2012 TE511 loose valves

[Bryce]

I did my first 600 mile valve check on my 511 last week and the exhaust valves were in spec but the intake valves were WAY loose. The max on the fork says 0.12 mm and they were both at ~0.25 mm. I was confused about how they could be so loose and thought that maybe I had checked them incorrectly since the intakes have those hemispherical shims. Since I am on the road I took them to motocity here in Phoenix. They confirmed that they were as loose as I had measured. They put a call in to Husky service to see what this issue could be. In the meantime they are shimming them into spec and I will update this thread to keep everyone posted. I am still under warranty so am documenting the $#%$ out of this to cover my ass.

 

[Tinken]

That's only .005" out of specification right? Out of curiosity, how long did you run the Dino oil in the bike during break-in before you switched to synthetic?

 

[McKay]

Ride it when they are set. Some may have been quality control issues at the factory when set up or it may just be seating itself in. I wouldn't worry at this point. Id make sure its re-checked before warranty is up, which is soon.

 

[Rearwheelin]

Atleast nothing seems to be wearing out, the clearance on your valves will get tighter as they break in.

 

[Bryce]

That's only .005" out of specification right? Out of curiosity, how long did you run the Dino oil in the bike during break-in before you switched to synthetic?

Yep it was 3 shim sizes loose so about .005" or .15 mm. I did the first oil change at 200 miles but did not switch to synth. I am using Shell Rotella T. Didn't see the need for synth since I am changing it every 300 miles. It had been sitting for a week or so when i checked the valves and there was a good slathering of oil all over the valvetrain. Rotella seems to stick really well and has never let me down.

 

[Bryce]

Ride it when they are set. Some may have been quality control issues at the factory when set up or it may just be seating itself in. I wouldn't worry at this point. Id make sure its re-checked before warranty is up, which is soon.

It's all back together now so I'm gonna try to put at least 1000 miles on her before the warranty is up and do another valve check.

 

[Rearwheelin]

So they shimmed them ? If it was me I would have left it alone. Have had more problems with tight valves than loose ones.

 

[McKay]

Your fine, ride the he'll out of it. Bet your ok but that warranty is nice while it lasts.

 

[Bryce]

So they shimmed them ? If it was me I would have left it alone. Have had more problems with tight valves than loose ones.

They shimmed them to the loosest they can be and still be in spec (0.10 mm), so there is plenty of room for them to tighten up. By the time they put the shims in I had put another 180 on it, so with 780 miles I would think that the break in valve seating should have already occurred. Hopefully they won't move much now. Also, 0.25 mm is more than double the maximum clearance. I was worried about damaging the valvetrain or even popping a shim out. With normal valve seating and then valve wear, I don't think they ever would have tightened up enough to be in spec.

 

[Airman Dave]

Just did my Oil Tank Mod and while the Valve cover was off decided to check the Valves. Exhaust was fine, Intake was at 0.22mm. So looks like I'll be adding 0.15mm as well. Was your work done under warranty or out of pocket?

 

[Bryce]

Just did my Oil Tank Mod and while the Valve cover was off decided to check the Valves. Exhaust was fine, Intake was at 0.22mm. So looks like I'll be adding 0.15mm as well. Was your work done under warranty or out of pocket?

Out of pocket since valve adjustments are maintenance items and not warranty issues.

 

[Airman Dave]

Can you give me an idea about how much the shims are and what is cost for Labor?

 

[Kyle Tarry]

Also, 0.25 mm is more than double the maximum clearance. I was worried about damaging the valvetrain or even popping a shim out.

They were loose by about the thickness of a sheet of paper. I don't think you are going to pop a shim out through a gap the thickness of a sheet of paper.

They were probably set a hair (literally) too loose from the factory. It sounds like they've been shimmed to spec, just ride it and see if they move, but I would not worry too much.

 

[OlderHuskyRider]

Mine is a different motor than yours, but mine were loose and looser thru several adjustments over the first 7000 miles, and then they started staying the same, minor movements, sometimes tighter sometimes looser, but mine and maybe your bike, may not follow the axiom that "valve clearances always get tighter". It has not proved to be a harbinger of anything bad on my bike so I think you are good.

 

[Bryce]

Can you give me an idea about how much the shims are and what is cost for Labor?

Would be between $100 and $200 to have an adjustment done at most shops. Call your local Husky dealer and they can give you an exact price.

 

[Huskynoobee]

When I added the ZipTy breather last weekend, I checked my valves for the very first time with 1250 miles on the clock. They were all right in the middle of spec. Maybe I'll take another look in another 1000 or so...

 

[Bryce]

I checked my valves again at ~1700 miles when I did the breather vent mod and they were still in spec. Will check again in another thousand or so.

 

[duggoey]

Can you give me an idea about how much the shims are and what is cost for Labor?

Over here if you buy used shims from a dealer they are around $10/shim. Probably ~$100 for labour