This weekend I am checking the valve clearances since I don't know the last time they were checked. My results: Intakes: All are at a perfect 0.006" Exhausts: 2 are at a perfect 0.012", 4 are at 0.011", 1 is at 0.010" and 1 is at 0.008" According to the manual, I need to adjust the two exhaust valves. At least they are both on the "easy" head to get to. My question is, since I have it this far apart, and I have to adjust two of them, should I adjust the 4 valves which are 0.011" even though they "pass"? And should I replace the rubber cover gaskets? (they look okay, but the bike does have 99k on it, so probably a little hardened). Thanks,
I think you're going to be limited by the selection of available new shim sizes, depending on what you have in now and what used shims may be available from local shops for swapping around...meaning .011 may be the closest you can get. Either way I'd only bother with the exhaust on the same head where the out of spec valves are, since you're pulling that cam anyway. At 99K and almost 16 years, I'd replace the gaskets. I just paid $23 US each for those, cheap insurance imo.
I pulled all the shims on the exhaust cam, all are identical 170. Measured the cam lobes and they are perfect on the intake and exhaust. Once the store is open I'll get some new shims, O-rings, gaskets and I see these copper looking washers on the cam "A" hold-down bolts. So I imagine I should replace those. Also the cover has special rubber/metal washers which I'll replace as well. Two on the front head were not leaking but were weeping. The cam hold-down bearing surface has some wear: Any opinions if this is excessive wear? Other than these bearing surfaces, everything is looking pretty much perfect.
