valve clearances check

I'm a newbie, but I am learning. Slosly. Please finish this sentence.

"You know you have to adjust your valve clearances when..."

I know they probably need adjusting anyway seeing as its a 25 year old bike, but I was wondering if there are any warning signs sounds to watch for.

Thanks all

The engine will die when you come to a stop and might not start until it cools down.

You warm it up and the compression gauge doesn't move off 0! :whistle:

Or, once warm it has almost no power.

Checking the tappet clearance is more a function of engine mileage rather than actual age. However, doing it is a good idea, if for no other reason than your peace of mind.

Low compression, poor performance

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squints wrote:

I'm a newbie, but I am learning. Slowly. Please finish this sentence.

"You know you have to adjust your valve clearances when..."

. . .the .003" feeler gauge won't fit into the gap. Or, when .008" is still loose.

Age is not the indicator. This is preventive maintenance to avoid burnt valves or other problems. If you have a clearance on the wrong side of minimal, you may lose a cylinder a long way from your tools and help. A hot valve can melt, dropping into an engine, ruining it, and your fun.

You don't wait until an oil light comes on to check your oil; you don't wait until engine problems manifest to check your valves.

Good advice, Kazoo, good advice.

Popping out of the pipe during normal cruising.
In other words,it doesn't have to happen on deceleration,where these bikes are "pop"ular for that.Lower rpm cruising and popping would be an indication.