Triumphrat

miker · 09-05-2005, 10:59 PM

When I got my 99 S3 back from the dealer after the 60,000KM Service, thats 36,000 miles for the unmetricated, I was told that it looked like the valve service had never been done, ever. They said the clearances were so big that the valves may have been damaged in the head and that they would need to be re-checked at 70,000. Well I have just got it back again and they have told me that I should have the head removed at the next service and have the valves replaced, head machined and new guides and seals!

Don't know about you, but I've not heard of this problem before, but then again most of us keep the valve services up. I bought it at 39,000kms, so not sure of the history in between when it was new and when I bought it.

Interested in your opinions.

Mick

Hotmailrules · 09-05-2005, 11:54 PM

as long as its running fine id just leave it alone. Keep changing the oil and you should get many more years out of the bike. By the time the valves really start causing you problems other things on the bike will be wore out also. And you will have saved enough money to get a brand new bike. (eventually)

Pig9r · 09-06-2005, 07:55 AM

Problem is though, if the valves are not staying adjusted that could lead to more serious problems later that could cost more $$$. I think a valve job would be cheaper than fixing the damage a broken valve could do to the internals.

Diego · 09-06-2005, 11:36 AM

I tend to be a pretty cautious individual. Pig9r is largely correct about the possible consequences if the valves are not staying adjusted. Is that what the shop said is happening, or did they give you other specific details that lead them to believe excess wear or other damage has occured?

If so, I'd definitely follow their recommendation at the next service. But if they didn't find any actual change, and are just recommending this action as a precaution, I don't know that I'd be quite as concerned.

Hotmailrules · 09-06-2005, 03:42 PM

I dont know what the resale value of a 99 Triple is with 36,000 miles is. But after paying for having the head removed, having the valves replaced, head machined and new guides and seals. Then lets say by then you need new tires chain and sprocket. Right there your getting close to a new bike with all new parts.!

miker · 09-06-2005, 06:41 PM

Thanks for the input. I'm still waiting for an estimate on the work, but it's going to be around the $1500 AUD mark. The bike is worth about $8,000AUD in the current market, plus perhaps a little for it's celebrity status (long story)

They have said that because the valves were not kept adjusted properly early on, there was a lot more wear caused in the valve seats, which means now the seats are supposedly softer and wearing quicker, which is why the adjustment is not staying correct.

I'll see what they look like at the next service, I had thought this one was a keeper, so paying for a head job is far cheaper than finding another bike. The current S3 is $16,000AUD.

Cheers
Mick

crashmasterd · 09-06-2005, 07:24 PM

Quote:

On 2005-09-06 17:41, miker wrote:

They have said that because the valves were not kept adjusted properly early on, there was a lot more wear caused in the valve seats, which means now the seats are supposedly softer and wearing quicker, which is why the adjustment is not staying correct.

This sounds bogus to me.

Usually with shim over bucket valve adjusting what happens is the seats wear in and the valve clearances get tighter. This has the effect of keeping the valve up off of the seat more and more until the bike begins to get hard to start. This is due to a lack of compression cause by leakage around the valve. At this time the valve is touching the seat less and less, and therefore should be causing less wear on the seat.

I doubt you need a valve job on this bike and I would check with another dealer/mechanic for a second opinion before I did anything this expensive.

However, I've been known to be wrong. Several times today in fact. Keep this in mind when speaking to mechanics.

ezlee · 09-06-2005, 08:23 PM

I don't that it would be worth it. You can probablly pick up a used 955i engine for that on ebay for that much. I think I saw a sprint engine on there(no its not mine).

Lee

P.S.

Unfortunately we live in a disposable society that makes it prohibitively expensive to repair and reuse.

P.P.S.

You should perhaps take it to another mech. and see what they say. It's hard to get good help these days.

[ This message was edited by: ezlee on 2005-09-06 19:25 ]

MCSP3 · 09-07-2005, 04:14 PM

If it's an MI2 bike fix it no matter what. In fact even if it isn't it sounds as though having the valve job is not too expensive. Just do it and enjoy the bike. So what is the celebrity status?

miker · 09-07-2005, 06:27 PM

MCSP3, It is an MI2 bike, the "hero" as they call it. Because the movie was shot in Sydney, they sold all the bikes over here. I believe Paramount also "doctored" a couple for promo bikes in the US, which I've seen on the website where they sell movie props, but they were never actually ridden in the movie. I have all the papers pertaining to the deal and I'm the 2nd owner apart from Paramount. I've also taken some screen shots from the DVD to see whether there are any tell tale marks, and the only two I can find are, the pixie hat fairing has a scratch, and the fake bullet hole in the exhaust can (done with a ball peen hammer and airbrush). The tank was changed out for a new one after they holed the original for the leaking petrol shot, so they put a fake bullet hole there as well. They also sawed off the rear fender, license plate holder and then jerry rigged it back on, I've left it like that, because it works fine.

I love the bike and I'm already seeking a second opinion.

Thanks for all the input,

Mick