IMO checking the clearances @ the recommended intervals is a worthwhile exercise since as others have said the results of running clearances too tight can have expensive & entertaining effects! :'( :eek . Although new engines are more or less "built by robots" there is a specified RANGE of clearance that is acceptable-this allows for small differences in rates of expansion due to heat,chemical composition of metals involved,etc.etc. If measured clearances found to be near or at minimum acceptable limit then extra work is needed to replace shims on valves concerned. Haynes explains the procedure clearly including the shim thickness calculation.
Similarly cam chains have a finite life & eventually need replacing-I would do it on a high mileage bike simply for peace of mind-imagine the consequences of the chain giving up the ghost when giving it some stick -bye bye engine! :eek Its like the cage drivers who "forget" to change the cambelt @ recommended mileage & blow their motors up when thepistons start kissing the valves.
Prevention better than cure? :lol
Major Rant, as an engineer that last bit had me laughing more than I should admit!
Consensus seems to be checking that they are within tolerance at the required mileage is worth doing as it is really rather easy to do. If you find they are out of the specified range (~0.1mm range, which is quite large as motorbike engines go!) then decide if you can sort it or instead use a mechanic. This shouldn't cost an arm and a leg, most expensive bit will mostly likely be shims and a couple of hours labour. Most mechanics will suggest full service at same time since he has to take everything off to do the job!
Happy riding!
(02-11-12, 01:09 PM)scottyboy2203 link Wrote:Major Rant, as an engineer that last bit had me laughing more than I should admit!
Consensus seems to be checking that they are within tolerance at the required mileage is worth doing as it is really rather easy to do. If you find they are out of the specified range (~0.1mm range, which is quite large as motorbike engines go!) then decide if you can sort it or instead use a mechanic. This shouldn't cost an arm and a leg, most expensive bit will mostly likely be shims and a couple of hours labour. Most mechanics will suggest full service at same time since he has to take everything off to do the job!
Happy riding!
Full service meaning cam chain, carb balance, or what?
Most things done in a hurry need to be done again - patiently.
Well last time I took it to a dealer he suggested doing carb balance, replace all fluids/filters/spark plugs etc but that does send the bill sky high and isn't always necessary.
If you are just checking clearance and everything is fine then just pop it back together and ride it!
(02-11-12, 05:01 PM)scottyboy2203 link Wrote:Well last time I took it to a dealer he suggested doing carb balance, replace all fluids/filters/spark plugs etc but that does send the bill sky high and isn't always necessary.
If you are just checking clearance and everything is fine then just pop it back together and ride it!
My carbs are a bit out of ballance. If checking filters involves a lot of work needed for carb balance as well, that makes sense. If not, then no need.
Same goes for cam chain replacement. It's probably near the end, but still works. So I'm between minds whether to do it or not.
Sparsk, fluid, brakes, coolant - all piece of cake and regularly DIY. Air filter as well.
The only thing I'm scared of doing is this "inside" the engine.
Yes, rear suspension linkage needs lube as well per Haynes, but no play and I'd rather leave that as is.
Most things done in a hurry need to be done again - patiently.
(02-11-12, 05:05 PM)Slaninar link Wrote:Yes, rear suspension linkage needs lube as well per Haynes, but no play and I'd rather leave that as is. It's a bit too late if you leave it till play develops before lubricating it :\ .
Bit like saying the engines running o.k. so I'll not bother checking the oil or changing it.
P.S. I'm not suggesting you would do that. :evil
(02-11-12, 08:34 PM)limax2 link Wrote:[quote author=Slaninar link=topic=5148.msg44868#msg44868 date=1351872305]
Yes, rear suspension linkage needs lube as well per Haynes, but no play and I'd rather leave that as is. It's a bit too late if you leave it till play develops before lubricating it :\ .
Bit like saying the engines running o.k. so I'll not bother checking the oil or changing it.
P.S. I'm not suggesting you would do that. :evil
[/quote]
Tommorrow I'll check valves, balance carbs and check cam chain tensioner. See where I'm at and decide what to do.
Sort it out if needs, then think about those linkage. My bike has seen very little rain, no winter, so maybe lube is still OK. 
Most things done in a hurry need to be done again - patiently.
03-11-12, 02:36 PM
(This post was last modified: 03-11-12, 05:12 PM by Slaninar.)
Went to the mate's garage this morning. Valves are OK. Intake just below 0.15, exhaust about 25. However, cam chain is stretched. Needs a change. Ordered a new one (55 euros). Carbs in need of cleaning as well as synchronizing. The man asked 40 euros for labour to do it all himself. I think it's fair, since I have work etc and it is sitting in his garage while cam chain arrives.
The same guy tried to talk me out of servicing fazer, to sell it and get a newer Honda CBR, or at least a Yam. Thundercat. Said it would suit my "riding style and temperament" better than this ancient motorcycle. Talked something about depreciation and value for my money... rubber parts getting all worn and due for change (carb rubbers are still good, but have cracks and according to him they will cost about 50 euros each to replace when needed).
I gave it a thought... for about 10 seconds. Of all the bikes I've tried, Fazer suits me best. For track and fast twisties I'd like to have a different bike, but when you put it all together... this is it. Hope to ride it in the next decade (around 8000 kilometres per year).
Most things done in a hurry need to be done again - patiently.
how do you know the cam chain is stretched and needs replacing out of interest?
(04-11-12, 11:52 PM)scottyboy2203 link Wrote:how do you know the cam chain is stretched and needs replacing out of interest?
It makes a sound, cam chain tensioner is fully done it's travel, and the chain can be lifted a bit with hand off sprockets. Not totally off, but can be moved. My mate said those are all signs it will soon be busted. I thought, once I've taken it all apart, why not do it all? Let it wait at his garage for new chain to arrive and get it all done.
Most things done in a hurry need to be done again - patiently.
OK, that definitely sounds like a new chain is needed! Hope it's not too expensive..
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