how to change valve cover gasket

[BassCliff]

after reading the guide on valve adjustments, i have a few quick questions about measuring clearances and removing valve shims (if required):

1) when measuring the clearances, it seem like the cam lobes were in both vertical and horizontal orientations. Which one is correct, or does it need to be both to measure either the intake or exhaust valve clearances?

On page six of the guide you will find this explanation:

And now comes the finesse part. Use a large-ish 19mm box end or socket wrench to turn the motor using the bolt on the right side under the ignition cover. The picture below is the first position to check the exhaust clearances for cylinders 1 and 2. The #1 exhaust cam lobe should point forward and parallel with the top of the head.



Insert your feeler gauges and check the clearance between the lobe and the shim for #1 and #2 exhaust. If you must change a shim, rotate the bucket so that the notch is facing toward the center of the motor, use your MotionPro shim tool (it takes some practice) to push down the bucket, then use heavy tweezers to remove the shim. If you change a shim, coat it with a little oil before you insert it then turn the motor a few times to seat it and check the clearance again with your feeler gauges. The shims should have numbers on one side. Put the number side down so the numbers don't get worn off.

Once you've checked exhaust #1 and #2, turn the motor so that the #1 intake cam lobe is pointing straight up, perpendicular to the head. Check clearances for intake #1 and #2. Replace if necessary, don't forget to spin the motor to seat the shims and re-check.

Now on to #3 and #4. Turn the motor so that the #4 exhaust cam lobe is parallel to the head, pointing forward. Check clearances for #3 and #4 exhaust, replace shims if necessary.

Next, turn the motor so that the #4 intake cam lobe is pointing straight up, perpendicular to the head. Check intake clearances for #3 and #4.

Simply stated, when measuring exhaust clearances, point the outside exhaust cam lobe forward (parallel with the top of the head) and measure both valves on that side. When measuring the intakes, point the outside intake cam lobe up (perpendicular to the top of the head) and measure both valves on that side. Do this for both sides of the motor. I was hoping that the addendum (starting on page 15) made all of this clear.

2) when removing shims, is a tappet depressor tool required? if so, are said tools acquired easily?

I recommend the tappet tool. But many here have used the "zip tie method" successfully. You'll find Mr. Matchless' zip tie supplement in the same place you found the valve check guide. Z1enterprises.com is one place to get the tool, about $15.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Fenixgoon]

So in that picture, Basscliff, the #1 exhaust cam lobe is pointed towards the front of the bike?

The setup is like this then (switching intake and exhaust labels though) on the left side of the engine?

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/4554/leftcamcopypr4.jpg

On the right side of the engine (again switching intake and exhaust labels):

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/7512/rightcamcopyvg8.jpg

A= Cylinder 4?
B= Cylinder 3?

That's how my cams are currently positioned, but I don't know which are intake and which are exhaust

[Nessism]

So in that picture, Basscliff, the #1 exhaust cam lobe is pointed towards the front of the bike?

The setup is like this then (switching intake and exhaust labels though) on the left side of the engine?

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/4554/leftcamcopypr4.jpg

On the right side of the engine (again switching intake and exhaust labels):

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/7512/rightcamcopyvg8.jpg

A= Cylinder 4?
B= Cylinder 3?

That's how my cams are currently positioned, but I don't know which are intake and which are exhaust

Honestly, you are making this harder than it needs to be.

The valves are adjusted in pairs. Set one of the outboard cylinders (either 1 or 4) with the exhaust lobe pointing forward and then check the exhaust valves on that side. For example: set #4 pointing forward and then check 4E and 3E. Next set #1 forward and check 1E and 2E.

Intake valves are set in pairs as well. Set #1 or #4 pointing straight up and then adjust the intake valves on that side.

That's all there is to it.

[Larry D]

but I don't know which are intake and which are exhaust

Intakes are on the carb side and the exhaust are on the header pipe side of the engine.

Intake air in and exhaust air out.

[Steve]

Fenixgoon, also need to make sure you are talking about the correct left and right.

All references to left and right are made as if you are sitting on the bike, ready to ride.
Cylinders are numbered 1 to 4 from left to right. #1 is under your clutch hand, #4 is under your throttle hand.

As mentioned earlier, the intake cam is nearer the carbs, on the back side of the engine.
The exhaust cam is on the front side of the engine, just above the exhaust pipes.

.

[Fenixgoon]

Alright I got it now. Thanks for putting up with my stupidity everyone

[Fenixgoon]

I have another question:

When taking out shims, I'm finding it hard to get the shim tool between the shim and the camshaft when the cam lobe is pointed vertically. Would it be possible to put the shim tool in when the valve is at its lowest position, then rotate the engine so that the valve comes up into the shim tool?

Seems like it'd be easier, but I don't know whether that risks damaging anything or not.