Valve Adjustnent

[BIG--T]

Hi, I am a newbie and would like to know when to do a valve adjustment. I am on my way to pick up my "new" 98 Valk that has only 7,900 miles on it. I have an 03 VTX 1800 and the adjustment on them are every 8K. I just has a crazy thought that might be one reason he's selling!! Lol! It looks complicated compared to a 2 cylinder  and I try to do my own wrenching. Is it 24 valves?

Also what weight oil is recommended? I put 10/40 Mobile 1 fully synthetic in the X.

Thanks in advance for your answers!

[Patrick]

The recommended interval is 12K.. If you don't have a rocker or two talking to you, then I wouldn't worry about it at that low mileage.. The valves on these monsters don't move around much so some folks don't bother with checking them very often.. The valve adjustment is easy[more old auto type than motorcycle type].. As far as the oil question,, you'll get a bizillion opinions on that..

[Redline +]

Hi, I am a newbie and would like to know when to do a valve adjustment. I am on my way to pick up my "new" 98 Valk that has only 7,900 miles on it. I have an 03 VTX 1800 and the adjustment on them are every 8K. I just has a crazy thought that might be one reason he's selling!! Lol! It looks complicated compared to a 2 cylinder  and I try to do my own wrenching. Is it 24 valves?

Also what weight oil is recommended? I put 10/40 Mobile 1 fully synthetic in the X.

Thanks in advance for your answers!

12 valves.

Redline 

[Jabba]

Valve adjustment is EASY.

I didn't do mine till 27K.  There were barely any that needed adjusting at that.

Oil... 

do a search and read till your eyes BLEED.



Jabba

[ricoman]

Did mine at 13000 mi.
Of the 12, 9 were out of adjustment, 6 too loose, 3 too tight, 3 dead on.
You cannot rely on listening to know if they are out. You cannot hear too tight. I do not agree with those who say they can "hear" if the valves are out of adjusment. Too loose, maybe-just maybe.
The recommended 12000 mi. "check" is a good one. The worst situation is the expense of valve cover gaskets. The best is piece of mind.
It is not hard to do. Exactly like an air-cooled VW engine, box end wrench and a flat blade screwdriver. Just be sure you learn how to tell when each cylinder is at TDC so you can slip the feeler gauge in and check.
Oil? You're gonna get as many opinions as there are members here!

[BIG--T]

Thanks for all the help.  Check/adjust valves @ 12K intervals and on oil... I know- everybodys got an opinion and... I just wanted to know how MUCH to put in, 4qrts. And yes I will continue to stay with Mobil 1 4 T racing oil! Thanks MY opinion! 

[Robert]

Good advice on valves easy and not needed at every 12k Honda reliability. Next you may want to switch to the Mobil One 20w/50 motorcycle oil, reason these bikes do have a gear whine at say 50 to 55 mph the heavier oil quiets it down. Ive used both and the difference is noticeable. One more small thing its adjustment 

[1fastbob]

5w40 Rotella Synthetic in the Blue Jug.  4 Quarts.

[Trynt]

Having set the valves on both a VTX1800 and a Valk, I can tell you, in spite of the number of valves involved,  doing the Valk is less of a headache than the VTX.

[Patrick]

As far as telling the valve adjustment condition by listening,, I do agree.. You can't tell if any are too tight and tight is certainly worse than loose..  My statement was only due to the mileage on the bike and that probably the valve covers had never been off so the valves are probably OK.. Anyone that has read my posts over the years knows I believe in checking the adjustment every now and again.. Once its done and done right then you're good to go for a long time..

[ricoman]

As far as telling the valve adjustment condition by listening,, I do agree.. You can't tell if any are too tight and tight is certainly worse than loose..  My statement was only due to the mileage on the bike and that probably the valve covers had never been off so the valves are probably OK.. Anyone that has read my posts over the years knows I believe in checking the adjustment every now and again.. Once its done and done right then you're good to go for a long time..

Not intended to be critical at all-just an observation.
Having gotten help from you in the past and having read many of your posts, I have come to the conclusion you are one of the more knowledgeable people here when it comes to our valks.
I especially liked a comment you made once that "many problems come from owners getting into stuff when there is no need" or words to that effect. Have had to "fix" things twice a couple times-if I'd just let it alone I would have avoided the problem I probably made!

[Patrick]

hehehehe, if it ain't broke, keep fixing it till it is !!    I really didn't think your post was critical,it was correct.. I figured I better restate my statement, thats all.. You know how it is when you type something that makes perfect sense,, until you read it again a little later..