Valve adjustment - do it myself or dealer??

discussions specific to the 907IE
paulmozzi
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Valve adjustment - do it myself or dealer??

Post by paulmozzi »

Hi guys, I just wanted some opinions on whether or not I should try to tackle adjusting the valves myself, or going to my local dealer. I am fairly knowledgeable and not afraid to tackle a job, as long as I have some guidance. I changed my timing belts with all of your help! Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.

Warm regards, Paul :beer:
Frenchy
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Re: Valve adjustment - do it myself or dealer??

Post by Frenchy »

Be brave you can do this! Save money buy tools!!! The best references I have found:

Ducati 600, 620, 750 & 900 2 Valve V Twins 91-05, Haynes

Ducati Desmodue/Desmotre Maintenance & Modification Guide, LT Snyder

YouTube, many various step by step videos demonstrate this entire process

LT Snyder actually rates the job according to your mechanical skills. If you still feel uncomfortable, a local Duc mechanic or dealer will lighten your wallet accordingly. :thumbup:
paulmozzi
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model: 907 I.E.
year: 1993
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Re: Valve adjustment - do it myself or dealer??

Post by paulmozzi »

I appreciate it. I was surprised that the timing belts weren't worse than they were. I have the Haynes manual. I guess I have just heard so many tales about adjusting the valves, that I am a little gun shy!
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ducinthebay
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Re: Valve adjustment - do it myself or dealer??

Post by ducinthebay »

My local shop does if for $150 plus parts if he has to change some of them. He's faster than I would be, and since valve adjustment is a bit of a touch/feel thing, I leave it to him. The interval that Ducati recommends is only applicable if you run at redline a lot. Otherwise, you can easily double the interval. Last time the ST4 was in, he adjusted only one out of the 16 shims possible. And that was over 10k miles. Using good shims helps lengthen the interval. (EMS, not stock) http://emsduc.com/


Cheers, Phil
Duc in the Bay
1990 750 Sport x2-Rosso Blanko (900ss copy) & Nuovo Nudo (Scrambler project)
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higgy
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Re: Valve adjustment - do it myself or dealer??

Post by higgy »

for the price you will pay to have it done you can buy a shim kit and MBP collars and do it your self and take :beer: :beer: yourself out to dinner :thumbup:
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paulmozzi
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Joined: Thu Apr 11, 2013 6:20 pm
model: 907 I.E.
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Re: Valve adjustment - do it myself or dealer??

Post by paulmozzi »

Thank you guys, as always, you are such a big help. I will et you know how it goes!
paulmozzi
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Re: Valve adjustment - do it myself or dealer??

Post by paulmozzi »

One question for you guys, I went on the EMS website, do I need to order the 8mm MBP retainers? I don't see the 907ie listed for this kit.

Regards, Paul
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higgy
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Re: Valve adjustment - do it myself or dealer??

Post by higgy »

Mike is super easy to deal with,just ask him he will make sure you get exactly what you need
Questions?
Use the form below to email us or call us at (916) 996-7185
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIj3nSJGPZw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WQY1MRlmH4


two worthwhile videos
Ducati,making mechanics out of riders since 1946
There's no problem so bad that a little fixing can't make it worse! : )
If it ain't broke keep fixin it till it is
88 750
90 906
92 907ie
paulmozzi
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Joined: Thu Apr 11, 2013 6:20 pm
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Re: Valve adjustment - do it myself or dealer??

Post by paulmozzi »

Thank you Higgy, I appreciate all of the info. I just ordered everything from EMS. Mike was a big help.
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Sergio Desmo
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Re: Valve adjustment - do it myself or dealer??

Post by Sergio Desmo »

Which clearance do you intentend to use for opening and closing ?

You are right to do it yourself if you have interest into knowing how it works and save big bucks. Shall you have other Ducati, it is a bit time consuming but such a satisfaction to have a sweet reward as DIY gives you more intimacy with your bike. The EMS kit is definitely a super option.

Take your time to do it right and enjoy :thumbup:
paulmozzi
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Re: Valve adjustment - do it myself or dealer??

Post by paulmozzi »

I am not sure which clearance to use. Do you have any recommendations on this?
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Sergio Desmo
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Re: Valve adjustment - do it myself or dealer??

Post by Sergio Desmo »

Well unless mistaking, you may consider 0.1 mm for opening and 0.00 to 0.02mm for closing. I am sorry, i do not know what it gives in US metrics. Haynes book will probably enlight you on the topic.
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Derek
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Re: Valve adjustment - do it myself or dealer??

Post by Derek »

Manual says 0.004", inlet and exhaust
All closers : 0.000 - 0.0007". I'd be happy with the later 2V spec of 0.002" or less.
Less than 0.002" is virtually impossible to measure, so for the closers, make sure they are free to turn when the closing rocker is depressed.
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higgy
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Re: Valve adjustment - do it myself or dealer??

Post by higgy »

One additional note when ordering shim kits. It is always helpful when ordering a shim kit to know the range of shims you have installed to be sure you order the right range of shims to do the adjustment. Should you find you have ordered the wrong range, at least when ordering from EMS. Mike will swap them for you for the price of postage.
Ducati,making mechanics out of riders since 1946
There's no problem so bad that a little fixing can't make it worse! : )
If it ain't broke keep fixin it till it is
88 750
90 906
92 907ie
paulmozzi
Posts: 94
Joined: Thu Apr 11, 2013 6:20 pm
model: 907 I.E.
year: 1993
Location: Nashville TN

Re: Valve adjustment - do it myself or dealer??

Post by paulmozzi »

Thank you guys. I appreciate all of the feedback!
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