Valve lash

[Scottie1]

Hi guys I need a little of help if possible. I checked the valve clearance. I wrote down the measurements and what shim was in the bucket. I then used the manual to check what shim I would need. For example I got a 270 shim and clearance was 0.05 so the shim it need would be 260 according to the manual. This is still to tight any ideas why I think I done everything correctly and doubled checked everything. Is it ok to go lower then what the manual says and try a shim although the book says use a 260. I ordered the shims according to the book and they cost over $100. If I would of known I would of got smaller shims

[balky1]

You need to have 0.11-0.15 mm for intake or 0.16-0.2 for exhaust. Better to stick to the larger number if possible by shim sizes since the valves get tighter during engine exploitation.
From your numbers and the charts I deduct that you are talking about intake. So with new 260 shim your lash will be 0.15. Perfect. Why did you conclude it is too tight?

[Scottie1]

You need to have 0.11-0.15 mm for intake or 0.16-0.2 for exhaust. Better to stick to the larger number if possible by shim sizes since the valves get tighter during engine exploitation.
From your numbers and the charts I deduct that you are talking about intake. So with new 260 shim your lash will be 0.15. Perfect. Why did you conclude it is too tight?

I had to put in a 255 shim to get to 0.11 although the book said a 260 would do.

[RPM - Robert]

Scottie, are you measuring in fractions or metric?

The manual is metric and must be converted to imperial if using fractional feeler gauges

[Scottie1]

Scottie, are you measuring in fractions or metric?

The manual is metric and must be converted to imperial if using fractional feeler gauges

i am using the top number on the feeler gauge it says .009 and bottom number says .178.

[T Legg]

somethings wrong if your feeler gauge says .178 mm then it would be .007"

[Scottie1]

somethings wrong if your feeler gauge says .178 mm then it would be .007"

ok so I have got 2 numbers on my feeler gauges and I have been using the top number which says .007 and underneath that it says .178mm. I have been measuring using the top number thinking that was MM but I think I have been using the wrong number .

[RPM - Robert]

somethings wrong if your feeler gauge says .178 mm then it would be .007"

ok so I have got 2 numbers on my feeler gauges and I have been using the top number which says .007 and underneath that it says .178mm. I have been measuring using the top number thinking that was MM but I think I have been using the wrong number .

Yep, easily done especially when both numbers are listed.

[oldktmdude]

   Should you be doing your own clearances if you can't tell the difference between metric and imperial measurements?

[Tuned forks]

Scottie, so perhaps this will help.  I learned the conversion factor from Robert when I adjusted my valves this Fall.  A change of 5 numbers in the shim designation roughly equates to a change in valve clearance of .002".  So for instance, on my number 1 cylinder, an exhaust valve showed an existing clearance of .006" and I wanted to change the clearance to .008".  The existing shim was a 280 so I swapped to a 275 and voila, .008" clearance.  It was indeed confusing dealing with a metric motorcycle and using Imperial measurements.

Joe

[Scottie1]

  Should you be doing your own clearances if you can't tell the difference between metric and imperial measurements?

Everyones got to learn haven't they? Plus it was an easy mistake to make I'm sure i am not the only one who has made this mistake. That's why I was asking questions about it so I can learn and know how to do maintenance on my bike.

[Scottie1]

Scottie, so perhaps this will help.  I learned the conversion factor from Robert when I adjusted my valves this Fall.  A change of 5 numbers in the shim designation roughly equates to a change in valve clearance of .002".  So for instance, on my number 1 cylinder, an exhaust valve showed an existing clearance of .006" and I wanted to change the clearance to .008".  The existing shim was a 280 so I swapped to a 275 and voila, .008" clearance.  It was indeed confusing dealing with a metric motorcycle and using Imperial measurements.

Joe

Thank you so much for explaining this to me. This is my first time doing this and I have learnt a lot today. Thank you everyone else who has offered positive feedback to help me.

[ryanschoebel]

  Should you be doing your own clearances if you can't tell the difference between metric and imperial measurements?

C'mon man, no judgement here. No need to put someone down for learning, hes asking questions. I still don't know how to do valve clearances, so props to him for trying. No need to slam on someone just because they don't know something you do.

[red]

Thank you so much for explaining this to me. This is my first time doing this and I have learnt a lot today. Thank you everyone else who has offered positive feedback to help me.

Scottie,

Here is a free "units converter" for the desktop computer; it converts from almost anything to almost anything, in measurements.  I use it a lot.  It's fast, and it's free.

https://joshmadison.com/convert-for-windows/

If you have an Android gadget, GooglePlay has a free app for you, with no snoopy permissions, just the camera (as needed only).  It has the "unit converter" option also, along with other good stuff like a timer, magnifying glass, compass, et c.  You can zoom in with the magnifier.  Check out "Army Knife for Android" by Digital & Dreams.  GooglePlay has a Search option, to find it.  There may be another similar version for Apple gadgets.

FWIW, nobody knows everything, when they walk in the door.  This stuff takes time.  Keep asking questions.  Note that in the picture of feeler gauges, above, it shows two markings on each blade, and one of those markings is shown in mm.  Anybody claiming they have never read the wrong one probably has a faulty memory.

[T Legg]

when you get old the problem is you can't see what the feeler gauge says period.