Author Topic: Less engine braking after valve adjustment? (Read 3380 times)

vadim · « **on:** October 20, 2005, 10:54:02 PM »

Just took my bike out for a ride after the valve adjustment/carb sync. I can definitely tell that the sound of the engine is lower (it doesn't scream as much) and I feel like there's less vibration. But also feel like there's a less engine braking than there used to be, especially in higher gears. Could that be related to the valve adjust or am I just making things up here since I am paying more attention to the feel of the bike than before?

Thanks,

-Vadim

Red01 · « **Reply #1 on:** October 21, 2005, 01:51:11 AM »

Not unless your valves were REAL loose before the adjustment

vadim · « **Reply #2 on:** October 21, 2005, 08:37:22 AM »

Nope, they were real tight. I adjusted them to the looser limit of the spec.

terrebandit · « **Reply #3 on:** October 21, 2005, 08:27:26 PM »

I think its just all in your "head".

Why did you set them to the loose end of spec rather than in the middle part of the range? Carb synch can cause less vibration in your motor so maybe thats what you are feeling/hearing. A loose clearance will increase engine noise.

vadim · « **Reply #4 on:** October 21, 2005, 11:52:47 PM »

That's what I wanted to hear :) I've read a few posts of people setting them to the loose end of the spec, or "always" setting them to the loose end of the spec. So when i saw how tight they were I figured it would be better. I guess it was cold outside and I wasn't thinking clearly. Next time I get in there I'll chose the middle range.

terrebandit · « **Reply #5 on:** October 22, 2005, 12:10:35 AM »

Vadim,

Loose is better than tight, so you will probably be OK. You don't have to worry about a burnt valve anyway. Actually, I did the same thing as you, for about 28K, on my 2001 B-12. Then I developed some cam pitting problems that I attributed to the oil that I was using and poor hardening on the stock cams. Some people have told me that a loose clearances cause more wear on cam lobes. I don't know if this is true but mine were toast. Perhaps this was a contributing factor as well?

vadim · « **Reply #6 on:** October 22, 2005, 11:42:51 AM »

I only have 8500 miles on the bike and I am not at risk of putting 28K miles on it anytime soon. Nothing under the valve cover looked worn. If the bike runs well enough, I'll do the next adjust on schedule and set the clearance to the middle of the range. Thanks for your input.

-Vadim

fake · « **Reply #7 on:** October 24, 2005, 11:19:09 AM »

I'm waiting to put 1K on mine then do the valve adjustment myself.