tappet trouble

[jimbobby]

Hi,

I have a 1989 r80gs (ex noddy), which finally after a year of ownership I have had a chance to use in anger (one of the annoyances of working abroad).

After a run up from the midlands to Newcastle and back, I noticed that the heads were making a fair bit of noise so I went to reset the tappets to hopefully reduce the noise. Two things happened:

When I took off the rockercover from the RHD head I discovered that the oil on the inside of the exhaust section was emulsified. I checked the oil and the other tappets and discovered this problem is only over the rhd exhaust. Does anyone have experience of this, should i be pressing the panic button?

Also I noticed when setting the gap on this side exhaust valve that when I come to set it at TDC then there is no gap, but if I turn the engine slightly then a gap appears. I am following the haynes manual instructions but am concerned why this would happen?

Any suggestions much appreciated.

Jim

 

[Rob Farmer]

Any suggestions much appreciated.

Bring it round to mine and we'll have a look at it

I'm off work at the minute so could have a look tomorrow during the day if you're around.

 

[Ogmios]

blardy Hell Rob,
good on you.
wish i lived near ya!

 

[Rob Farmer]

blardy Hell Rob,
good on you.
wish i lived near ya!

No you don't

 

[(RIP) Proff]

Also I noticed when setting the gap on this side exhaust valve that when I come to set it at TDC then there is no gap, but if I turn the engine slightly then a gap appears. I am following the haynes manual instructions but am concerned why this would happen?

Any suggestions much appreciated.

Jim

TDC will have one piston on Firing = you can adjust both tappets easily, other side piston and valve gear will be "on the rock" meaning exhaust closing, inlet opening and you will have no gap ...
Wish I had a quid for every time I've had to help someone who has adjusted them "on the rock"

 

[jimbobby]

going to try again

Thanks for the offer Rob, I gently ran the idea past her indoors, I got the look of disapproval. I'm back to Bahrain on Saturday, dont think she approved of fiddling with the bike on my last day!

Thanks Proff, I'll give it another go at setting the tappets, most likely I am doing something completely stupid, certainly wont be the first time.

Any thoughts about the emulsified oil in the rockercover?

 

[Ogmios]

No you don't

o.k - this is true....

..you could always move (back) here ya know.

 

[(RIP) Proff]

Thanks for the offer Rob, I gently ran the idea past her indoors, I got the look of disapproval. I'm back to Bahrain on Saturday, dont think she approved of fiddling with the bike on my last day!

Thanks Proff, I'll give it another go at setting the tappets, most likely I am doing something completely stupid, certainly wont be the first time.

Any thoughts about the emulsified oil in the rockercover?

Only time I ever got that, was using Duckhams crap 20/50 oil

Get it 'ot, drain and fit new filter and use GOOD 20/50 oil eg Castrol, silkolene or morris's
BUT DON'T use Feckin' Duckhams green shite

20/50 MINERAL not semi synth..

 

[Kenny]

Any thoughts about the emulsified oil in the rockercover?

Probably just lack of use. Change that oil regulary ( and stay away from Rob...no such thing as a free meal )

 

[Ogmios]

Probably just lack of use. Change that oil regulary ( and stay away from Rob...no such thing as a free meal )

ah now,
leave him alone -
maybe he just wants his legs shaved

<--- yet again, maybe i should just have this smiley as part of my sig

 

[Steptoe]

Replace the rocker cover gasket on the R/H side -

You need the piston at TDC on the compression stroke. This only happens on one side at a time. So you do one side, then turn the engine to TDC on compression stroke on the other side.

 

[Rob Farmer]

20/50 MINERAL not semi synth..

GSF just off Blackbird road do a gallon of millers 20/50 for £8. They also sell GL5 spec oil for your gearbox and final drive.

--> Store details

 

[jimbobby]

reasonably happy

thanks for all the suggestions, went back to basics, took a bit of time to work everything out, and am now happy I've set everything right. Does'nt sound any quieter mind you!? Tightening the lock nut and keeping everything set right takes a delicate touch.

I had'nt used the bike for quite a while so maybe that explains the odd oil. Will get some 20/50 mineral oil and change the filter to be on the safe side, think this will be the 3rd oil change in about a thousand miles, not sure if I'm using more oil or petrol at the moment!

Thanks for the tip about GSF Rob, I know the place on Parker drive not far from where my mum works. So whats this about leg shaving? Whats going on in Loughborough these days?!

 

[Rob Farmer]

Strange folk in Loughborough. Not much else to do you see.

The noise on your bike is probably the end float on the rockers. Terry was going to bring the bike round to get them shimmed up a couple of years ago but you know how it is Thats why I suggested you bring it round.

 

[jimbobby]

Rob I'd like to take you up on that offer about adjusting the end float. Err the only thing is it will probably be December when I'm next back in the UK, is that offer time limited?

Working abroad certainly helps pay to keep an airhead on the road, just a shame it also stops me taking it on the road. Oh well it looks pretty in the garage at least for now.

 

[Rob Farmer]

Just get in touch anytime