I am going to adjust the valve clearance on my 01 rancher for the first time. Does anyone have any tips or tricks to pass along? Does anyone know of a website that details it? How about a spark plug, should I go with the factory plug? Or is there something better for a stock bike?

 

I think the best thing to do is to follow a manual. I recommend getting a service manual first thing. Another thing, are you sure your '01 rancher's valves need adjusting already?

 

I would suggest that you get the OEM service manual and follow the detailed instructions for adjusting the valves. I just did the 100 mile service on my Ruby and it would have been a lot harder w/o the manual. You can find generic instructions on the web but it helps to know the proper order for removing all the stuff that has to come off for access. BTW, my valves were a little tight. If I were you, I would definitely learn how to do this and keep your Rancher in good tune while saving lots of money.

 

No, I am not sure that they do. I was just going by what the dealer had told me when I bought it. At the first 100 miles check valve clearances and change oil. Is that not common? How often do most people check theirs? I was just going by what I was told, then again he may have just been trying to get me in for tune ups as much as possible.

 

Everyone is different with maintence. I usually check my valves if notice a change in power or sound from the engine. A more noticable tapping sound should be present if the valves need adjusting. If the valves are "tight" however the bike might be more difficult to start. As far as changing engine oil, being a new bike I might check the oil after 100 miles and see what it looks like. If it's dirty change it.

 

I agree with buying the service manual, it's about $35 from the honda dealer. Adjusting the valves is easy, but there are a lot of panels and things that have to be taken off. It'll be much harder without the manual. I like to cover my butt and do all the maintenance the manufacturer recommends, it keeps you from getting bitten later. Definately do the first oil change when it's recommended. A new engine shaves off lots of little pieces of metal during it's first few hours of operation, which goes into the engine oil. That first oil change is probably the most important maintenance you will ever do on an engine. Just checking it and letting it go if it doesn't look dirty is NOT a good idea.

 

My closest dealer wants 50 bucks for the manual, and helm wants 50 too. Where is everybody getting them for 35? Somewhere online? any phone #'s for ordering. I am going to get one but if I can save 10 or 15 bux that would be great.

 

take the seat, gastank all plastic around the tank like the back plastic and the heat sheild under the tank and take the valve cover off and the valves should be .006 you are spose to just snug the valves down on the feeler gague not to tight on the gauge put a new plug in or sand blast the old one on the end and just put it back toghether. the reasion i know this stuff becuase for my career shaddow day i shaddowed a machnic at my local dealer and we did that suff to my rancher.

 

Yes the first oil change is the most important. But if the oil has metal shavings in it, it WILL look dirty.