'99 ST Valve noise

I have a '99 Sprint ST w/ 20k miles. I have severe tapping during idling and it less at higher rpm's but is still there. I am assuming it is valve noise. It that common on these bikes?

Is it easy to adjust or change the valves?

[BazzaST]

Colby valve clearance noise is OK to a certain extent, but tight valve clearance can be a problem at times (valve sink back into head, causing all sorts of problems).


There are some downloads under technical advice re Triumph-Rat, Valve adjustment worksheet, also a download for a valve adjustment tool.

Approx 99-01 model triple triumph motors had the shim on top the bucket.

Check out this site, for some info on vale adjustments:-

www.canyonchasers.net/shop/955i/valve.php

Barry

[cm08]

Colby,

I also have a 99 and yesterday completed valve adjustment. My engine has 17,500 kms. A little earlier than the 20,000 km recommended - 12000miles ) but based on what I had read on this site about triumph valve clearances tightening up, felt like it was a good idea. As it turned it was!

I had to adjust 8 out of the 12 valves (2 were good, 2 at min) Clearances on many of the valves were as low as .002in (intakes) and at .005 (exhaust). I actually ended up adjusting 9 including the 2 at min.

Just came back from test ride and while it might be my imagination the engine is smoother and slightly quieter at idle and much smoother throughout the entire range.

If you have never had the valves adjusted and you have 20,000 miles, I would definitely recommend you get to it. It is not easy for someone who has never done this before, but possible for someone with some mechanical skills.

Also, I was very lucky, the very nice Honda dealer llent me his entire stock of 25mm valve shims, which I took home with me and I just exchanged the ones I did not use. I was only one short, and another bike shop just gave it to me (without exchange).

Anyways good luck, and let me know if I can help answer any of your questions.

PS: I created an excel spreadsheet which calculates the shims min and max range for you. (on holidays) and as for the tool I reverse engineered my own using some drawings of the original tool. I used some off the shelf metal hardware (90 Degree bracket and a piece of metal. I`d be happy to send a picture of the tool and the excel file to you. I am not sure if I can download them onto this site.

CM

[Cuyose]

Please do download those if you can!

I only have about 7500 on my 2003 ST. Just got it, so don't blame me for the low miles!

Anyhow, I have a Bandit with screw and tappet valves, and an old CB with 9mm shims. I am very comfortable with doing valve adjustments, but looking at the instructions for a 2002, it appears a little more involved than what I am used to.

While I have some pretty strong tapping, I have grown accustom to it with most bikes, as you are actually supposedot hear a little valve tapping, its when it gets bone quiet you need to worry.

To all,

I appreciated the advice.

CM - could you email me the photo's of the tool and the excel file - it may come in handy.

Colby