Valve clearance 6000 mile service

[Edmund Kean]

2011 GSA with approximately 5700 miles on clock. I have just booked in for a 6000 mile service and have been asked by the BMW dealership if I would like the valve clearances checked. The bike is not under BMW warranty. The bike runs fine. So should I pay the extra and have it checked?

Thanks

Ed

 

[Davey B]

I thought valve clearance 'check' was part of the service.
(Mine has just had its 12k service and they rang me to tell me that the valves actually needed adjusting after their check. Added just a few quid to the bill. I am confident that the dealer wouldn't fleece me (Allan Jefferies))

 

[Bumhead]

According to BMW service schedule the valve clearances should be checked as part of the 6000 mile service.

Don't pay extra it should be done FOC as part of service.

 

[kwallace21]

My 2011 GSA had valves checked at 6k as part of the normal service. One needed shimmed too. Runs a treat .

 

[Sgt Bilco]

The valve check is only worth doing if the motor is stone cold. If they come back to you after a couple of hours after you have ridden in saying all is OK, they aren't doing their job properly.

 

[Bendy toy]

The dealer will want to know if you want the job done so they can arrange when the bike is to be serviced. As Sgt Bilko says, the job has to be done cold. The valves will settle on a new engine so clearances should be checked.

You can minimise valve stress by using posh petrol. "Cheap" 95 RON causes ECU to retard the spark timing so gives a hotter exhaust gas causing more stress on the valves. It also costs more per mile so isn't really cheap at all.

 

[Bones]

According to BMW service schedule the valve clearances should be checked as part of the 6000 mile service.

Don't pay extra it should be done FOC as part of service.

I thought valve clearance check was part of the 12K service, not the intermediate 6K oil, filters and a quick checkover service. Nothing is done FOC as part of any service

 

[Bumhead]

I thought valve clearance check was part of the 12K service, not the intermediate 6K oil, filters and a quick checkover service. Nothing is done FOC as part of any service

According to Motorad service schedule 10000km (6000mls)
Correct nothing is free!!!

 

[robb]

Drop it off the night before

 

[Edmund Kean]

The valve check is only worth doing if the motor is stone cold. If they come back to you after a couple of hours after you have ridden in saying all is OK, they aren't doing their job properly.

Will unused (12 hours for example) engine metal temperature not vary from a very hot summer's day to a cold winter's day? Is this a consideration too?

 

[Bones]

Will unused (12 hours for example) engine metal temperature not vary from a very hot summer's day to a cold winter's day? Is this a consideration too?

Oh yes, if the workshop has heating all tolerances and clearances will be out so make sure you insist the mechanics work outside in the cold

 

[adventuredon]

Being a cheapo Sarff Effriken (world cup winners x 2)...I always use 95. My valves have only needed adjusting oncein 47K. I must be lucky.

The dealer will want to know if you want the job done so they can arrange when the bike is to be serviced. As Sgt Bilko says, the job has to be done cold. The valves will settle on a new engine so clearances should be checked.

You can minimise valve stress by using posh petrol. "Cheap" 95 RON causes ECU to retard the spark timing so gives a hotter exhaust gas causing more stress on the valves. It also costs more per mile so isn't really cheap at all.

 

[Bendy toy]

It's generally said if engine is just warm to the touch it's cold enough for valve clearance checks

 

[JimVonBaden]

The service schedule is here: http://www.jimvonbaden.com/Service Schedule PDF.pdf

Check the valves at 6K mile intervals. I would always check at 6K just to be sure. After the 12K, if they have not moved, check every 12K on the Camheads. They don't usually move much, or at all.

Jim