Wednesday the shim kit turned up so to summarise yesterday in pictures:
Last checked the gaps at 14,000 miles and only replaced one shim at that time. Back then, the inlets were just a
wee bit wide at ~6 thou so left them alone. That was 25,000 miles ago - surely a testament to my laziness?
This time, replaced seven of the shims and all valves in spec now. The worksheet picture is work in progress and there was more fiddling about after that. Cheap Aldi caliper adequate to check the shim sizes, they come at 0.05 mm intervals - about 2 thou - but the real check of course is
in situ with the feeler gauges and as said that's all good.
I wouldn't take the head off yet. But I would be very interested in the shims especially. And looking critically at rocker arms, rocker arm spindle, ends of valves etc etc.... It's probably something or nothing. But I suspect you're like me and you need to understand why the valve clearance has increased. It's a bit odd ball. Hope it works out just fine.
I was surprised that the gaps grow. People and the ai asst seem to think the gaps should come down as the valve seats wear? Had a wee think and it's got to be tips of the rockers wearing over time. I spose the shims might have worn a bit dished but not visible and no obvious way to measure. Nothing to worry about, the magnetic drain plug never has more than a thin layer of gray paste and the cams look perfect to the naked eye. The plugs look very healthy too after 25,000 miles of service but treated Polly to well-deserved new ones.
Rubber is flaking from a couple of the composite washers on top of the cambox so I'm replacing them. An unwelcome £28 from Cradley Heath - that includes the VAT and postage - but I can't really complain about the servicing costs at 39,000 miles.
Had the bike from new and it's been 100% reliable. Done twelve oil and filter changes, and despite laziness noted above with under-the-tank jobs, have pretty much kept on top of routine maintenance. Doesn't get mollycoddled but I generally keep the revs between about 2,500 and 4,500 - north of 5,000 is a rare rush of blood to the head and never been within shouting distance of the red line. There's no need, the 800 has same power as the original W650 but when Big K upped the capacity they fattened the torque curve so it's a real delight to use.
Today, button up and plonk tank back on.
Then go and see Tosh about an MOT - annual inspection.
), aso, and the tank was a massive 6.5 gallon PITA to remove with all the fuel injection $hit, etc. I remember thinking WTF, give me an old bike! On the upside, the Tiger was a really nice bike once you got past the expanding plastic -ethanol tank.
