Article [13] ST1300 - Valve Clearance Worksheet

[Happy Rob]

I have taken my ST13 further apart. Dwelling into the inners of her now. I am scared!!! I did ask a friend to come hold my hand and provide moral support while I checked my valves. I had hoped they would all be in spec, no luck. All my exhaust valves are out, and need new shims. All intakes are within spec. I have the easy left cam chain tensioner removed, left outter cam out of the way, but first put tie wrap from chain to gear, so I would not mess up timing. I had to do more reading and searching before I learned how to release the right side cam chain tensioner. I know the procedure now, but don't have a screwdriver long enough to get down all the way and turn that darn screw. I will purchase or make one tonight. I am all alone tonight, to release the right side tensioner, then move cam and finally lift the buckets up out of the way to find the little nuggets below. My children's suction darts worked perfectly to lift the buckets off. I am taking my time, and really enjoying this learning process. Problem is, my bike has been apart for 2 weeks now and it's 20 degrees in Newfoundland today. This is riding time.. I was silly not to do this over our 6 months of winter. Lesson learned for next time. I really should do a throttle body sync, but bike is running fine, or at least it was before I starting taking it apart!!! Perhaps I will do that next winter.

 

[BakerBoy]

Way to go Rob. :yes:

There will be a long moment when you hesitate pressing that starter button after you've reassembled it and want to start it for the first time...

 

[Soontobeone]

I know the procedure now, but don't have a screwdriver long enough to get down all the way and turn that darn screw.

Also, be sure to have a pair of Vise Grips, or similar, to hold the screw driver in place. It really makes a difference. You can wedge the Vise Grips in place so that the screw driver doesn't unwind and release the slack.

 

[canada_67]

I'm just gearing up to do some relatively serious maintenance on my ST1300 here in the UK, amongst other things like water pump seals I'm going to check the valve clearances for the first time in a few years.

I seem to recall some were pretty close to limit last time so expecting to have to replace some shims this time around - going to have to put my brave head on that day!!

The Valve Clearance worksheet in this thread is really useful, as is the spreadsheet. I did notice in the photos used for the worksheet there's some kind of dowel frame to support the timing chains but can't see any reference on the forum - looks like a neat solution!!



@GitSum have you, or anyone out there, have details on these - dimensions etc? I'd hate to drop the chains down there so might knock something up.

 

[970mike]

I'm just gearing up to do some relatively serious maintenance on my ST1300 here in the UK, amongst other things like water pump seals I'm going to check the valve clearances for the first time in a few years.

I seem to recall some were pretty close to limit last time so expecting to have to replace some shims this time around - going to have to put my brave head on that day!!

The Valve Clearance worksheet in this thread is really useful, as is the spreadsheet. I did notice in the photos used for the worksheet there's some kind of dowel frame to support the timing chains but can't see any reference on the forum - looks like a neat solution!!



@GitSum have you, or anyone out there, have details on these - dimensions etc? I'd hate to drop the chains down there so might knock something up.

You may need those if you want to pull both cams at the same time, I have over 300'000 miles on my ST1300 and I have only changed the exhaust shims.

 

[W0QNX]

Also a lot of miles on my shims.

If it's at the tolerance than it is at the limit of tolerance not out of tolerance. No need to change it if in tolerance. They change very very little over the miles.

I personally wouldn't risk the shim change unless the exhaust is .001" under tolerance.