Happy Day

[gbw]

Just checked my valve clearances and they are ALL within tolerances!!!


This is the first time I've checked them that I didn't have to order and wait for new ones!!! I'm so happy.

Its good to celebrates life's simple pleasures

[hampshirehog]

If you check them tomorrow you should find that they are still the same. Then you'll be happy 2 days in a row......

(Sorry - couldn't resist it).

[Steve]

Just out of curiosity ... how long has it been since the last check?

How many were off then, and by how much?

Have you noticed the change in clearance slowing down a bit?

I have found that as the bike ages, the clearances don't change quite so rapidly, so I tend to lengthen my check intervals when they stabilize a bit.

.

[BassCliff]

Hi Mr. gbw,

Congratulations on your uneventful valve check.

I use Mr. Steve's handy-dandy Excel spreadsheet to keep track of my current shim sizes, clearances, etc. When it gets close to valve check time, I "guesstimate" the shims I'll need and order them ahead of time. By knowing which clearances are getting close, and swapping existing shims between valves where necessary, I can order a couple and have them ready. z1enterprises.com still sells them for $5.28 each. It's not too expensive to have a few on deck.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[gbw]

Just out of curiosity ... how long has it been since the last check?

How many were off then, and by how much?

Have you noticed the change in clearance slowing down a bit?

I have found that as the bike ages, the clearances don't change quite so rapidly, so I tend to lengthen my check intervals when they stabilize a bit.

.

Thanks Steve...I'm not sure exactly how long it has been or exactly how many miles. I'll check my log when I enter the data in your spreadsheet and report back.

This bike has ~30k miles on it. Do you think the stabilization would happen at this mileage?

[rudy]

Hi Mr. gbw,
z1enterprises.com still sells them for $5.28 each. It's not too expensive to have a few on deck.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

I've ordered some from the local Suzi/Yam dealer. Price is about the same, except I don't have to pay shipping. And they're genuine dealer parts. I've asked them about doing shim swaps, but they didn't sound too thrilled about it, so I didn't push it.

[gbw]

...When it gets close to valve check time, I "guesstimate" the shims I'll need and order them ahead of time.

I hope to be able to do this.