Checking valves

[dug050]

I want to check the valve clearances on my 96 Royal Star. The manual states they should be checked cold (less than 95 degrees) at room temperature. I only have an old wood stove in my shop and although I can get the inside temperature high enough to make it comfortable for working, I don't think it would be considered room temperature.

What do you think would be the minimum temperature to be sure I get accurate clearance readings? I would like to get the valves adjusted and reassemble the bike but would it be better for me to wait till Spring when the outside temterature gets higher?

I don't want to do all this work and get inaccurate readings because the engine is too cold.

 

Thanks

Doug

[skydoc_17]

Hey Dug,

The 95 degree temp. they are speaking of is if the engine has been RUNNING! This is the MAX. Temp. you could check the valve clearances. The reason they specify this MAX. Temp. is in case a bike comes into a dealer, and a mechanic starts to work on it right away, if the bike is still "hot" the clearances will be wrong. Warm your garage a while to normalize the temp. of the metal parts of the bike and you should be just fine.

Earl

 

EDIT: A few Members on the site were kind enough to point out that the word MIN was a bit confusing. I have corrected this error, replacing it with MAX. and thank them very much for bring it to my attention. The point I was trying to make is, you can't check the valve clearances at near operating temps.

Earl

Edited January 3, 2011 by skydoc_17
I Got My MIN'S and My MAX'S Mixed Up!

[slickster]

I seriously doubt that the clearance would be much different between 90 degrees and 50 degrees....

[Flyinfool]

Hey Dug,

The 95 degree temp. they are speaking of is if the engine has been RUNNING! This is the MIN. Temp. you could check the valve clearances. The reason they specify this MIN. Temp. is in case a bike comes into a dealer, and a mechanic starts to work on it right away, if the bike is still "hot" the clearances will be wrong. Warm your garage a while to normalize the temp. of the metal parts of the bike and you should be just fine.

Earl

 

Didn't you mean that 95 should be the MAX temp.

 

I seriously doubt that the clearance would be much different between 90 degrees and 50 degrees....

 

I agree, yes theoretically there will be a difference between your 50° shop and 70° "room temperature", but I doubt that anyone on this site has the ability to measure it in their garage.

[BradT]

There will be a slight difference however I doubt you will be able to measure it with Feeler gauges. Too many other variables.

 

I believe the clearance would increase less than 1/2 of a thousands of an inch, with a 20 degree temp change.

 

Brad

[dug050]

Thanks everyone for your replies, I didn't think there would be a big difference but it is always good to get some second opinions. Now I just have to buy, beg, borrow or steal a shim removal tool because I know some have to be changed.

 

Doug