Valve adjust--question?

[bobbybob]

I just finished adj. valves on my 07 R12RT. It had approx. 7800 miles on the odo (last valve adj. by Stealer was 600 mi) so it was a little past due. This was my first time, and armed with JVB & Haynes, I did it myself!!

 

Now--a question: since the adjust, the motor *seems* to run much more smoothly when idling (no more pocketa-pocketa) and also seems to have a LOT more pep from 5K rpms up. Is this just an overactive imagination? When I tried to insert the feeler gauges *prior* to loosening the nuts for the adjust, the clearance was VERY tight, almost couldnt get it in the gap period. Do the gaps get tighter or looser as the engine ages? Anyone......?

[ShovelStrokeEd]

In general, they will tend to tighten a little with age but, 7800 miles is not age. I would expect, over that interval, that, if anything, the valves should have loosened a bit as the cam and cam followers mated to each other and the rocker shafts ditto. I'm not talking any big deal here, maybe 1 thousandth of an inch.

 

If the valves were as tight as you say, my guess would be they were too tight to start with. It really shouldn't be difficult to insert the feeler gauges once you have a feel for the proper angle. Drag on the gauge is more important than insertion force needed anyway.

 

Likely you are noticing the idle is better cause all 4 valves area set the same.

[Firefight911]

Your valve gap will tend to tighten a bit when a motor is new. This is due to the mating surfaces wearing to a mutually agreeable place, along with valve seats seating fully, etc.

 

This tightening will level off to where you may not adjust at all after a bit.

 

As you engine ages (75k +) you may notice that your valves tend to grow in their gap. This is now due to a "mushrooming" of the valve surface.

 

All normal characteristics.

 

As for your smoother,kinder, gentler motor, it's all true!! And also a product of the knowledge of a good honest days work while keeping that hard earned dollar in your pocket.

 

Congrats!! Now, go forth and enjoy!

 

Good job!!!

[tallman]

Of course you also did a TB synch and necessary fluid changes, right?

That will help too.

[bobbybob]

Of course you also did a TB synch and necessary fluid changes, right?

That will help too.

 

Fluid changes, yes, TB will be shortly when I get my twinmax.

 

If it's not my overactive imagination, then it is really amazing what a few 1/000's" adjustment can do. And it's a really good feeling to know that, for the most part, my trips to the dealer for "routine" maintenance are over!

[Jim VonBaden]

Of course you also did a TB synch and necessary fluid changes, right?

That will help too.

 

Fluid changes, yes, TB will be shortly when I get my twinmax.

 

If it's not my overactive imagination, then it is really amazing what a few 1/000's" adjustment can do. And it's a really good feeling to know that, for the most part, my trips to the dealer for "routine" maintenance are over!

 

Amazing is right! If done right, you will feel a difference.

 

I would be willing to bet your throttle body sync is nearly dead on. Let us know when you check it!

 

Jim

[bobbybob]

Jim--have you used the Morgan Carb Tune? I like that it shows both cyls simultaneously (or all 4 if you're doing a "K"). Kinda between the Morgan & Twin-max---help me decide. And thanks for the great vid!