Valve adjustment - do it myself or dealer??

[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

[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.

[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!

[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

[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 yourself out to dinner

[paulmozzi]

Thank you guys, as always, you are such a big help. I will et you know how it goes!

[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

[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
Monday-Saturday: 8:00AM to 6:00PM Pacific Time Zone


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIj3nSJGPZw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WQY1MRlmH4


two worthwhile videos

[paulmozzi]

Thank you Higgy, I appreciate all of the info. I just ordered everything from EMS. Mike was a big help.

[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

[paulmozzi]

I am not sure which clearance to use. Do you have any recommendations on this?

[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.

[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.

[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.

[paulmozzi]

Thank you guys. I appreciate all of the feedback!