attempt valve adjustment?

[Oaksong]

so, I looked through the shop manual for my marauder... to adjust the valves, I basically have to take off the tank, remove the spark plug wires, and a bunch of other stuff, maybe the spark plugs as well, to get to the valve adjusters.

I am currently attempting to change my oil and service the chain for the first time. Should I even attempt a valve adjustment, or just take it in until I have had more experience?

How much does such a service cost?

[rathr-b-cruisin]

I paid 125 to have mine checked the first time. I know other people have done it, it seems pretty simple. But, When i put on a new rear tire the bike was down for three days so i thought i'd check the valves and put in new spark plugs. Everything seemed to be going OK, but there was one stinkin nut that i could not get off of the valve cover. Also the feeler gages i had were too wide. So after poking around in there and looking at stuff I finally put the covers back on, installed my spark plugs and put her back together again. So, unless i can find a way to get the nuts off easier, I'll be taking it in to have them checked. I really dont think its that hard, it's just taking everything apart to get to it, and then not be able to get one little nut off made me so hot that i gave up.

[Oaksong]

Originally Posted by rathr-b-cruisin

I paid 125 to have mine checked the first time. I know other people have done it, it seems pretty simple. But, When i put on a new rear tire the bike was down for three days so i thought i'd check the valves and put in new spark plugs. Everything seemed to be going OK, but there was one stinkin nut that i could not get off of the valve cover. Also the feeler gages i had were too wide. So after poking around in there and looking at stuff I finally put the covers back on, installed my spark plugs and put her back together again. So, unless i can find a way to get the nuts off easier, I'll be taking it in to have them checked. I really dont think its that hard, it's just taking everything apart to get to it, and then not be able to get one little nut off made me so hot that i gave up.

yeah, reading the proceedure, the hard part is getting there, not the inspection. Given that I don't have a lot of tools, no lift, and no garage (well, I have a small back porch slightly larger than my bike which is faking it), I thought I might pass on this one for now...

[dreygun]

the thought of having to tank my tank off scares me enough.

[Clint]

It is a simple procedure, but it requires some finesse with your handiwork. If you tend to bumble hanging a picture on your wall, you might get some help, either from another rider or a shop.

That being said, I'm all in favor of the big DIY. Any questions that come up can be answered in very short order.

[Oaksong]

Originally Posted by Clint

It is a simple procedure, but it requires some finesse with your handiwork. If you tend to bumble hanging a picture on your wall, you might get some help, either from another rider or a shop.

That being said, I'm all in favor of the big DIY. Any questions that come up can be answered in very short order.

The proceedure, in and of itself, doesn't bother me. What bothers me is my near absolute lack of experience (I changed my oil for the first time ever, on anything, tonight and found it not difficult but somewhat frustrating as it was all new). The amount that needs to be done is a lot. I have few tools, less space, and zero experience. I also have no money for more tools or to deal with damage... so I might just pay for it to be done now and do it next time (in 8k miles).

[sra4031]

Originally Posted by Oaksong

The proceedure, in and of itself, doesn't bother me. What bothers me is my near absolute lack of experience (I changed my oil for the first time ever, on anything, tonight and found it not difficult but somewhat frustrating as it was all new). The amount that needs to be done is a lot. I have few tools, less space, and zero experience. I also have no money for more tools or to deal with damage... so I might just pay for it to be done now and do it next time (in 8k miles).

Do not forget to check the level after the oil has had time to circulate. Also put a peice of cardboard under it to make sure you do not have leaks. You can get a leak from over tightning the plug and oil filter as well as not tight enough.

[hammersfan]

Originally Posted by Oaksong

so, I looked through the shop manual for my marauder... to adjust the valves, I basically have to take off the tank, remove the spark plug wires, and a bunch of other stuff, maybe the spark plugs as well, to get to the valve adjusters.

I am currently attempting to change my oil and service the chain for the first time. Should I even attempt a valve adjustment, or just take it in until I have had more experience?

How much does such a service cost?

The thing is , you won't get the experience till you try. Having said that I did not have the balls to try it myself when I had the M50

[Clint]

Originally Posted by Oaksong

The proceedure, in and of itself, doesn't bother me. What bothers me is my near absolute lack of experience (I changed my oil for the first time ever, on anything, tonight and found it not difficult but somewhat frustrating as it was all new). The amount that needs to be done is a lot. I have few tools, less space, and zero experience. I also have no money for more tools or to deal with damage... so I might just pay for it to be done now and do it next time (in 8k miles).

Sounds like you already know the answer. Whaddya askin' me for?