To gap the valves or not gap the valves?

[nazman]

Hello all,
I recently done up my old Paso 750. New cam belts, cleaned seized clutch, overhaul to brake calipers. etc. She was sat for 8 years. Question is can I get away with not gaping the valves? Would this cause serious damage to the engine? Or would it simply make the bike ride a little slower? I already ride like an old granny. So a slow bike would make no difference. Local garage is asking for about £300 max to gap the valves. Am on a budget. She's got 23000 on the clock. 3000 of those from me (8 years ago). With no problems.

Any advice would be appreciated.

[paso750]

Question is can I get away with not gaping the valves? Would this cause serious damage to the engine?

The answers are no and it's possible although one could reply 'it depends' to both (I wouldn't).

Incorrect valve clearance can cause burnt valves, ruin valve seats due to excessive heat, wear parts or create other kind of engine damage. How high the risk is depends on how off the valve clearances are and you will only know that if you have that measured. A possible damage could cost you more.
I don't know if GBP300 is a normal price for the job but maybe there are other shops that can do it for less. Also you could check here or on other Duc forums if there's someone in the area who could help out.

Edit: during the 3K mls you rode the bike did you ever have the valve clearances checked? WSM says every 1.800mls. (on the later Supersports it was changed to 3K)

[Derek]

As above. If you are not up to doing the shims yourself you could at least measure the clearances yourself. It is not difficult.
Then you would be in position to decide whether they are ok or if it needs work done to adjust the clearances. You could even learn to do it yourself

[ducinthebay]

Most shops will charge you a lot less if you take all the body work off yourself before taking it to the shop. Tell them that when you call for a quote.

Phil

[paso750]

very good point.
If you do that (cable)tie the upper oilhose to the horizontal frame bar and remove the rubber blocks on top and bottom of the oil coolers and the two round rubber plugs that you'll find left and right on the headlight frame. You could lose those when riding w/o the fairing.

[nazman]

Thanks all. Particularly PooBar and Derek. Great suggestions. Will be removing the tank because its rusted. that'll give access to the cam covers. Will remove and check the clearance. Hopefully all is fine. Otherwise, she's off to get gaped.

Thanks again guys. The 'old granny' should be roadworthy before next season.