The correct valve tappet clearance is .004" on both the intake and exhaust valves (cold engine).
Remove both valve covers. Remove the round timing inspection cover from the top left hand side of the crankcase. On the rear of the engine, on the left side, is another round cover to remove - this gives you access to the head of a bolt on the end of the generator shaft (use a 17mm wrench to remove the cover).
Using a 12mm box end wrench, turn the generator bolt clockwise until the "T-1" mark on the flywheel is aligned with the notch in the timing hole. Now, check the valves for the #1 cylinder (the left front cyl.) - both should be closed and their cam lobes facing in, away from the rocker arms. If not, rotate the engine another 360 degrees. Check both valves for the #1 cylinder with the .004" feeler gauge. The correct adjustment is when you feel a slight drag on the gauge. Use the lock nut and adjusting screw to set the proper clearance. At this time, you may also adjust the #4 cyl. intake valve and the #3 cyl. exhaust valve.
Next, rotate the engine another 360 degrees, aligning the "T-1" mark again. Now you can check / adjust both valves for the #2 cyl. and the #3 intake, and #4 exhaust. Then, you're done.
Comments:
Oct 27, 2009
- Correction: the #1 cylinder is the RIGHT front, not left.