretty soon 😅

@DoRC 8 жыл бұрын

I've managed to have shims on literally every bike ive owned. At least they don't have to be done as often

@ImGodUFUCK 8 жыл бұрын

screw type are easier to work on but they require adjustment EVERY maintenance...for example the R1200GS 04-09 the F800GS for example i've see doing over 80K MILES without a single shim replacement

@alankritdevcharan6103 6 жыл бұрын

Which tool did you use to remove the timing cover? I want to buy one

@victorcarmona8606 8 жыл бұрын

Ari how are you? congratulations for these videos.

@banggasupradhana 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video, very helpfull to me. And how i accidentally or forget and turn the motor in clockwise? Does it will damage my engine parts?

@MotoPIX 6 жыл бұрын

Bangga Supradhana enggak mas

@dustinketelhut1176 6 жыл бұрын

best video ive seen!

@nathanielpeter3296 5 жыл бұрын

His words are fast but they are important. He said "If the clearance increases you're gonna get really noisy valve train but if the clearance decreases, your valves might not able to close all the way. When that happens it doesn't take longer for the hot exhaust gases to burn the valve seals and then you are really in trouble. Valve seal is the rubber cap on the valve rod hidden inside the spring. Even if the T mark is on the top and the rocker arm is not loose then we have to rotate 360 degrees again in anti clockwise direction to bring the T mark on the top vertical line and then the rocker arm will become loose. Now we can adjust the valve clearance by sliding feeler gauge metallic scale between the rocker arm screw and the valve rod. We have to adjust the require millimetre gap for the exhaust valve and intake valves mentioned in the user manual.

@EXtencilline Жыл бұрын

Can a valve leakage cause motorcycle hard to start after sitting for 8 hours ?

@Mr.N42069 Жыл бұрын

More than likely your valve adjustment is too tight.

@Gruxxan 7 жыл бұрын

many people think that the clearances get looser over time. in fact, the valve clearances get tighter not looser. this is due to valve recession. if you don't adjust them eventually the valves will fail to completely seal the combustion chamber and you lose compression.

@madeleinegillett5892 6 жыл бұрын

Some get looser and some get tighter. It really depends on your bike

@sanketjain9320 2 жыл бұрын

Can a compression test help us to know if we need a valve clearance check or not?

@Gruxxan 2 жыл бұрын

@@sanketjain9320 the only way to be 100% sure is to check the valve clearances with a feeler gauge. a compression test will only tell you if you have good compression, it wont tell you if the valve gap is too big or too small IE you could have good compression and still have valve clearance out of tolerance. if you got low or no compression then its more likely something worse than simple valve clearance adjustment.

@sanketjain9320 2 жыл бұрын

@@Gruxxan if the gap is too small and over time the seals have burnt, shouldn't the compression test show a loss of compression.? I agree the reverse isn't true - loss of compression could be due to a lot of things.

@Gruxxan 2 жыл бұрын

@@sanketjain9320 the seals being burnt would lead to a loss of compression but you would want to check the gap before it gets to that stage. you can have good compression and the gap be too small so you would need to open the gap to bring it back to tolerance. having a gap thats .01 mm too smalll wont necessarily mean you lose compression but over time it will continue to wear and eventually you will end up losing compression. thats why its a tolerance. if its not within tolerance you have to adjust it. the only way to know is to check with feeler gauge

@bloodspill2 6 жыл бұрын

Ari, i have a bike similar to the z125 just a bigger version. 0.04mm is the minimum intake/exhaust valve clearance right so if i adjust it higher would it mean that the valves are more open or will it have a higher stroke or shorter? hope to hear from you guys ASAP.

@MotoPIX 6 жыл бұрын

bloodspill ganz tighter your clearance, wider your valve opening.

@MotoPIX 6 жыл бұрын

kzfaq.info/get/bejne/etSlqrieqc2Yimg.html

@JUBERT_DAYANAN 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this informative vedio.. Can you make a vedio, why we need to adjust valve clearance,, is it good to adjust without using feeler gauge, like some mechanics did.?

@festol1 8 жыл бұрын

The Filler Gauges link isn't enabled on this vídeo.

@chinmayagadi9762 6 жыл бұрын

Please do a video on Quickshifter

@harpreetpanesar1223 7 жыл бұрын

Hi Ari, How about a video on tappet settings? regards Harpreet

@jmp00 7 жыл бұрын

harpreet panesar this is exactly what that is.

@FPV_amDerek 5 жыл бұрын

Do you have to drain the oil before checking valves??

@Spartan375X 5 жыл бұрын

1:51 It's not necessary to drain the oil, unless you already have an oil change planned. Check your oil level after you're done to be safe.

@realMysta 7 жыл бұрын

Which motion pro tool works with the z125?

@anurag77719 8 жыл бұрын

Do we need to come to T mark once for intake and rotate again for exhaust valve?

@johna6968 8 жыл бұрын

nope

@ghassanalfarra8935 8 жыл бұрын

on a 4 stroke 4 cylinder bike yes, definitely.

@johna6968 8 жыл бұрын

Not on the single cylinder motor tho

@zerouzer 8 жыл бұрын

good stuff!

@gonerydin4225 8 жыл бұрын

I want to see valve adjustment on a Ducati demo please. : )

@gonerydin4225 8 жыл бұрын

***** Understood!

@bigpapa8152 6 жыл бұрын

No you don't!

@Brian81-207 Жыл бұрын

I have never seen or heard of anyone, having to bend the feeler to get it into the valve who the hell taught this guy

@Mr.N42069 Жыл бұрын

I have too on my pit bikes. If I don’t, then the feeler will be at an angle and can be hard to adjust accurately.

@Brian81-207 Жыл бұрын

@@Mr.N42069 I have two Briggs & Stratton powered pit bikes and a 37.7 Friction Drive bicycle, and never have to bend the feeler to do my valve adjustments, which are usually about once a month your valve stems are probably sticking

@Mr.N42069 Жыл бұрын

@@Brian81-207 i did a full rebuild on them a couple months ago and haven’t noticed anything. I bend it cuz where the valve cover screws on, it has a lip that makes the feeler go in at a an angle and can make it feel tight when it not. On go kart and mini bike engines, u shouldn’t have to cuz the cover is a lot bigger and the valves are more exposed. I got a 5.5 Briggs on a go kart and don’t have to bend them ether.

@hoagiesherlin7732 8 жыл бұрын

o how i miss doin this to my old xr 650l

@Napoleon_Blownapart 21 күн бұрын

I think i'll let the dealer worry about this for me.

@mbtfp 8 жыл бұрын

Nice vid! Can you make a "quick" video how to do the Desmo service on a Ducati? xD

@mbtfp 8 жыл бұрын

Sweet! Once I saw some figures from Desmo but i didn´t understand them properly. Thx Ari! :)

@wara271282 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the guidance (Y)

@badartist18 8 жыл бұрын

Valve clearances is one of the mantenaince jobs more "forget" in motorcycle and car engines. I know cars that have more than 100k miles and never check valves.

@Kaspurr84 8 жыл бұрын

Ya, a lot of people don't think cars even modern ones need an inspection and adjustment. Hydraulic valves don't instantly mean lifetime self adjusting.

@BillyJoe1305 8 жыл бұрын

I've owned a car with valve adjustment intervals recommended right around 100k miles.

@Teramydog 7 жыл бұрын

The F mark is for static timing of spark plug fire - not just about to "T" as you said,

@ashoksalve9181 6 жыл бұрын

How to check swingarm bush make a vedio

@blkboi79 6 жыл бұрын

Is it just me or does it look like Ari faced an entire eighth before shooting this?

@Ninja_S1000RR-R 5 жыл бұрын

Nah, he just took a dab.

@marcknight4568 3 жыл бұрын

Getting a bad feeling about this video...is this the best???? People need to know if the lock nut has to be tighter than there rest....cause it loosens.... Nevermind nevermind

@JG53Pogo 7 жыл бұрын

This engine look like old pitbike honda Dux ?

@samualiam9981 8 жыл бұрын

Why do Ari's eyes always look red?

@BestRex 8 жыл бұрын

Ari likes to be high when recording that videos - it makes him feel more confident and relaxed.

@samualiam9981 8 жыл бұрын

***** I hear you man. When I was deployed the sandstorms used to run a number on my eyes. Even with goggles the fine particles would find a way. Cheers bro!

@DearMajesty 8 жыл бұрын

come on now! we all know you love to take a big old puff of the magic dragon, Ari ahahahahah jk

@joeypuentes1529 6 жыл бұрын

The downside of HD video.

@conniekai 6 жыл бұрын

weed

@YNTGUNS 6 жыл бұрын

Oh lordeee

@williams4926 7 жыл бұрын

Fucking cbf, getting my mechanic to do it lmao

@DearMajesty 8 жыл бұрын

Pro tip: you can use the starter to nearly turn the engine to the desired TDC ;)

@Siper2 8 жыл бұрын

Looking forward to your followup video. This bike's sure a lot easier than mine! :-] www.xjrider.com/viewtopic.php?t=5260

@faustin289 4 жыл бұрын

This is very rushed. Only advanced mechanics would understand but then again these are the people that wouldn't need to watch this video. So, what's the intended audience?