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Post by scooter on Jul 23, 2014 19:30:02 GMT -5
I just adjusted my valves for the second time in two or three months. The first time, both gaps were zero. The next time, the intake gap was still at .004 but the exhaust valve clearance was much smaller, probably .002 or so. I had set them both to .004 a month ago. What makes these gaps close up like that? Should I set the exhaust valve to .006 so it will "shrink" to .004 later?
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Post by alleyoop on Jul 23, 2014 19:38:13 GMT -5
Think of it as when someone heats up a rod red hot and hammers it flat. That is basically what is happening with the Valve seat. All that means is the head material is not top notch and the closing and banging of the valves compress the metal. The Exhaust valve gets red hot and has nothing to cool it down, the Intake has air and fuel to cool it down. A quality head will last several thousand miles between needing a valve adjustment. I have not adjusted my valves in over 3000 miles but I have a quality head . Just remember you get what you pay for it.
Alleyoop
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Post by scooter on Jul 23, 2014 19:56:00 GMT -5
Thanks, Alleyoop. Maybe they'll work harden over time. I assume it's a stock head.
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Post by alleyoop on Jul 23, 2014 20:10:40 GMT -5
Yes after some miles it gets better more miles between valve adjustment.
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Sophomore Rider
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Post by bvance554 on Jul 23, 2014 22:55:06 GMT -5
OP i'm in the opposite camp as you. I read so much about valve adjustments that I've kind of been itching to do one, but after 1900 miles I've never even had the head off. It runs great and I see no reason to mess with it. Although... it is a little sluggish at take off when hot.
For a stock head, what is a 'normal' interval for adjusting the valves, and am i right to leave it alone? Or do you think there is something to be gained?
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Post by alleyoop on Jul 23, 2014 23:03:07 GMT -5
You will know when the valves need adjustment it may be harder to start and when it starts it may idle low also when hot and coming to stops it may want to die and not want to hold low rpms.
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Post by pmatulew on Jul 24, 2014 5:23:40 GMT -5
0.006 might be too much, but try setting the exhaust to .005. By adjusting the valve clearance you are accounting for expansion of different parts in the engine, and you are also changing the dwell time that the valve is closed and dissipating heat to the valve seat and the cylinder head. More dwell time lets the valve run a little cooler.
While more is sometimes better, you have to stay within a certain range. These small displacement motors are very sensitive to small changes. I was experimenting with my 150 a little while ago. 4 in and 6 ex worked okay. 3 in and 5 ex had a nice quiet hum, but the power was down 10%-15%. A loose 4 in and loose 5 ex seems to be working better.
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Post by scooter on Jul 24, 2014 17:40:30 GMT -5
Thank you! I appreciate everyone's advice!  |
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..BAD TO THE BONE..
