Valve Clearance Check/ Adjust

[Forde]

Should i try this myself?  I do basic stuff like fitting exhausts, oil and filter changes, that type of stuff.  But never anything like a valve adjust.  I dont want to wreck my engine.

At the same time, im not sure about sending it to a mechanic as i dont know if they would do that good a job or if they would be aware of the little quirks on this bike. I was reading the threads on valves in the FAQ and it said there were a few wee things that you need to keep an eye out for when adjusting b400 valves, i wouldnt want the mechanic to miss those things out.

If i was to do this myself id probably need a hell of a good guide as im such a noob.  I have a suzuki service manual ill need to dig out for a look but it seems to think that you already know a lot.  I know a lot of you guys have done it yourself but all the ones who have seem to be more knowledgable about working on bikes than me...

[Banditmax]

Do it mate its really simple if you take your time and work logically. Unless you don't like taking off your airbox.....

[Forde]

Yeah i had the tank and airbox off before its more the opening the engine and messing with stuff im worried about as ive never really done anything like this before.

Are there any good guides anywhere on the net?  Even something basic and then the suzuki manual can fill me in on the detailed stuff.

Do i need any special tools?

What tools do i need?

[r_outsider]

The only "special" tool needed to check the valve in B4s is a feeler gauge. Everything else is pretty much ordinary hand tools. It's not a hard job at all, a pain to be sure, but not difficult.

And just remember, everyone else who has ever adjusted valves (or anything else for that matter) had to do it for the first time once. And if we got through it, so can you. Just keep the factory service manual within easy reach, don't rush, and you'll be fine.

[Forde]

i seen someone talking about this special tool you could get from suzuki for turning the nut or something cos it was hard with a normal wrench?  they said it was like £5 so would be worth getting 

[Banditmax]

Yeah you can get a suzuki tool to do it might make it a tiny bit easier, http://www.holeshot.com/main/showimage.shtml?tools/images/tool_valvetool.jpg is what it looks like

[Banditmax]

http://www.robinsonsfoundry.co.uk/shop/index.php/parts/index.html £3.50 09917-14920 TAPPET ADJUSTER

[PitterB4]

The tool is cheap enough but it's easy to do with out it.  I used pliers to hold the center but it's apparently easier with a square-bit screw screwed into something to hold it.

[GooseMan]

If I can do, you can do it! Seriously...I'm the guy who breaks something EVERY time I work on my bike (how many people do you know strip bolts during a routine oil change or even brake fluid change? ME!  ), but I managed to perform the entire valve check/adjust myself, and didnt break or strip a single thing...and *SURPRISE* the bike started right up after I was done!

 

It's really simple to do when following the service manual. I didnt have any special tools, but I used a Robertson (square) type screw (SCREW, not screwdriver) to hold the square part of the vavle adjuster.

It's really easy once you get in there...time consuming, but easy. I took my time to take apart the bike, went to bed, woke up fresh and did all the adjusting and re-assembling the day after.

Also, take digital pics of the disassembly process, just so you know which wires and cables when where.

[gsxr400 racer]

I use a paint pen to mark the nuts after i have tighted them that is the worst to forget to tighten one and have it fall off in the motor... It happens all the time in shops

[Banditmax]

I always go back over and check every nut after ive finished to check ive tightened it properly just to make sure.