Do I have to pull the fuel tank to do a valve adjustment on the 250EX & Recon(both 2003)It looks pretty tight in there.They both have reachecd their first 20 hour adjustment,I assume this must be done or I could have serious problems?

Derrick

 

Derrick,

I did pull the tank on my nieces 250ex when I adjusted the valves, but after looking it over i dont think pulling it was necessary.

Brian

 

I would remove the gas tank. It will give you more room to work and less chance of knocking dirt into the top of the engine. Good Luck.

 

Darn thing is full of gas but I might pull it antways.

I've adjusted valves on cars,is it about the same on the Honda.Find TDC check with a feeler gauge,engine warm?

Thanks,Derrick

 

I removed the tank whan I did ours, just gives you more room to work with. Factory manual says to adjust the valves while the engine is cold. Yes you'll want the piston at TDC, spec for our 01 is .005 in for both the intake and exh. valves. There is also a timing hole that has a cap over it that I believe comes out with a allen wrench, I think that it is on the left side towards the back of the motor if I remember correct. (I'd have to go out and look to be sure) Should be the same for your 03 but check the owners manual and see if it gives specs or call your local dealer and ask them.

 

"There is also a timing hole that has a cap over it that I believe comes out with a allen wrench"

Is that so you can line up TDC or do you actually use a timing light on it?

 

Yes it has a pointer in there that you line up with another mark, when the two are aligned then its at TDC or 180 out. Feel the rockers, there should be movement in both of them, if there is no play then rotate the motor over until they line up again, and it should then be at TDC.

 

Great thanks for the tips,does that shut off valve hold any extra gas in or does the tank have to be empty when I pull it?

 

With the valve in the off position there should not be any fuel going to the carb, but I always pinch off the hose with some hose pliers just to be sure.

 

Hey guys... First time caller, long time listener... muahahaha sry, Vancouver thing...

Anyways, I bought a Recon this past spring. The exhaust valve started to clack at about 350KM. I adjusted them myself. I didn't remove the tank, there was more than enough room in there - you need to lift it up at the rear to undo a bolt. I was careful about adjusting the valves too tight and it seems I will be going in for surgery again. The exh. is once again clacking a little after another 200 KMs. This engine seems to be very finicky about the valve adjustment. Better to adjust loose than too tight. Use good quality feeler gauges... :-(
Break-in oil changed at 150KM, and new oil @ 400 again.