Another question about valve clearance checks.

[CajunBass]

I did a search and found a lot of information about valve clearance checks, but maybe it was too much information and I just got overloaded or something.

I'm coming up on 12,000 miles on my '03 LT, and the maint schedule calls for a clearance check. Is there anywhere on here that explains how to do it in a manner that a more or less mechanically ignorant person can understand? Actually even taking off the tupperware looks to be more complicated than the space shuttle.

I'd really like to be able to do this kind of stuff myself, just for the satisfaction of doing it, if you know what I mean. Plus it would save me a lot of money.

I suppose the Clymer manual tells you how to do it. Is it clear enough for a dummy like me to follow and have a reasonable expectation of getting things back together right?

[jackd]

This is a pretty straight forward valve check procedure (http://www.gunsmoke.com/motorcycling/k1200rs/valves/index.html).. It is on the GunSmoke site and for 1200S but I think it's pretty good..

[PMitchell]

Just purchased the Paul Sayegh's DVD set. Best thing since sliced bread & peanut butter for LT do-it-ur-selfers!

He has a section on valve checking and it's a breeze once the side tupperware is off! :dance:
Check out HERE! (http://www.sayegh.org/bmw.htm)

[bob_menton]

Just a clarification to Jack's post: the Paul Sayegh DVDs are great for *checking* valve lash (among many other things), which is a relatively easy procedure, but Sayegh doesn't cover how to *adjust* valves if the check indicates the need. If you need to *adjust* valves, use the info from Scot Marburger on the Gunsmoke web site. It's harder than just checking the lash - you have to remove cams and replace buckets - but still within the motivated owner's capabilities.

- Bob

[CajunBass]

Thanks for that link Jack.

I'll have to check out the DVD set too.

This site is great. :D

[PMitchell]

Just a clarification to Jack's post: the Paul Sayegh DVDs are great for *checking* valve lash (among many other things), which is a relatively easy procedure, but Sayegh doesn't cover how to *adjust* valves if the check indicates the need. If you need to *adjust* valves, use the info from Scot Marburger on the Gunsmoke web site. It's harder than just checking the lash - you have to remove cams and replace buckets - but still within the motivated owner's capabilities.

- Bob
Agree with the checking comments. Paul doesn't get to the adjustments

[dshealey]

This is a pretty straight forward valve check procedure (http://www.gunsmoke.com/motorcycling/k1200rs/valves/index.html).. It is on the GunSmoke site and for 1200S but I think it's pretty good..

Unfortunately, this link keeps being posted without the proviso that one of the first steps in it is WRONG. I tried to find a way to contact the writer to ask that the document be modified, but found no contact info.

Under NO circumstances should the spark plugs be removed before taking all the clearance readings.

BMW states that in the service manual, and the reason is that small flakes of carbon that may be knocked loose at the end of the spark plug threads will fall down, and can very conceivably end up on the valve or seat face of any open exhaust valves. Then when the engine is turned over to check that cylinder, the valve will be held slightly off the seat, making the clearance reading obtained that much larger than it really is. You may then think that valve is in tolerance, when after the carbon is blown back off the seat face when the engine is started the clearance will be too tight.

The chance is relatively low, but it exists, so it is not wise to risk it.

[Daveh]

I have found seeing and helping someone actually take the tupperware off for the first time and expose the area to be worked on gives a much clearer understanding of what you read in the Clymer or BMW manuals. With the exception of the spark plug issue I think the Gunsmoke valve check and adjustment is much easier to follow than either of the manuals. I was lucky enough to attend a tech session where Mark Neblett showed several novice LT owners how to do the 12K maintenance.

Cajun, if you want someone to help walk you through your first tupperware removal and 12k I would be glad to give you a hand.

[jackd]

Under NO circumstances should the spark plugs be removed before taking all the clearance readings.

David, Thanks for adding that.. I have that on my printed instructions in the garage... I forgot about that.. I believe that has been discussed before.

[CajunBass]

I have found seeing and helping someone actually take the tupperware off for the first time and expose the area to be worked on gives a much clearer understanding of what you read in the Clymer or BMW manuals. With the exception of the spark plug issue I think the Gunsmoke valve check and adjustment is much easier to follow than either of the manuals. I was lucky enough to attend a tech session where Mark Neblett showed several novice LT owners how to do the 12K maintenance.

Cajun, if you want someone to help walk you through your first tupperware removal and 12k I would be glad to give you a hand.

Thanks Dave. I might take you up on that. I'm going to wait for the weather to improve a bit. I doubt it's that critical that it can't go a bit over.

[tarheel_rider]

I'm at 33K and starting to think about scheduling the 36K maintenance. Probably won't be until March since I'm travelling out of country for a couple of weeks in between now and then. But, if you wait that long and have any interest in doing it together, let me know. This will be my first attempt, but I've watched it done, watched the videos, and have some level of comfort in being able to pull it off. When I came home with the bill for the 24K service interval, my SO told me that I could either learn to do it myself or sell the bike because we couldn't afford to keep it. Although, if the valves don't check, it goes to the dealer for that fix, I won't be attempting the bucket swap.

[CarSalesman]

David: If you don't remove the spark plugs to relieve compression, how do you precisely rotate the engine to take the valve clearance readings?

[dshealey]

David: If you don't remove the spark plugs to relieve compression, how do you precisely rotate the engine to take the valve clearance readings?

Easy. Put it in 5th gear, and rock the rear wheel to bump the engine around. There is enough compression loss around the rings etc that it is not an issue.

I have done several, no problem whatsoever.

[hoodoodrum]

Although, if the valves don't check, it goes to the dealer for that fix, I won't be attempting the bucket swap.

If you use the gunsmoke.com procedure, it's actually pretty straightforward. I caved in a decided to adjust an intake bucket on my own. Went very smooth. I was surprised.

[bob_menton]

If you use the gunsmoke.com procedure, it's actually pretty straightforward. I caved in a decided to adjust an intake bucket on my own. Went very smooth. I was surprised.

Agreed. I was set to take the bike to the dealer for a valve gap adjustment when my wife read the Gunsmoke printout. She said "This looks straightforward and clear" ... so the two of us did it. No problems. She was highly motivated, of course, by my telling her how much money we could save if we did the valve gap adjustment ourselves ...

- Bob

[hoodoodrum]

She was highly motivated, of course, by my telling her how much money we could save if we did the valve gap adjustment ourselves ...

- Bob

No doubt, the same here. Each and every time I have to pack the big bugger up on the trailer and take over to the dealer (don't ride it over when the snow is on the ground), the time to haul plus the shop time adds up FAST. Two years ago, I put a Reznor heater in the garage so I can take all winter long if necessary to get it figured out so long as both cars get back in the garage at night (wife's orders!!) ;)

[Steve_R]

I'm not surprised that you two were able to do it. She is the smartest of the two, but probably had a lapse in judgement when she married. :histerica