So far this is the only video that shows on how to adjust the decompression system on this type of engine... Great video!!!! You answer a question I've been asking and no one has given me an answer, thanks!!!!
A easier way to determine shim thickness is to take the measured amount, say .008" so, logically, we need a .003" smaller shim to get to .011". No formula needed. Since, like you and most people (me included) we use inches to measure, I wish the shims were in inches. Oh well, it's easy enough to convert inches to mm. Thanks for sharing this video. Very well done.
This is an amazing video on Top End maintenance. Straight to the point and the added little things, like using cleaner to degrease the threads on the cam shaft before applying loctite to the cam sprocket bolts. I don’t know about you, but I have not seen that in a How-To Top End Shimming video, yet. It awesome, because I may have missed that step. I can see how not doing that leaves you with a higher potential for catastrophic failure...😣 You are Pro...Professional 👍
In all my years of adjusting valve clearances I never had to add a bigger shim, I always ended up having to go smaller because the clearances tighten up due to valve wear.
You should let people know to be careful because the chain can fall off the crank sprocket if you let it sit in there like that thats what happened to me while I was adjusting my little brother's valves on his bike I followed everything this video showed me all the way down to the torque specs and when I went to turn it over the camshaft wasn't moving so I did some research and learned the timing chain can come off the crank sprocket so I was able to get it back on and when I went to Kickstart nothing but a backfire I checked compression and now I only have 30 psi so now I have to pull the head off and replace the bent valves thanks.
I agree. It is best to keep tension on the chain and not drop it in like that. I figured out that mine came off when I was trying to put the second bolt in the sprocket. I turned the crank to access the other bolt hole and the sprocket wasn't moving. It took some fiddling to get it back on and a lot of wasted time.
Thanks for the video, it was a huge help!! Also, if you take yours apart and there are silver bolts in any spots holding the cam tower down marked 8.8 replace it with a 10.9 hardness bolt or OEM. I snapped one off in the head at only 8lbs of torque!
Fantastic video. Perfect clear instructions from you guys, One suggestion for a video is how to do a true compression test on these 450's since they use a decompression start
I'm curious if you could kick it over without the decompression active? Manual says around 50psi with it active and adjusted properly and mine is super hard to kick thru TDC when adjusted to spec
DO NOT LET YOUR CAM CHAIN FALL It can come off the sprocket on the bottom and it is hell getting it back on unless you take the cover and parts out of the internals in the engine
I mean, he is not wrong.. I literally just did this service on a 450X and the motor tilted to the left while I was doing it, the bottom of the chain literally slipped off the crank. It wasn't hard to put it back on though all I did was practically lay the motor on its right side and wiggle/pulled each end of the chain back and fourth till it got back on. IT CAN slip off, is it a big deal? No.@@gsrider3538
Hey I did the adjustment with the motor in the bike. I bought my 2003 CRF450R 2 weeks ago from a friend. He hasn’t ridden the bike for 6 years. I was told it ran strong when he parked it, but he said it took a lot of kicks to start. I replaced all the fluids, spark plug, air filter, rebuilt the carburetor because it was leaking from the hose that goes to the bottom of the bike. Fixed that then did the valve adjustment checked for spark and tried to start the bike and nothing. My Dad thinks the timing might be 180 degrees out? If you have any ideas please let me know thank you!
Great video. But after lining up the dots at the crank and the markings on the camshaft sprocket the flywheel is a bit off. What could be the cause of that?
I adjusted my clearance to spec and now the bike is hard to push thru TDC. The decompression was around. 015" before and now at. 024" (.010" ex plus. 014"). Is it possible it's not opening enough? It kicked over really easy before but also had bad intake valves which were tight losing compression. New KW SS valves and now set at. 007"
hi my friend. I want to ask you something. I have been trying to adjust the decompressor clearance. I have 0.29 mm in the right exhaust valve and the gap between the valve and decompressor is 0,35mm. is it ok?. I can't understand the 0.63 you have mentioned. is it the sum of decompressor plus the valve or is it the distance between the decompressor and the valve?
So I'm gonna do a valve adjustment with the shims and I want to go ahead and buy the shims but I dont want to buy a $50 kit what size do I need to buy?
Do the math as if you measured 0.00" so most likely you will drop three shim sizes. For example if the shim was 1.80mm you would try a 1.65mm shim and see if you have clearance and go from there. If it still has the stock titanium intake valves, they might go tight again after a few rides. If this happens, a lot of people will install the steel intake valve kits that we sell since they last longer. -Charles
@@rmatvmc I just bought a 2009 and am wondering if I should switch it out now or if its unnecessary. The MCCT is about half way in so it doesnt seem that loose but im not sure what the specification for how loose is fine.
well then you would need to rotate the cam 180 degrees, if you do that and it still doesnt work, then remove the cam journal and hand rotate the cam after removing the cam chain. Im guessing in the past 3 months that you have fixed it.
Yes, they are great especially for the money. We've had thousands of customers use Tusk clutch kits so we'd encourage you to read the reviews as well. You can check out both Tusk clutch kits in the links below. Tusk Clutch Kit with Heavy Duty Springs: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-clutch-kit-with-heavy-duty-springs-p Tusk Competition Clutch Kit with Heavy Duty Springs: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-competition-clutch-kit-with-heavy-duty-springs-p
Valves out of spec can cause many symptoms including hard starting when cold, backfiring, and a rough or hanging idle. So if you are having any of this issues valves are definitely something to check!
There not only electric. The have kick start as well. I just did my valves yesterday for the first time. I had to stop and look up a new video (this one) because no one else was as clear as this guy on what to do!
Well, you didn't hear this from me, but I've heard of people using a thread insert and it worked just fine. I believe you need the M6 x 1.0 thread repair kit, but check your bolt to verify. You're only other option is to replace the head. -Charles www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-thread-repair-kit-p www.rockymountainatvmc.com/oem-schematic/10
The first link in the video description will take you to all the parts and tools used in this video. Or you can check out the Pro Honda Cam Sprocket Holder here: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/pro-honda-cam-sprocket-holder-p
You will need to take these measurements like in the video to see what sizes you will need. We have individual shims and shim kits available for your bike that you can check out here: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/dirt-bike-engine-valves-shim-kits?v=2004-honda-crf450r
Great video RM! I actually just started working on the valves on my 04 CRF450 yesterday. Quick question, I took out the entire cam chain tensioner before I adjausted the valves. Can I just put it right back in? Or do I need that tool? Thanks!
I thought the intake valves got tighter as they wear? but yours were too loose.... and on my bike that im looking at now mine are also too loose. (.010 in) (.006 spec on intake)
I thought the same thing. I always thought all valves got tighter from beating and sinking deeper in the valve seat therefore making less clearance at the stem. I asked my machine shop and they told me that was the case back in the old days when valve seats were soft and we ran leaded gas. Now days they have harden valve seats and the valves don't tend to beat and sink deeper into the seat over time. Instead , We have cam and or rocker wear making a wider gap.
@Robert Anderson the titanium valves will still wear causing the clearances to tighten. Almost every hard start I ever dealt with was due to clearances being too tight leaving the valve open.
i think its time to get rid of my 06 crf450r I aint about to to all this all the time I just wanted a dirtbike to ride trails I didn't sign up for all this lol
@@gsrider3538 the manual literally says to change your piston every oil change on the CRF450R for this year. Just accept that 2 strokes are less maintenance
@@owenusherall of you are pathetic. You sound like 12 year olds arguing over PlayStation vs Xbox. It's all preferences. You want something fast, something you have to keep revved up all the time, something easier to rebuild? Get a 2 stroke. You want something you can just putt around on some days, go fast on other days, and go wherever you want? Get a 4 stroke. Arguing about which one is better is just silly.
Whenever I own a bike and happen to need to adjust the valves, I will now have a resource to do so. Thank you so much!!
So far this is the only video that shows on how to adjust the decompression system on this type of engine... Great video!!!! You answer a question I've been asking and no one has given me an answer, thanks!!!!
A easier way to determine shim thickness is to take the measured amount, say .008" so, logically, we need a .003" smaller shim to get to .011". No formula needed. Since, like you and most people (me included) we use inches to measure, I wish the shims were in inches. Oh well, it's easy enough to convert inches to mm. Thanks for sharing this video. Very well done.
This is an amazing video on Top End maintenance. Straight to the point and the added little things, like using cleaner to degrease the threads on the cam shaft before applying loctite to the cam sprocket bolts. I don’t know about you, but I have not seen that in a How-To Top End Shimming video, yet. It awesome, because I may have missed that step. I can see how not doing that leaves you with a higher potential for catastrophic failure...😣 You are Pro...Professional 👍
Thanks for the feedback! I'll try to add tips like that in future videos too.
-Charles
made my day. I have exactly this engine 2005 and need to check mine.
In all my years of adjusting valve clearances I never had to add a bigger shim, I always ended up having to go smaller because the clearances tighten up due to valve wear.
this is such a great resource, and a very well produced video. thank you!
You should let people know to be careful because the chain can fall off the crank sprocket if you let it sit in there like that thats what happened to me while I was adjusting my little brother's valves on his bike I followed everything this video showed me all the way down to the torque specs and when I went to turn it over the camshaft wasn't moving so I did some research and learned the timing chain can come off the crank sprocket so I was able to get it back on and when I went to Kickstart nothing but a backfire I checked compression and now I only have 30 psi so now I have to pull the head off and replace the bent valves thanks.
I agree. It is best to keep tension on the chain and not drop it in like that. I figured out that mine came off when I was trying to put the second bolt in the sprocket. I turned the crank to access the other bolt hole and the sprocket wasn't moving. It took some fiddling to get it back on and a lot of wasted time.
they you put it on out of time.. it will only fit with all the teeth meshed
Thanks for the video, it was a huge help!! Also, if you take yours apart and there are silver bolts in any spots holding the cam tower down marked 8.8 replace it with a 10.9 hardness bolt or OEM. I snapped one off in the head at only 8lbs of torque!
Fantastic video. Perfect clear instructions from you guys, One suggestion for a video is how to do a true compression test on these 450's since they use a decompression start
I'm curious if you could kick it over without the decompression active? Manual says around 50psi with it active and adjusted properly and mine is super hard to kick thru TDC when adjusted to spec
@@kootenaycat sure you could it'd just be harder to kick lol
DO NOT LET YOUR CAM CHAIN FALL
It can come off the sprocket on the bottom and it is hell getting it back on unless you take the cover and parts out of the internals in the engine
You have never done this job and it shows😊
I mean, he is not wrong.. I literally just did this service on a 450X and the motor tilted to the left while I was doing it, the bottom of the chain literally slipped off the crank. It wasn't hard to put it back on though all I did was practically lay the motor on its right side and wiggle/pulled each end of the chain back and fourth till it got back on. IT CAN slip off, is it a big deal? No.@@gsrider3538
The decompression lever should be loosened before checking valve clearances so it is not pushing down on the rocker arms.
My name is Charles too. And i’m about to buy a 2015 CRF450r for 5.000$. I had a 08 TRX450r. And I like doing my own valves Thank you. 👍👍
Not as bad as I expected 👍
Good Video, you make this look so I easy I want you to come adjust mine for me . Steak Dinner and Beer?
It is super easy after you do
It a few times!!
Where do you live?
Thank you for these videos. It’s been a lifesaver 🙏🏼
Great no b.s. video. Thanks Rocky Mountain. 🤙
They made this harder than my old honda enduros. On my xr600r I just need to pull the tank and a few covers
I have a '93 XR600R. So easy to adjust them and no buying shims! This doesn't nearly as simple.
Hey I did the adjustment with the motor in the bike. I bought my 2003 CRF450R 2 weeks ago from a friend. He hasn’t ridden the bike for 6 years. I was told it ran strong when he parked it, but he said it took a lot of kicks to start. I replaced all the fluids, spark plug, air filter, rebuilt the carburetor because it was leaking from the hose that goes to the bottom of the bike. Fixed that then did the valve adjustment checked for spark and tried to start the bike and nothing. My Dad thinks the timing might be 180 degrees out? If you have any ideas please let me know thank you!
Awesome video, can you make one showing the 2022 CRF-450R or similar?
Great video. But after lining up the dots at the crank and the markings on the camshaft sprocket the flywheel is a bit off. What could be the cause of that?
Do you ever find out?
Stretched/worn cam chain
Thanks this really helped for a buddy of mines bike
I thought I understand but im kind if confused about 1 the decomp clearence or whatever he said that was and 2 why did he only do the exhaust shims...
If i mix up the chimes how can I put it back in order
I adjusted my clearance to spec and now the bike is hard to push thru TDC. The decompression was around. 015" before and now at. 024" (.010" ex plus. 014"). Is it possible it's not opening enough? It kicked over really easy before but also had bad intake valves which were tight losing compression. New KW SS valves and now set at. 007"
Looking to buy a 2012 rmz450. Any advice do's or don'ts would be greatly appreciated!! Awesome videos, thanx4sharing thanx4caring.
hi my friend. I want to ask you something. I have been trying to adjust the decompressor clearance. I have 0.29 mm in the right exhaust valve and the gap between the valve and decompressor is 0,35mm. is it ok?. I can't understand the 0.63 you have mentioned. is it the sum of decompressor plus the valve or is it the distance between the decompressor and the valve?
So I'm gonna do a valve adjustment with the shims and I want to go ahead and buy the shims but I dont want to buy a $50 kit what size do I need to buy?
Entirely dependent what your clearances are as well as old shims
@@j.hyland1486 put a spark plug in it and let someone else deal with it i made $700
Could i use engine assembly lube? To lube up the parts
Hey Quick question when I took my shims out I did not write down which ones go to which what should I do please help!
Typically the thicker shims will go on the exhaust and thinner on the intake. Put them in, try them, and make adjustments from there.
@@rmatvmc I really appreciate it
Best video
Very helpful 🤙🤙🤙
Okay I am doing my shims on a 2008 crf450r and the 0.002” feeler gauge doesn’t even fit so how do I measure that to get my new shim thickness
Do the math as if you measured 0.00" so most likely you will drop three shim sizes. For example if the shim was 1.80mm you would try a 1.65mm shim and see if you have clearance and go from there. If it still has the stock titanium intake valves, they might go tight again after a few rides. If this happens, a lot of people will install the steel intake valve kits that we sell since they last longer.
-Charles
Hey just finished my valve adjustment and on my intake side I went all the way down to a 1.20 mm shim and still not in spec what’s my next step ?
@@Dreadfullemon62 valve job/ head job
@Gabe Miller needs a kibble white top end kit with new piston and rings. When valves go, time to do top end too!
Great video. Well explained.
What if I can’t get any feeler gauge size into either of the intake side?
For a quick fix can we make shins out of feeler gauge?
no just get the right ones
When should you replace the Cam Chain?
Your service manual will tell you how often, but you should be doing it at least every time you do a top end.
@@rmatvmc I just bought a 2009 and am wondering if I should switch it out now or if its unnecessary. The MCCT is about half way in so it doesnt seem that loose but im not sure what the specification for how loose is fine.
I'm not understanding the setting of the decompression clearance. Can anybody explain this?
I have
Ex
0.012” 0.016”
In
0.005”
The other side of intake doesn’t fit any feeler gauge that I got. Somebody help me please 🙏🏻🙏🏻
What if all my marks line up but my lobes are towards the front of the bike? Please help.
well then you would need to rotate the cam 180 degrees, if you do that and it still doesnt work, then remove the cam journal and hand rotate the cam after removing the cam chain. Im guessing in the past 3 months that you have fixed it.
Great Video!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Are tusk parts any good, gunna do a headgasket and clutch soon but don't wanna spring for Hinson or rekluse lol
Yes, they are great especially for the money. We've had thousands of customers use Tusk clutch kits so we'd encourage you to read the reviews as well. You can check out both Tusk clutch kits in the links below.
Tusk Clutch Kit with Heavy Duty Springs: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-clutch-kit-with-heavy-duty-springs-p
Tusk Competition Clutch Kit with Heavy Duty Springs: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-competition-clutch-kit-with-heavy-duty-springs-p
Do you have a video for 2006 crf250r?
Sorry, we don't have a valve adjustment video for that bike.
Will this fix idling problems too
Valves out of spec can cause many symptoms including hard starting when cold, backfiring, and a rough or hanging idle. So if you are having any of this issues valves are definitely something to check!
Yes just fixed mine!!
This is exactly what my 08 CRF450R needed to fix idling problems.
Wonder why they couldn't make em easier to adjust like solid rocker setups on v8 engines.
if the bikes only electric start, is it the same way to make the engine spin over?
There not only electric. The have kick start as well. I just did my valves yesterday for the first time. I had to stop and look up a new video (this one) because no one else was as clear as this guy on what to do!
Just did this job and one of cam tower bolts got stripped so now I can't tighten it up. What's the fix for that?
Well, you didn't hear this from me, but I've heard of people using a thread insert and it worked just fine. I believe you need the M6 x 1.0 thread repair kit, but check your bolt to verify. You're only other option is to replace the head. -Charles www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-thread-repair-kit-p www.rockymountainatvmc.com/oem-schematic/10
@@rmatvmc Yes! Thank you Charles. I didn't even know that was possible. I was so close to putting jb weld in there. Glad I didn't.
Great video where can I get that cam gear holder?
The first link in the video description will take you to all the parts and tools used in this video. Or you can check out the Pro Honda Cam Sprocket Holder here: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/pro-honda-cam-sprocket-holder-p
Awesome Thank you!
Where did you get the tool for camp chain tensioner?
The t handle 8mm?
I have a crf450r 2004 and it needs shim. It takes like 5 to 7 kicks to start on... idk whick shims it needs plz help
You will need to take these measurements like in the video to see what sizes you will need. We have individual shims and shim kits available for your bike that you can check out here: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/dirt-bike-engine-valves-shim-kits?v=2004-honda-crf450r
What do you do when the flywheel doesn't align between the two marks? I have very little compression when kick-starting it.
Your cam is probably 180 degrees wrong
Great video RM! I actually just started working on the valves on my 04 CRF450 yesterday. Quick question, I took out the entire cam chain tensioner before I adjausted the valves. Can I just put it right back in? Or do I need that tool? Thanks!
I’m about to do a valve adjustment on My 2003 CRF450R. Did you end up needing that tool to put it back in?
@@bigd1500 You need the tool or a flat blade screwdriver can also work.
Hey Quick question I put all new gaskets on the top end all fresh oil my oil is white I believe it’s coolant do you know where It could come from
Warped head
Water pump seal behind impeller shaft
Wat kind and size socket do you use to remove spark plug?
Goto honda get the honda brand spark plug tool its aluminum i paid 5$ its behind the counter
I want to see how to make a crf250/300 machine
What if my cam lobes aren't facing the rear but my dots line up
Cam is half turn out.
What torque wrench do you use?
We used to use Craftsman, but we switched over to the Bike Master torque wrenches. -Charles
@@rmatvmc thanks for the response, was looking to buy a torque wrench for my bike. Keep up the good videos
I thought the intake valves got tighter as they wear? but yours were too loose.... and on my bike that im looking at now mine are also too loose. (.010 in) (.006 spec on intake)
I thought the same thing. I always thought all valves got tighter from beating and sinking deeper in the valve seat therefore making less clearance at the stem. I asked my machine shop and they told me that was the case back in the old days when valve seats were soft and we ran leaded gas. Now days they have harden valve seats and the valves don't tend to beat and sink deeper into the seat over time. Instead , We have cam and or rocker wear making a wider gap.
@Robert Anderson the titanium valves will still wear causing the clearances to tighten. Almost every hard start I ever dealt with was due to clearances being too tight leaving the valve open.
i think its time to get rid of my 06 crf450r I aint about to to all this all the time I just wanted a dirtbike to ride trails I didn't sign up for all this lol
The problem today is that the manufacture don't sell repair manuals.
💪
THought about doing this... CONFIRMED... Not doing this. Worth paying the money!
four strokes😂🤣
for real. decided to do so.erhing yesterday and get my first 4t. now I'm here watching this video
Have fun doing a top end job every other ride on your noisey 2 strokes
@@gsrider3538 the manual literally says to change your piston every oil change on the CRF450R for this year. Just accept that 2 strokes are less maintenance
@@owenusherall of you are pathetic. You sound like 12 year olds arguing over PlayStation vs Xbox. It's all preferences. You want something fast, something you have to keep revved up all the time, something easier to rebuild? Get a 2 stroke. You want something you can just putt around on some days, go fast on other days, and go wherever you want? Get a 4 stroke. Arguing about which one is better is just silly.
@@owenusherwhat year?
Start blabbin numbers and it just pisses me off lol
You lost me when you started doing math