Has a slight ticking noise when idling. it go's when the engine is revved up. Anybody know what it could be?

 

Might be your clutch buttons. Someone else will prolbably be able to shed more light on it though

 

when was the last time you adjusted the valves?

 

Put a wood broom stick to your ear and water pump,thats what your hearing. I notice that 2000 miles ago dont worry about it.

 

What is the interval for having valves adjusted?

 

If memory serves me right, the valvles should be adjusted every 100 hrs.

 

Does that include a break in valve adj at 100 and then every 100 after that or is there a shorter interval for the break in?

 

For the valve adjustment what all do you have to do? Do you have to take it to the dealer for an EFI model?

 

Anyone know how to adjust the valves themselves on a 500 EFI?

 

I have adjusted several in the past, but not your particular model. Shops get around 175-200 bucks to do it. It's one of the easier maintenance jobs to do if you are inclined to do it. It takes longer to remove all the plastic and gas tank than to do the adjustment. First you need to know the clearance for the intake and exhaust valves. Your service manual will have this. If you don't have the manual, it would be a good investment. You can call any dealership and talk to the service dept and they can tell you the specs as well. If you don't have the manual, go online and search for valve clearance on 4 storke engine (the steps will be the same or similiar on all models). The only special tool you need it a feeler gauge or valve clearance gauge (10.00 tool). Remove the intake and exhaust covers, set the flywheel at top dead center and check the clearance (sounds easy huh!) It really is pretty easy. It is something that is common to be adjusted on any 4 stroke. On think on the maintenace schedule it is only an annual maintenance or longer. It Definitely has to be done after the breakin period. Check out the service manual, it will pay for itself halfway throught this job. Good luck!