klr650: valve clearance questions first service

[John Laybolt]

Hi All, I checked the valve clearances on my '00 KLR over the weekend, first service @800km(500Miles). I was hoping this would only be a check and a resealup but this was not to be. I was a little surprised at the results. I measured the following(tripple checked to be sure): L Intake 0.004 R Intake 0.005 L Exhaust 0.005 R Exhaust 0.008(tight) I haven't gathered the courage to remove the old shims yet but a couple of questions. 1) I think I should shoot for these clearances: - LI 0.002 thinner shim = 0.006 clearance - RI 0.002 thinner shim = 0.007 clearance -LE 0.004 thinner shim = 0.009 clearance -RE Leave as is. (maybe make this a tight 0.010??) Am I thinking correctly here? I don't know what is currently there for shims but just in theory. If exhaust valves tighten over time what do intake valves do? 2) Is this typical? Is this abmormal to have to change 3 shims on a first service?? I was expecting a quick check to verify that everything was fine. Now I have lots more work to do. 3) Is it bad that I've been driving with an exhaust valve that's too tight? I have 800Km on the bike so Who knows how long it's been out of spec. Could this have done any engine damage, burnt valve? 4) If my dealer had set these clearances correctly before delivery of my bike are these clearances acceptable or does this show they didn't do it before delivery? Sorry about the list of questions. Thanks in advance. I will probably have another question or two before I attempt to change the shims. John A14 96 Bandit 80LTD __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Send instant messages & get email alerts with Yahoo! Messenger. http://im.yahoo.com/