Hey i need my valves adjusted...BAD. I don't trust myself,with my quad[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img] I need to know how long it will be in the shop and how much $ it will cost me. If it will be in the shop a long time i could have one of my national racing buddies to come over and do it for me. If i take off the plastic how much should i pay them to adjust my valves? Please PLEASE give me at least an idea on what to pay them!

 

That job is prolly worth a six-pack. If they want more then they aint really your buddies.

Im not familiar with your shop but it could be a few days in the shop for only a couple hours labor ($75-100)

 

Flying400- Call your Honda shop and set up an appointment. That way it should only take 2 days tops. When I first let my shop adjust the valves on my 400 I let them do everything. Change oil, oil filter, clean air filter, new spark plug, and adjust the valves. My ticket came out to be $175. Do all the other things yourself and it should not be to bad. Good Luck.

 

There's nothing too it, it just takes a little TLC. I've done it several times for people and it never cost them more than a 12-pack and they would always drink half!! I wouldn't think on a 400ex it would take more than an hours labor. I could adjust the one's on my old 350X honda without taking anything off.

 

These guys are correct, 12 pack at the most!

Buy the service manual!

I've hierd more than one guy on here say it took a couple of days, a c-note, and when he got home they needed to be done again.
You have three bikes, it's time to learn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

hey guys, i'm only 14.

 

Maybe they are talking about a 12-pack of Mountain Dew then!
Just by the manual and learn for yourself. It is easy after the first time.

 

My advice, ask your buddies what they will charge to do this. It should only take an hour, two at the most. It will be worth probably up to $50 or $60 if they do it right.
Here is the kicker: beg or bribe them to allow you to watch. Keep track of any tools they use that you don't have access to. Make sure they let you run the feeler guage in order to get the right 'feel' to where the adjustment should be. Take notes if you have to. Then, sleep well, knowing that next time you will be able to do it yourself.

Adjusting valves is one of those jobs that would take 3 pages worth of typing to explain, but if you see it done once, you will be amazed at how straightforward it really is. It doesn't really require special skills, just patience, and the care to be sure it is done right.