I'm beginning to hear a little more noise coming from the top end of my 2000 Kodiak engine and figure it's time for me to adjust the valve clearance. The service manual recommends .06 - .10 mm on the intake and .16 - .20 mm on the exhaust.
Questions:
1. What was your as found valve clearance?
2. Did you notice a difference in valve train noise or performance after the adjustment?
Thanks,
454

 

Not yet. I did do it on my 2001 big bear...It was a pain in the butt!! I had to take off some plastic to be able to get to it easy.

 

How many hours before you have to adjust the valves? I have had two-strokes prior to this so valve adjustment has not been an issue.

 

I had to do mine after about 2 tanks of gas.(my old big bear) I started to here a ticking noise...so I figured I'd go ahead and do it. I just bought my 2002 Kodiak, I'll have to wait awhile to adjust these.

 

As stupid as it sounds the Yamaha Service Manual says to check/adjust valves initially at 1 month and 6 months, then every 6 months after that. It would have been nice if they'd have specified hours or miles. According to the manual you've got to a lot of work just to get at the valve covers, so I won't be doing this very often. After this initial adjustment I'll probably check them every 500 - 750 miles.
454

 

My brother owns a 99 Kodiak. He had to adjust the valves a couple of times. He would take it to the shop.The last time he had them adjusted, it was just a few weeks before it started clattering again. When he took it in, they said the timing chain needed adjusting....They adjusted it, no problems after that. That was almost 1/2 year ago. It is something you might want to check while you are adjusting them.

 

Just adjusted mine the other day on my 00 Kodiak and it is kinda a pain as you have to remove the tank but its not very confusing, just takes time. Mine were not out of adjustment very far at all.It has always had that top end noise but I am sure it is normal as my Dad has a 01 and it sounds the same. The book says the timing chain is automatically adjusted so you dont have to worry about that.

 

I just registered today here @ ATVconnection. Thanks for havin me, very cool site! Can anyone answer me this, I missed the random question here on the registration form. I'm lucky they dont deduct for bad spelling. Anywayzzz, It went something like this. How many wheels on an ATV? Dang if I didnt get it wrong... Thanks again, Bob S.