My 01 300 was hard to start so i braught it to the dealer and he found out that the voltage regulator was gone. Mine would barley start then sputter and have no power.

 

Clearance is set cold. For better results set intake on top end (.003) and exhaust on low end (.003).

 

Were you still getting a spark with the bad voltage reg.? Is there a way to check that out with a meter?

As far as setting valves - Do you bend a gauge into position thru the small port opening?[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]

 

I still had spark but i guess something tells the somethign thats somethings not right. I would eventually start it then it would not go over 5 km/h and it sputtered. I had a hard time getting it on the trailer to bring to the dealer. im not sure if you can check it with a meter.

 

If the spark was the problem you couldn't get it to run with the choke on full. Takes more spark to fire a very rich mixture than a normal 13 to 1 mixture.

 

You may have to modify your feeler gauge to fit thru the opening and in where you need it to be. They make tapered feelers, which may work better for you.
If adjusting the valves dont solve your hard starting, try adjusting the idle mixture screw out, (richer), you may need to go 1/4 to 1/2 turn. Sounds like its too lean. Needle clip position wont effect idle, it only effects 1/4 to about 3/4 throttle position.