Triumphrat

NewSport · 07-30-2007, 12:32 PM

I don't want to buy the $90.00 shim removal tool for my 2003 sport.I been reading about guys saying it was easier to remove cams.How hard is that to do? What about the timing for the cam back on the valves? I have 14K on the bike i am sure it going to need some adjustment. Any info would be nice Love this web site,its a huge help. THANK YOU!

MickMaguire · 07-30-2007, 12:40 PM

If you damage a cam or caps you'll be looking at a lot more than $90 to fix it. I always recommend that if you are fairly new to this sort of thing that you buy the tool.

If you really must do it without it can be done by removing the cams, you just need to document all the gaps first then pull the cams to get the shims out and measure. Its not hard to do, but just more prone to error / problems.

crosstie · 07-30-2007, 02:22 PM

Have you adjusted the valves on your bike before?

When I swapped cams I had to adjust the valves. I also didn't want to shell out for the tool. Getting the cams in and out was easier then I expected, and adjusting the timing is pretty simple, you just have to make sure the arrows on the cams match up (and the cylinder marks on the sprocket are lined up w/ the ignitor).

However, putting the cams back is pretty labor-intensive... you have to line everything up, get all the saddle brackets screwed back in, get the string tensioner back in without the chain slipping... all to find out that the valves still aren't quite right and you have to swap the shims again.

By the 4th time, I was wishing like hell I'd shelled out $90 for the @#$%ing valve adjustment tool! I will be buying it before I mess with the valves again.

But if you have experience adjusting valves, maybe it won't take you so many tries to get the correct spacing.

Just my $.02, FWIW.

rickj · 07-30-2007, 02:55 PM

I just did the adjust and bought the tool- I think that considering the cost for the job at a dealer I am STILL ahead!! Glad I didn't cheap out on the tool- Maybe would have been fine removing the cams but- this was a comfortable amount of work- say- if someone local wants to adjust valves maybe we can do it at my place- I get more practice and they get use of a tool- hey- They CAN BRING A CARB SYNC THINGY!!! I might even let the local Kawasukiyama dealer know I have the tool in case someone brings in a 3umph- he was nice enough to trade shims for nothing for me.

jimmyj900 · 07-30-2007, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewSport

I don't want to buy the $90.00 shim removal tool for my 2003 sport.

Excellent! Then you'll be able to afford a pretty good quality torque wrench so you don't bugger the cylinder head when you re-install the cams.

Jim

rickj · 07-30-2007, 07:35 PM

Jimmy- I love the way you put things: knowledgeable sarcasm with a total willingness to help out!!

I don't always like being on the other end- but I'm always glad for the info!!!

Thanks

jimmyj900 · 07-30-2007, 09:08 PM

Rickj, have you noticed that a lot of folks have forgotten how to laugh?

Jim

rickj · 07-30-2007, 11:04 PM

yup! Like when I take myself too seriously!

Mark Twain, Simpsons, O&A,all get it!

I confess that I assume that other Triumph riders potentially share some of my values- they must be as brilliant as I....they ride Triumphs!!!!! DOH

tridentt150v · 07-31-2007, 03:40 AM

I already own a good qual torque wrench [which has been spec checked by a qualified/certified specialist and it was spot on] and I still brought the tool.

There is a fine line between saving $$$ and spending time, for me the limit was reached. I assessed the two alternatives and chose the least costly.

rickj · 07-31-2007, 07:21 AM

I watched someone do the cam remove method on a Speedie. I can see how it could be quicker- however- the tower bolts (??) (bolts holding cam) were so loctited that the guy broke several hex tools necessitating mad dashes all over Canandaigua NY on late Saturday afternoon- factor gas and time and the savings were minimal that time- if the hex head had snapped instead of the tool it probably would have been a nightmare. As I said though I can see how it COULD have saved a lot of time and tool money. As stated- my rationalization for the tool purchase was saving significant dollars over dealer cost of valve adjustment. My reason for doing it in the first place was that I enjoy working on vehicles- for me the superior motivation. When I do things JUST to save money it usually winds up costing me more and turning me angry at the task. YMMV