Valve Adjustment Help

[THE BIG SITT]

I'm gonna need to do my valve adjustment soonish. Looking at the DIY, theres no way. Thats way above my skill level. Anyone want to come help? I'll buy ya pizza and beer during the day, AND I'll take you (and a lady if you have one) out for dinner (no homo). No, this isn't a joke.

[krolinked]

Originally Posted by THE BIG SITT

I'm gonna need to do my valve adjustment soonish. Looking at the DIY, theres no way. Thats way above my skill level. Anyone want to come help? I'll buy ya pizza and beer during the day, AND I'll take you (and a lady if you have one) out for dinner (no homo). No, this isn't a joke.

I wish you were closer. I'd totally do it!

[THE BIG SITT]

I wish you were too… I can't afford to pay for your airfare unfortunately.

[alex.s]

its not hard. just go slow and know what you are doing. read a lot and make sure you understand how what you are working with functions. know what changes you are making. if you really understand what you are doing, its very easy.

if you need help- you have your support group here waiting for you.

[Lychee]

Originally Posted by THE BIG SITT

I'm gonna need to do my valve adjustment soonish. Looking at the DIY, theres no way. Thats way above my skill level. Anyone want to come help? I'll buy ya pizza and beer during the day, AND I'll take you (and a lady if you have one) out for dinner (no homo). No, this isn't a joke.

Have you watched any you tube videos? Read the procedure at faq.ninja250.org? I just did my first DIY valve job a few days ago. It sounds difficult, but when you actually get to it, it is really not that bad. Which part in the procedure sounds unmanageable to you?

Here are the bits that I committed to memory after doing it:

-The hardest part is taking off the valve cover without draining the coolant. If the procedure to take off the cover without draining the coolant sounds difficult, then drain the coolant. Without the coolant in the system it is very easy, you just pop off the valve cover and the coolant pipe with it.

-If you don't have a proper valve adjustment tool, tightening down the rockers without messing up your setting is a little maddening, but not impossible. Use a 9mm socket with a wobble extension and a small slotted screwdriver. Undo socket, change screwdriver setting, tighten socket, recheck. Be patient and don't drop anything into the engine.

-The right side intake valve was the most annoying.

-Don't overtighten the 9mm locknuts

-When you put it back together be sure to put the spark plug gaskets (tear shaped) on the engine and not the valve cover. That way the possibility of them falling into the engine out of place is eliminated.

-Don't forget to carb sync. (more you tube videos)

[THE BIG SITT]

I've read that its easy and all, but I'm still hesitant. last year I had my bike apart for 6(?) weeks while I removed the airbox, tuned the carbs, tuned the carbs, and then I tuned the carbs. It was a disaster. I really don't want to do it and end up in a similar position. How long does it take to do?

[alex.s]

@Lychee, 08+gen is overhead cam with bucket shims. not the locknut rockers in the pregen.

i'll say this- don't be lazy. give yourself as much room as possible. remove the cooling system. do not use open end wrenches. use torque wrenches and use the correct torque settings.

[THE BIG SITT]

As far as a torque wrench goes, I have one that has an analog dial and the whole thing is about a foot long. Good enough?

[alex.s]

thats good for torques above 30ftlbs. buy a smaller more accurate one for working inside the head.

[THE BIG SITT]

Gotcha. So when will you be here? Need directions?

[rojoracing53]

First time it took me all ****ing day because I was distracted by my helper and forgot to mark the chain so I had to do endless double checking

Second time about 3hr total time with a break in the middle to eat some damn good buffalo wings

I offered to do my buddies at the same time as mine but his lazy cheap ass would order a second shim kit so we have enough for both bikes so he's screwed. At least I tried to help

[THE BIG SITT]

Ok…. so when will YOU be here? Need directions?

[alex.s]

Originally Posted by THE BIG SITT

Ok…. so when will YOU be here? Need directions?

send me your bike. i'll do the valves and make sure everything is in good working order. my standard tests include 4 CVMA races in a weekend.

[Lychee]

Originally Posted by alex.s

@Lychee, 08+gen is overhead cam with bucket shims. not the locknut rockers in the pregen.

i'll say this- don't be lazy. give yourself as much room as possible. remove the cooling system. do not use open end wrenches. use torque wrenches and use the correct torque settings.

oops

[krolinked]

Originally Posted by alex.s

send me your bike. i'll do the valves and make sure everything is in good working order. my standard tests include 4 CVMA races in a weekend.

Let me know if you need a second opinion on the bikes performance.

[THE BIG SITT]

Originally Posted by alex.s

send me your bike. i'll do the valves and make sure everything is in good working order. my standard tests include 4 CVMA races in a weekend.

Deal. Actually, I'll ride it there, as long as I can ride bitch during the races.