My Engine Has 8 Valves...

[stickboy]

So first off, I consider myself pretty mechanically inclined. I have been working on cars and various other engines since I was about 5 years old. This is, however, my first motorcycle (97 EX250).

I took my bike apart the other afternoon after work. I do not have a garage to work in right now, so I had to do this outside in the carport. Well, it was starting to get dark, and I still had to do the exhaust valves, so I was in somewhat of a panic. The intakes were adjusted (or so I thought) so it was just those pesky exhaust valves right next to the timing chain. I fought with them to get them adjusted. I couldn't find a screwdriver that would fit down the middle of the locking nut socket, so I had to do a lot of trial and error to get the adjustment right when the locknut was tightened. I finally got them right, and it was just about dark outside. I began putting the bike together under the front porch light and a nearby streetlight, using a flashlight in the hard to see spots. Not much fun.

So I got the bike together and fired it up. It ran MUCH smoother, but it was still having some idle and stalling problems until it was really warmed up. I figured I would just have to pull the carbs off this weekend and clean them up really good.

So I am sitting here last night, thinking about pulling the carbs and such, and it hits me!!! I only adjusted 4 of the valves. That means that there are 4 in there that are still out of adjustment! So guess what I am REALLY going to be doing this weekend...

[stickboy]

Readjusted ALL of the valves today, and now the bike is purring like a kitten!

[zedx11]

good to see you got them all and it is running better.