how do you check valve clearances on a 400ex, is there any specialty tools or anything like that i will need.

P.S. - i dont need to know how to get to the valves, just how to measure the clearances once i put my new cam in.

 

You'll need a set of feeler gauges which you can buy at Autozone or any other parts store's.

 

Make sure the engine is in top dead center, rotating in the crankshaft counter clockwise. Watch for the intake valve to open. Start watching for the "T" mark on the flywheel to come up and stop when it does. Loosen the lock nuts and back off the adjuster screws a little. Take the feeler gauge, note the spec the manufacturer of the cam recommends the valve lash to be set at, and slip that feeler gauge between the top of the valve stem and the bottom of the adjuster screw. turn the adjuster screw in until a little resistance is felt. Make sure the lock nut on the adjuster is loose. Try to slide the feeler gauge out. Some resistance should felt. If the engine is stone cold, I like adjusting them so the feeler gauge comes out kinda of hard, but not tough to get out. With the engine around 95 degrees, a slight resistance should be felt as you slide the feeler gauge. Take a small screwdriver and hold the adjuster screw so it will not turn as you tighten the jam nut on the adjuster. Confirm the adjustment with the feeler gauge after the jam nut has been tightened. Repeat for all the valves. Simple ...

----- Gimpster -----

 

The most annoying part of the process is taking off all your pastic and the gas tank to get good access to the top of the head.

 

And if you want some pictures, try

here

 

thanks guys, ill tell you how it goes once i put my hotcam in next weekend probably.