Valve Check On 2013

[peterbaron]

I am ashamed and regret to say: my car has 240 K (shims) and CB 53 K and has never done any valve clearance check = do NOT copy this habit...

pb

[dbarkdoll_imp]

So, I’m coming up on 8k on my 2013. I really would like to check the valves this spring, but do NOT want to pay to have it done. I don’t really have any experience with taking apart a motor/disassembling a bike to this extent. What I DO have is: a service manual, the internet (YouTube and y’all), and a very mechanically competent father. I haven’t asked him about this yet, but I’m pretty sure he’s done similar work on his bikes before, and is very skilled at turning a wrench and has an entire shop full of tools. Given that context, how would you rate this sort of procedure in difficulty for the two of us? (This question is for anyone kind enough to answer).

[SportsterDoc]

To only check, most of the work is getting to the point of removing the valve covers.
Using a feeler gauge, checking with each valve closed, is not at all difficult.
It is easy to simply eyeball the cam position, to know that the gap is maximum, when measured.

If adjustment is needed, then it gets more tedious.

Checking valves on all my recent bikes found every single valve within tolerance.
The were properly run-in, quality oil used and not abused.

From what I have gleaned from this forum, checking at 8,000 seems earlier than likely needed.

[dbarkdoll_imp]

To only check, most of the work is getting to the point of removing the valve covers.
Using a feeler gauge, checking with each valve closed, is not at all difficult.
It is easy to simply eyeball the cam position, to know that the gap is maximum, when measured.

If adjustment is needed, then it gets more tedious.

Checking valves on all my recent bikes found every single valve within tolerance.
The were properly run-in, quality oil used and not abused.

From what I have gleaned from this forum, checking at 8,000 seems earlier than likely needed.

Call it wishful thinking, but I’m anticipating everything to be in spec. This bike was broken in properly, always had Honda oil in it, and not ran TOO hard. I will admit that I have started playing around in the 4000-7000 rpm range more often, but I don’t believe I have ever redlined. All that being said, it would be good peace of mind to know for sure. And I’ve been hyper acute lately to the sound of the valves. It seems like they’re a bit noisier than before but I’m like 99% sure it’s just because I’m listening for it and being paranoid.

[SportsterDoc]

Most likely you are hearing the fuel injectors.

[dbarkdoll_imp]

Really? Are they louder than the valves?

[SportsterDoc]

Really? Are they louder than the valves?

Very much so.
Listen to a fuel injected motor with hydraulic valves.

[PowerDubs_imp]

At only 8k miles you have a much greater chance of causing a problem by checking the clearances than you do by just leaving well enough alone.

[Houtman_imp]

At only 8k miles you have a much greater chance of causing a problem by checking the clearances than you do by just leaving well enough alone.

That is what my Honda mechanic said as well !

[dave]

Max- thanks so much - this post is great! I am going copy it for future reference.