Bandit Alley

MODEL SPECIFIC => SUZUKI BANDIT 250 & 400 => Topic started by: Forde on May 18, 2008, 02:55:03 PM

Title: Valve Clearance Check/ Adjust
Post by: Forde on May 18, 2008, 02:55:03 PM
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...
Title: Re: Valve Clearance Check/ Adjust
Post by: Banditmax on May 18, 2008, 05:04:42 PM
Do it mate its really simple if you take your time and work logically. Unless you don't like taking off your airbox.....
Title: Re: Valve Clearance Check/ Adjust
Post by: Forde on May 19, 2008, 08:20:17 PM
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?
Title: Re: Valve Clearance Check/ Adjust
Post by: r_outsider on May 20, 2008, 02:58:59 AM
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.
Title: Re: Valve Clearance Check/ Adjust
Post by: Forde on May 20, 2008, 09:50:46 AM
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 

Title: Re: Valve Clearance Check/ Adjust
Post by: Banditmax on May 20, 2008, 10:04:58 AM
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
Title: Re: Valve Clearance Check/ Adjust
Post by: Banditmax on May 20, 2008, 10:06:53 AM
http://www.robinsonsfoundry.co.uk/shop/index.php/parts/index.html £3.50 09917-14920 TAPPET ADJUSTER
Title: Re: Valve Clearance Check/ Adjust
Post by: PitterB4 on May 20, 2008, 10:17:29 AM
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.
Title: Re: Valve Clearance Check/ Adjust
Post by: GooseMan on May 20, 2008, 11:51:36 AM
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!  :duh: :roll: ), 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!

 :yikes:

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.
Title: Re: Valve Clearance Check/ Adjust
Post by: gsxr400 racer on May 20, 2008, 12:55:14 PM
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 :duh:
Title: Re: Valve Clearance Check/ Adjust
Post by: Banditmax on May 20, 2008, 12:57:25 PM
I always go back over and check every nut after ive finished to check ive tightened it properly just to make sure.