Valve Clearance Check #2 and #3

jbfla · 03-21-2016, 08:15 PM

The first check for valve tappet clearances was at 850 miles:

http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=15650

The valve clearances were at the same .003" (3 thousandths inch) as CSC had set them during their "set up". So that's where I left them.

2,650 miles later, at 3,500 miles, I checked the clearances once more.

This time was different:

Intakes: .005"
Exhaust: .001"

My first thought was the piston was at top dead center on the wrong stroke.

So I checked:

Looked to be in the correct position.

Readjusted the clearances to .003" as recommended by CSC.

Put the bike back together, and ran the engine at idle for a while. All seemed fine, except for the tapping noise.

I had been noticing a tapping noise from the engine recently, which was becoming louder.

After a couple of emails to CSC, it was suggested that I recheck the valve clearances.

So for the second time in 3 days, the bike comes back apart....

The valve clearances were right where I had left them, .003"
....and the .004" would not fit.

You all know how much fun checking the valve clearances is ....

More to follow. Hopefully with some favorable news.

Oh, and BTW when you have a chance, check the battery terminals on your RX3. There was a significant amount of corrosion on both terminals:

jb

Jay In Milpitas · 03-21-2016, 11:35 PM

Whoa there Buckaroo. In the picture of the exhaust tappets, there looks to be part of the frame broken. Just to the left (in the pic) of the green head bolt. I'd draw a circle around it but my computer doesn't have breaker points and I'm not savvy on new tech stuff.

detours · 03-22-2016, 01:22 AM

Jay has a good eye. The end of that bar should be rounded, with a bolt hole for the lower radiator mount. It looks broken off.

jbfla, can you get a pic of that mount from the side?

willy dog · 03-22-2016, 06:54 AM

that sure look like it is broke too me good eye jay

Juanro · 03-22-2016, 06:58 AM

Looks to me that it's not broken... we're seeing the bend with the soldered nut where the radiator bolts just at the right angle.

jbfla · 03-22-2016, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jay In Milpitas

Whoa there Buckaroo. In the picture of the exhaust tappets, there looks to be part of the frame broken. Just to the left (in the pic) of the green head bolt. I'd draw a circle around it but my computer doesn't have breaker points and I'm not savvy on new tech stuff.

Jay, I think it's an optical illusion. The top radiator mount is in good shape.

The radiator is currently bolted to it....pardon me for not wanting to unbolt the radiator......again...for a photo.

jb

RedHawk47 · 03-23-2016, 12:05 AM

Perhaps the reason the tappets are noisy:
From the CSC Service Manual:

specified gap of 0.04mm to 0.06mm

That is .0016" to .0024"

.003" = .08mm

detours · 03-23-2016, 01:24 AM

When I talked to Gerry about my new engine, he said that he has been recommending a gap between .06 and .08 mm.

Inroads · 03-23-2016, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedHawk47

Perhaps the reason the tappets are noisy:
From the CSC Service Manual:

specified gap of 0.04mm to 0.06mm

That is .0016" to .0024"

.003" = .08mm

That is a tight clearance from the factory? I like .003 inch
As Spud says: Slappy valve is a happy valve.
Maybe the factory wanted a quieter valve train.
Also as valve train components wear they almost always close up
And my biggest fear in extending the valve adjustment intervals is for there to be zero clearance.
Just seems like every reason to adjust to the high side of the specified clearance.

jbfla · 03-23-2016, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedHawk47

Perhaps the reason the tappets are noisy:
From the CSC Service Manual:

specified gap of 0.04mm to 0.06mm

That is .0016" to .0024"

.003" = .08mm

I am aware of the clearances in the manual.

CSC (Gerry) told me that during the setup, the valves are set to .003 inch.

He again verified this by email to me, and to another RX3 owner.

.003 inch = .0762 mm

jb

SpudRider · 03-23-2016, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inroads

That is a tight clearance from the factory? I like .003 inch
As Spud says: Slappy valve is a happy valve.
Maybe the factory wanted a quieter valve train.
Also as valve train components wear they almost always close up
And my biggest fear in extending the valve adjustment intervals is for there to be zero clearance.
Just seems like every reason to adjust to the high side of the specified clearance.

I agree completely.

I set all my valves to a clearance of 0.08 mm, and I haven't noticed any lose of performance. I like having the extra margin of safety.

dpl096 · 04-06-2016, 01:27 PM

jbfla :

Great photos !!!! I've checked the website here but cant find an in-depth video of a valve check... I was kind of surprised. I'm ordering at the end of the month and can't wait. I jump between the orange, new gray and white like a bobblehead.....I was originally settled on the blue ... oh well !

SpudRider · 04-06-2016, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dpl096

jbfla :

Great photos !!!! I've checked the website here but cant find an in-depth video of a valve check... I was kind of surprised. I'm ordering at the end of the month and can't wait. I jump between the orange, new gray and white like a bobblehead.....I was originally settled on the blue ... oh well !

All the colors are great; you can't go wrong with any of them.

Nevertheless, you can also paint the bike a custom color whenever you choose.

03-21-2016, 08:15 PM	#1
jbfla Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: FL, GA, NC Posts: 771	Valve Clearance Check #2 and #3 The first check for valve tappet clearances was at 850 miles: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=15650 The valve clearances were at the same .003" (3 thousandths inch) as CSC had set them during their "set up". So that's where I left them. 2,650 miles later, at 3,500 miles, I checked the clearances once more. This time was different: Intakes: .005" Exhaust: .001" My first thought was the piston was at top dead center on the wrong stroke. So I checked: Looked to be in the correct position. Readjusted the clearances to .003" as recommended by CSC. Put the bike back together, and ran the engine at idle for a while. All seemed fine, except for the tapping noise. I had been noticing a tapping noise from the engine recently, which was becoming louder. After a couple of emails to CSC, it was suggested that I recheck the valve clearances. So for the second time in 3 days, the bike comes back apart.... The valve clearances were right where I had left them, .003" ....and the .004" would not fit. You all know how much fun checking the valve clearances is .... More to follow. Hopefully with some favorable news. Oh, and BTW when you have a chance, check the battery terminals on your RX3. There was a significant amount of corrosion on both terminals: jb __________________ 2016 Honda CB500F......2017 Triumph Street Twin 2014 XT 250........
	1

03-22-2016, 06:54 AM	#4
willy dog Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: vermont Posts: 238	that sure look like it is broke too me good eye jay __________________ Peace and Zong Life
	0

03-23-2016, 12:05 AM	#7
RedHawk47 Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Berthoud, CO Posts: 205	Perhaps the reason the tappets are noisy: From the CSC Service Manual: specified gap of 0.04mm to 0.06mm That is .0016" to .0024" .003" = .08mm __________________ Dan CSC RX3 Cyclone, CSC TT250, Moto Guzzi V7 II, KLR650
	1

03-23-2016, 01:24 AM	#8
detours Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Arvada, CO Posts: 1,004	When I talked to Gerry about my new engine, he said that he has been recommending a gap between .06 and .08 mm. __________________ Red 5 standing by! 2015 CSC red RX3 with 19" front wheel, Shinko 804/805, skid plate, tall seat, 13T/45T sprockets, progressive shock, Winyoochanok windshield, GENSSI LED headlight, SW-Motech tankbag, Shorai Lithium battery 2014 Ural Patrol
	0

03-21-2016, 11:35 PM	#2
Jay In Milpitas Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Milpitas, CA. USA Posts: 775	Whoa there Buckaroo. In the picture of the exhaust tappets, there looks to be part of the frame broken. Just to the left (in the pic) of the green head bolt. I'd draw a circle around it but my computer doesn't have breaker points and I'm not savvy on new tech stuff.
	0

03-22-2016, 01:22 AM	#3
detours Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Arvada, CO Posts: 1,004	Jay has a good eye. The end of that bar should be rounded, with a bolt hole for the lower radiator mount. It looks broken off. jbfla, can you get a pic of that mount from the side? __________________ Red 5 standing by! 2015 CSC red RX3 with 19" front wheel, Shinko 804/805, skid plate, tall seat, 13T/45T sprockets, progressive shock, Winyoochanok windshield, GENSSI LED headlight, SW-Motech tankbag, Shorai Lithium battery 2014 Ural Patrol
	1

03-22-2016, 06:58 AM	#5
Juanro Join Date: Oct 2015 Posts: 321	Looks to me that it's not broken... we're seeing the bend with the soldered nut where the radiator bolts just at the right angle.
	0

04-06-2016, 01:27 PM	#12
dpl096 Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: East Central Hellinois Posts: 1,344	jbfla : Great photos !!!! I've checked the website here but cant find an in-depth video of a valve check... I was kind of surprised. I'm ordering at the end of the month and can't wait. I jump between the orange, new gray and white like a bobblehead.....I was originally settled on the blue ... oh well !
	0