2013 TXC 310 value check/adjust?

[meyerx]

My bike has 70+ hours on it, and it still starts/idles/runs great! But i know i need to start
tearing into it and begin ticking off the general maintenance items that are overdue according
to the schedule. I'm a dirt bike maintenance noob.... but it seems if i'm going to own one and
ride it, i better start figuring it out

I have the shop manual pdf, but procedures are scattered all over the place....thus i'm not clear
on what exactly needs to be dismantled in order to do a value clearance check and adjustment.

I've watched a few youtube videos to get the general idea, but they all vary quite a bit in
the approach they take. And i'm not sure how applicable it all is to what i'll find inside my TXC.

I'm sure there are already several good threads on cafehusky that discuss all this.....but i haven't
stumbled into them quite yet..

Anyone have a favorite Husky "how to" value check/shim thread they can point me to?
Or a favorite video that can help me get started?
Or better yet, both?

Thanks for any info and suggestions!

-a

 

[duggoey]

I'm sure there are already several good threads on cafehusky that discuss all this.....but i haven't
stumbled into them quite yet..

Anyone have a favorite Husky "how to" value check/shim thread they can point me to?
Or a favorite video that can help me get started?
Or better yet, both?

Xlite motor instructions like yours by Ioneater and Coffee. Coincidently his motor had 70 hours too.: http://www.cafehusky.com/threads/2010-txc-250-valve-adjustment.17407/

A video of the "Older style" motors which are different to yours but it still gives a good general overview of a husky head.. also by Coffee: http://www.cafehusky.com/threads/how-to-check-valves-on-a-2006-4stroke-video.1159/

 

[meyerx]

Cool thx! These links definitely look helpful

Besides normal wrenches/sockets, looks like i need
to pick up:
-a strong magnet
-feeler gauges (inches)
-shim kit
-other??

Anything special to know about varying shim kits...
or brands? Or are they all roughly the same

Thx
-a

 

[reveille]

Shim kits are pricey. You may want to check the valves and determine what size you need(if any) and approach your local dealer and see if they will sell you the ones you need. Otherwise you will end up with $80 worth of pretty little silver disks laying around. Checking the valves is easy. Adjusting them is a bit more involved. Good luck

 

[duggoey]

I agree with reveille, no need to buy a shim kit. This is what I do.

- Open up the valve cover and check clearances
- If the shims need changing remove the shim and place it into a marked snap lock bag (I.e. write left intake with the clearance measurement)
- Take the shims to your dealer and get them or yourself to measure the width of the shim, buy a larger or smaller shim to correct the new clearance to within specification. My dealer sells me a shim for a few $ and I donate my old ones.
- Reinstall in the correct order

I would suggest that if they are only just out to leave them alone and check again later. Removing the cams can be a headache if you don't need to do it

 

[meyerx]

Ok thanks, i picked up the required tools and skipped buying the shim kit.
Finally just cracked into the job. Very confused......and am hoping i'm missing something.
The in-take side wasn't too bad to check and appears to still be in spec (0.15mm).
But the exhaust side is impossible to get the feeler gauges in at the angles the shop
manual shows to check from....there isn't enough working room. I followed all the steps in
the manual leading up to the check. But the pictures in the manual, of course, have the motor
completely removed.
Check my bad photo with the arrows indicating the attack angle:

The frame, the radiator, the fan, and lots-and-lots mounted hosing/wiring is in the way. I was able to
finagle a gauge into one of the 2 on the exhaust side from a different angle, but the gauge was so bent
over i don't see how you could get a good reading.

What am i missing?? Anyone done a valve clearance check specifically on a 2013 310 red head?
What's the exhaust side secret?

Thanks!

 

[duggoey]

Ok thanks, i picked up the required tools and skipped buying the shim kit.
Finally just cracked into the job. Very confused......and am hoping i'm missing something.
The in-take side wasn't too bad to check and appears to still be in spec (0.15mm).
But the exhaust side is impossible to get the feeler gauges in at the angles the shop
manual shows to check from....there isn't enough working room. I followed all the steps in
the manual leading up to the check. But the pictures in the manual, of course, have the motor
completely removed.
Check my bad photo with the arrows indicating the attack angle:

The frame, the radiator, the fan, and lots-and-lots mounted hosing/wiring is in the way. I was able to
finagle a gauge into one of the 2 on the exhaust side from a different angle, but the gauge was so bent
over i don't see how you could get a good reading.

What am i missing?? Anyone done a valve clearance check specifically on a 2013 310 red head?
What's the exhaust side secret?

Thanks!

Im sure theres a secret trick but I dont know it. If your gauges arent too expensive you can put a 45 degree bend 10mm from the end of one of them (or you can buy angled ones). Choose the one that is the closest to the books clearance first, bend it and work your way through, if it fits of course. Also having the last cm or so bent sometimes makes it easier to have the guage in level and flat when it is between the shim and cam/rocker. The guage being flat makes the measurement more accurate.

In general, its makes it much easier for yourself if you can move as much stuff out of the way from the bit you're working on. When I have the valve cover open I would strap back the cables well out of the way and the same with the oil breather. It will take a few extra minutes but doing things like that will help you to better see whats in where and the best path to stick something into it through.

 

[Freaky]

I removed the radiators when doing mine, very easy, takes 15 mins. Save the coolant in a clean jug and re-use.

 

[reveille]

Must be a red head issue because on my 2012 it couldn't be easier.

 

[meyerx]

The bend technique sort of helped for 1 of the measurements on the exhaust side. But the approach angle still
didn't make the measurement too accurate i'd say....just guessing. The 2nd one on the exhaust side is not check-able
at all if u follow the shop manual. Looks like you have to keep dismantling as Freaky indicated.
Definitely a bit frustrating...to work in the clustered tight space. The clearance check youtube videos i watched of other
bikes looked so spacious and easy
Thanks for the suggestions guys! Will get 'er sorted