My Rubi now has 125 miles on it. I noticed about 50 miles ago that at idle, I hear a ticking noise, I'm guessing the valves need adjusting. Heck, it may have made this noise since it was new and I never noticed it. My question is, has anyone else noticed this and did you have the valves adjusted. When is it recommended? I also saw another note in this forum about someones Rubi 'whining'. I've noticed this also at idle. I just figured it was something to do with the transmission 'building up steam' so to speak. Has anyone else noticed this and is that normal?

 

According to the manual, you should adjust your valves at 100 miles (break in) and then every 600 miles. I do mine every 300 or so. Signs for this would include the "valve ticking" noise and mileage. If you go too long without adjusting them and they are out of spec you will hurt your engine and not be getting full power. Do yours at 100 miles. On both my quads at 100 miles they were out of spec. The tranny will let out a slight whine and that is just fine.

 

TEX, I'm assuming that you adjust your valves yourself. Is it hard to do? How the heck do you get the plastic panels off, is there a special tool to get those plastic buttons to turn lose? I believe I've seen you list on other emails where I could pick up a copy of the service manual haven't I? Mind listing it again? Thanks for all your help!

 

The official Honda manual can ordered from www.helminc.com.

The plastic panels come off easily. You will need a screwdriver to get them off. Basically you stick a screw driver in them and pry the center piece up. They are like big plastic rivets. There is a tool in the trunk that looks like a small 2 pronged fork that fits nicely around them and will help pop them out one you have them popped up a little bit. Is this that that tool is for? I have no clue but it works nice!

The hardest part is removing the plastic. Other than that the procedure is pretty simple.