5th Gen Valve Check, maybe adjustgment

Hi All,

I have a 98 with about 18,500 miles, excellent condition, well maintained by previous owner, but he never had valve clearance checked. I intend to do it myself, and adjustment if necessary. I have moderate mech experience on autos and in-line 4 cyl OHC motorcycles. I have the downloaded VFR manual. Checking looks fairly straight forward. Removing and re-installing cams to adjust shims a lot more complicated.

To do the CHECK to I need anything more than valve cover gaskets? There are several other items shown in the manual that I don't know if need replacement: Joint collars, new O-rings, breather separator plate, rubber bolt setting washers, cylinder head packings (4-look like oval gaskets), anything related to the reed valves.

The manual notes O-ring replacement, sealing washers, and flange bolts should be replace installing the cams (in addition to any thing needed to pull and replace the valve covers). Shims of course for the adjustment. But I need to perform the check to know if I need to go any further.

Also, should I buy everything from the Honda dealer? Or is there a good aftermarket source for these parts? Honda shows different parts for front and rear gaskets. What I have found on line seems to be only a single product and you buy one for each head.

Any thoughts or suggestions will be much appreciated.

BAMiller

 

I just did a valve adjust on my '01 VFR. I went to the dealer to get the gaskets and they didn't have them in stock, so I ordered them from Cheap Cycle Parts. I ordered the two cover gaskets, and four smaller oval gaskets, and that's it. The o-rings, crush washers and everything else inside looked great. The gaskets came to about $75 with shipping for genuine Honda parts. Not bad... the dealership (as always) wanted more.

The job itself is fairly straight forward. I had the most difficulty getting the damn airbox back on with all the hoses connected properly. Removing the cams for adjustment is pretty easy... as long as you follow the manual, you should be fine. The cam holders didn't come right off... that was difficult because I had to loosen the bolts in an even fashion and use a big screwdriver with a rubber grip on the end to gently pry at the cam holders to get them to finally release... all the while nursing the bolts out evenly.

Use a container to keep all the valve buckets and shims organized. Use a magnetic tool to remove the buckets so that the shims underneath come out with them. Don't drop a shim in the motor! I'm lucky enough to have not done that... but jesus! That would be hell if I had accidentally dropped a shim in the motor.

Good luck! I have pictures that I can post if you think that would help...

 

Also, take the spark plugs out so it's easier to turn the motor over... I missed that step and got half-way through before finally taking them out. It makes it a hell of a lot easier to get the tick marks lined up on the cams.

One more thing: when reinstalling the cams, I had to do one over because I thought I had it oriented properly, but when I tightened the cam down, it turned out to be one tooth off. Easy mistake to make, I guess. So double check that the cam is properly aligned after you tighten it back down.

Of course... if you're within spec, you don't need to take the cams out at all. Cross your fingers.

 

I did my '99 at 30,000 miles and didn't replace any gaskets, and didn't replace any at the 16,000 mile mark either. Is the '98 different? The valve cover gaskets are a rubber-like material, not a flat gasket on my '99.

 

Reg is correct. Here is the link:

http://vfrworld.com/forums/mechanics-garage/16474-tips-5th-gen-valve-clearance-inspection.html

Note that I did install ALL of the cam shaft holder bolts after I had removed the cams. I didn't get the clearance measurements I expected until I installed and tightened all of the bolts. It only costs a few more minutes to do that anyways. Besides, if you installed the correct shims you don't have to take the holders back off. <shrug>

I did not replace any gaskets when I did my valve check and adjustment.

 

"I did not replace any gaskets when I did my valve check and adjustment."[/QUOTE]

Thanks all for the suggestions and tips. I saw Joey_Dude's thread and it was helpful too.

deadsmiliey, FJ12rydertoo: I assumed I needed gaskets because I did on previous MC. The honda dealer said I didn't need valve cover gaskets if they weren't damaged (rubber). So you guys found that ALL the rubber gaskets where OK to reuse? The manual specifically says to replace O-rings, sealing washers, flange bolts in the cam install section. If they are all good shape and have some resiliency, have you found them good to reuse as well?

Thanks,

BAMiller

 

Yeah, I didn't have any issues. The cam cover bolts stop on a shoulder, so you can't put too much pressure on the the gaskets. I have heard of people getting ham fisted with the bolts and breaking them. Don't do that. Use a torque wrench if you aren't sure about it.

If you have to take the cams out, mark where the cam gears mesh with a Sharpie. They will always go back correctly if you do that. Double check with the timing marks on the cam gears.

Make sure you get the cam holders back in the same positions they came from as they are machined in place and can't be swapped. They ARE marked. The manual points this out very clearly. If you don't have the Honda service manual get one!

 

Ditto here, I had no issues reusing everything that came off. I bought no new gaskets or O-rings.