800 valve adjustment

kw-retrorider · September 25, 2013, 04:24:55 AM

Thanks guys....gives me something to think about and some more research to do.

Appreciate the U tube stuff....will look into the other episodes. My thoughts were that a trained mechanic (like the dealer) would know how to do this in frame (regardless of what they told me). I can see from the video though, there are lots of interferences and labor time, so although it's pricey...I can see why, even if the engine stays in the frame. I will also look forward to Ratman's adventures in the living room this winter....since I don't need to do this immediately and may put it off until the next major service interval at 18K....when other things are due, like the coolant change.

That said, while I understand the value of keeping the valves adjusted, I'd hate to pull it down to find out the valves were within spec. These modern engines are just not like the old engines and under the heading of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it"....I'd leave it alone unless there was some history with this engine of chronic valve lash problems or I get some other symptoms. From the response, sounds like everyone is over the recommended interval (including me) and doing fine.

Appreciate the quick response and perspective the group provides, so will think some more on this before spending any beer money unnecessarily.

greenbarn · September 24, 2013, 20:45:28 PM

Quote from: CDNRatMan on September 24, 2013, 20:09:21 PM
I heard it was a tight fit but time and patience were the key to the whole thing and to just relax

That sounds kind of kinky..

CDNRatMan · September 24, 2013, 20:09:21 PM

I heard it was a tight fit but time and patience were the key to the whole thing and to just relax

Troll · September 24, 2013, 18:44:30 PM

Good idea. From what I have read, the rear valve cover is a really tight fit, but it WILL come out.

CDNRatMan · September 24, 2013, 18:35:15 PM

yup that is the one I saw too and it looks good, I was thinking of taking pictures and posting a thread as Dave and I do this.

Troll · September 24, 2013, 17:52:24 PM

I found this on youtube. There are a couple of episodes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAo56BjxSz8
I know I saw a picture/write up on 800 valve adjustment on one of the forums, but I can't seem to find it!

CDNRatMan · September 24, 2013, 16:17:17 PM

I have 33323.3 on mine now and not sure when it was last done or checked. Local Kaw dealer mechanic (Dave) is a super guy and well respected in town, he told me it sounded bang on last time we chatted. I found out he was being laid off for the winter, so on the side I asked him if he would do work on the side and away from the shop, and point in mind was the valve check.
Dave told me and I found a place on you tube were the guy shows and talks his way though a valve adjustment. It is engine in the frame, the tank off and all the air filter stuff is off. Then I was told that then heads come off and laid aside, and Dave said he then will check all the valves with his feeler and then decide on the next step, weather to replace shim or not and if the tolerance's were in spec then leave it alone. He also said it can be done in the living room while I am watching TV and just keep him supplied with coffee and it is not a hard job and actually not a long job if the shims are good, but could be once you start to match shims. Mine is getting done around about Jan Feb time frame.

greenbarn · September 24, 2013, 08:29:22 AM

That's what I thought I had read. That's what I had planned, at least.

Troll · September 24, 2013, 06:50:07 AM

The valve adjustment is not an out of frame job. There are various places around the net with instructions. The 800 Drifter is almost exactly the same as the 800 Vulcan...don't let them jerk you around!

greenbarn · September 24, 2013, 06:37:29 AM

Mine is ready to turn over 20000, no adjustments as far as I know. It's quiet, though. I thought I might do it this winter, but I didn't think you had to pull the motor. Sounds like a pain.

mittico68 · September 24, 2013, 05:52:39 AM

Quote from: Gerhardberger on September 24, 2013, 05:29:33 AM
My bike has 47.251kms and didn`t have the valves checked yet. Engine is doing the typical rude noise, but valves are no singing....

Mine too: she has got 38,500 Kms on and still goes like a violin...

Gerhardberger · September 24, 2013, 05:29:33 AM

My bike has 47.251kms and didn`t have the valves checked yet. Engine is doing the typical rude noise, but valves are no singing....

kw-retrorider · September 24, 2013, 04:19:14 AM

Was reading the service manual and noted valve adjustment is an engine out of frame deal....wow!?
Checked in with the local dealer who said: "yeah, those Drifters are a nightmare to work on"...valve adjustment is an out of the frame job...cost about $450!
So.....
Chief: Couldn't figure out how to navigate to the videos you posted on the blog....can you help?
Ratman: You had a thread about whether to do your valves or not....did not see final result...what did you do?

My machine has 16K on it and I doubt they have ever been done. They also are not making noise....I've had british bikes and cars...I know what noisy valves sound like.

Was wondering what the experience of other 800 owners is, who have some mileage on their machines.....Not opposed to spending money if I have to, or lifting the forward valve cover to see what clearance is there now....although I have no experience with shimmed valve adjustment. Comments welcome.