Valve Adjustment Time?

[hughes22]

So this is probably a question being geared right at the Tergins crew, so here it goes.

My bike has around 17k miles on it and I've never had any of the "big" service checks done on it. According to the service manual, by now I should have had the valve clearance checked and a throttle body sync (?) done around 15k. Question is, do I need to have this stuff done? In my opinion, the bike has started to make some different noises over the past season, but I seem to be the only one to notice it. I'm thinking I need some things adjusted, or at least checked, before this riding season really starts up. I've also been hearing of exhaust valves out of specs as well as intakes.

Another wonder I have is price. Looking on Kawiforums, guys are getting this stuff done anywhere from $240-$550, with parts and labor included already. Thats some serious difference in price, for the same service. Of course the higher end costs seem to be more in the CA area, but the lower ends are in FL and other parts of the country. I know you all don't like to post prices on here, but can this stuff be done for a reasonable price?

[Shakeweight]

I would always follow the manual. $500 is a whole lot cheaper than a motor rebuild.

[ryoung57]

It's a great idea to get it done but hardly anybody actually does it. "Usually" the first one ends up being just a check because they're still in spec but you never know. Price will vary based on how hard it is to get to them, what gaskets need to be replaced, and whether or not you need to purchase shims (if they are out of spec you'll need one for every valve that is out, you have 16). It could be anywhere from $300 to $600.

[ryoung57]

Labor rates out west and in major metro areas are higher. Ours is $66 an hour. Many shops get $100+

[dra200832]

Lol that's pritty good compared to my boat labor. Its a whopping 145 a HR

[WhatARush]

IMHO...It's not that hard of a job if you have a little bit of mechanical skills. I downloaded the service manual and did the work myself. Check them on my old zx10 at 18k and they where in spec. I checked them again at 24K and had four out of spec (two exhaust and two intake). I was able to move some shims around and only had to buy two shims.


I have the service manual (pdf file) for your bike if you want it PM me a email addy and I'll send it your way.

[hughes22]

I have a pdf service manual already, so that wouldn't be an issue. I've got some mechanical skills, but not enough to do that kind of engine work myself. Plus, I know there's certain tools and stuff that I don't have anyways.

[earz]

About the only special tools needed besides your run of the mill hand tools would be a set of feeler gauges. Feeler gauges can be purchased just about anywhere for around $10. I'd say read through the manual, do some research, ask questions, take your time, take lots of pictures, and try it yourself. At least to check the clearances. Once you get in that far - if they need adjustment, it's just a few more steps and some basic math (or reference the chart in the manual) for proper shim selection.

[hughes22]

Okay, I may just take a full day to do it on my own. At least as far as I can. That way if I end up needing to take it to a shop, it would cut down on shop time at least.

Also, would I be able to do the throttle body sync on my own as well? To be honest, I don't even know what that means. And what about the exhaust vavle/intake stuff? Is that DIY as well? Or are those the valves that everyone is referring to when they have their "valves" checked?

[ryoung57]

Originally Posted by hughes22

Okay, I may just take a full day to do it on my own. At least as far as I can. That way if I end up needing to take it to a shop, it would cut down on shop time at least.

Also, would I be able to do the throttle body sync on my own as well? To be honest, I don't even know what that means. And what about the exhaust vavle/intake stuff? Is that DIY as well? Or are those the valves that everyone is referring to when they have their "valves" checked?

No, you have to check the valve stems, knuter valves, butterfly valves, and atrioventricular valves too. While you're at it it's a good idea to change out your power band. They get weak over time.