Shims + Valve Clearance + Chain

[adamtk]

Hi all

Got some more stupid questions!!
Does checking valve clearances mean if they are out then you replace the shims?

I had 16000 m service done ( now realised by a cowboy who doesnt have a clue ) so now im thinking because of the noises i get and CCT paranoia that i might just do them all anyway.

I think it is shims that are worn as while riding it sounds as if someone has loads of small ball bearings and moving them around in a tin so im going to do CCTs when they come thinking might do this aswell not sure.

Another thing i have noticed which the sound might be is that if i put the bike on paddock stand and in first gear the chain moves slowly left to right if i look near the front sprocket is this normal id say about half and inch if that all makes sense????

Adam

[Wicky]

First thing is to stop riding until you get to the source of your concerns.

In the Workshop knowledge subforum there is a downloadable Honda workshop manual in PDF format, which is handy to have alongside the Haynes manual.

As for your chain & sprocket moving around - Whip the sprocket cover off to see what's happening to your gearbox sprocket. If you have a digital camera handy take some pics as that can help too see what's going on.

[tony.mon]

It's quite a game checking them, good job they don't need doing very often- I sometimes don't touch mine between CCT failure top end rebuilds.

(joking)

But you need to get the fairing, tank, carbs off/out of the way before you can see them well enough, unless you have triple-jointed wrists and eyes on stalks. Rear ones are easy; it's the fronts which take the time.

Re chain, no, this doesn't sound normal- that much sideways play in the chain should have hooked the sprockets by now, easy visual check. If it's not that you have a problem with the front sprocket moving on the splines.

Check your "1/2 inch", it often looks more than it actually is when measured, a bit like estimating how deep snow lies.

They're quite a noisy engine, clutch can rattle (goes away when clutch pulled in, no need to worry) and valve gear isn't the quietest.

Suggest a louder pair of cans?