The OBSERVED Valve Clearance thread

[Inhouse Bob]

Dave,

I am curious as to what was challenging? I'll be removing my stock cams and installing new ones soon.

I've had my valve cover off before to swap from black to brushed. Wasn't horrible, but I know that is only the beginning.

Hi Josh. Removing the valve cover was a lot of work, at least I believe it is. I am used to working on older bikes where everything is much easier. Just removing the gas tank on the CB1100 is a real PITA. There is about 3 inches clearance to gain access to the fuel line disconnect valve and you can barely get your hands in there. I compressed the plastic tabs as far as they would go, using a needle nose pliers, and the joint would still not come apart. I resorting to using pliers and a screwdriver to force the joint apart and I cracked the plastic connector, which cost $80.00 to replace. I can remove the gas tank on my CB750F in about 60 seconds, and it doesn't require any tools. Removing all of the items on top of the valve cover was very time-consuming. That metallic clip, with the two nuts welded to the ends, is a really bad design also. It is nearly impossible to even see, and even more difficult to even touch, and it will fall out. I epoxied mine to the plastic heat shield before reinstalling it. I am sure the job gets much easier after you have done it once, but I believe that it would take about tens times as long to adjust the valves on this bike than it does for my old CB750. Even my VFR800 is much easier, and with the gear-driven cams on the VFR it makes cam removal much easier and quicker. Did you have any difficulty disconnecting the fuel line? How did you deal with the metal clip with the nuts welded to the ends?

Well snap, this is in direct contrast to all those in my swapping tank thread who said it was easy peasy. So which is it??

It helps to have a prehensile tail
But! I did it once and lived to tell, so you almost certainly can, too. I find it always helps in stressful situations to have a friend on hand to cheer you on and hold your beer. But mostly, patience will pay off.
Go for it. Anything you do wrong can be easily fixed for not much money and the pride in a job well done will be worth it.

Unless something under there leaks flammable drops into a hot engine area.

Unless something under there leaks flammable drops into a hot engine area.





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