So I adjusted the valves a couple weeks ago. I also put some grease on the spark plug and the angle sensor. Problem was I used some other kind of grease the store gave me. It was for Copper wireing on houses. After is sat for a couple weeks, it started harder than usual yesterday. Was missing and backfiring until it warmed up. I'm confident the valves have the right clearance, but was wondering if the "missing" was in line w/ bad spark plug and or wiring w/ the wrong grease. Yesterday I found Dielectric grease and redid the spark plug and angle sensor. Put new plug and seems to run fine.

What are symptoms of valves that are too tight?

 

Why would you greese your spark plug?

 

Just the plug boot, to keep water out. I don't plan on abusing my Foreman like the guys w/ snorkles and such, but wanted to do what I can to help waterproof it.

 

If the store gave you a conductive greese like Never-Seize (great for bolts, bad for everthing else) or No-OX-It (great for battery term, bad for everything else) you may have shorted your plug. Not that it matters here, but in the 80s when ARCO was selling graphite engine oil, that could short out a spark plug too.

 

What are symptoms of valves that are too tight?</end quote></div>

Backfire through exhaust

Backfire through carb

Burnt valves

 

No-OX-It was the stuff I put on first. Guess that was the problem.

I'm still nervouse about the valves.
When I adjusted them, I was able to re-insert the feeler gauge time and time again. It would slid in and out w/ a little "scaping" resistance. After it ran yesterday for a few mins, I could lean down and hear the slight ticking. I guess they are ok? If they were too tight, would they be completely quiet?

 

Started the Foreman up yesterday after it sat overnight. No more problems. Started and ran like it should. Thanks again!

 

If the valves are too tight (too little clearance), then yes, they would be quiet. If they are too loose, the clicking will be loud. If they are just right, the heat from the engine will cause expansion and close the clearance and they will (should) be quiet. A slight clicking is ok. Did you adjust the valves with the engine completely cold?

 

Honda considers cold valve adjustment at like around 90 degrees engine warmth.
I normally adust valves so I have to pull pretty snug to get the feeler out from the lash area.

Another issue from loose valves is power loss.

----- Gimpster -----