TECH TIP

CHECKING VALVE CLEARANCE ON KX250F

With 4-Stroke Motocross bikes becoming ever so popular and more common among consumers, and as manufactures
keep striving to build lighter and faster bikes, periodic maintenance becomes more important than ever. 4-Stroke motors
TOOLS NEEDED:
definitely have a lot more going on and with a ton more moving parts than that of a 2-Stroke, Each of those parts can ● 8mm socket wrench ● 6mm Allen
affect the bikes performance in different ways. One crucial maintenance item to keep up on [one that many of us that ● 10mm socket wrench ● Flat Blade screw driver
have ridden 2-Stroke’s for years have never dealt with] is, maintaining proper valve clearance. ● 14mm socket wrench ● Feeler gauges
This teen-tip is the first part of a two part series on maintaining proper valve clearance for optimum performance. In this
● 5/8 spark plug wrench
issue of INSIDE TEAM GREEN we will cover “How to check valve clearance.” This will be followed up by “How to adjust
valve clearance” in the next issue. ■

Step 4: Step 7: Using feeler

Remove the gauges and the
two timing Go/No-Go method of
inspection checking clearances,
hole caps. check valve clearance
[Left side on both cams. Be sure
motor] to make note of clear-
ances on each cam.
The Go/No-Go method
of checking clearances
Fig. A: Valve clearance is the distance between the cam Step 5: Use a means that if the clear-
lobes (A) and the lifters or tappets (B). 14mm socket ance is supposed to
wrench to ro- be between .004 and
tate the crank .006 (4 thousands and
shaft counter 6 thousands), then it
clockwise to should take the .004
find top dead but not the .006.
center
TEAM GREEN RECOMMENDED CAM CLEARANCE
[NOTE - Finding top dead center on compression stroke, (Stock cams)
and why]
Top-dead-center at the end of the compression stroke
● Intake - .004 to .006 in or .1 to .15mm
is when alt the valves are closed and the cam lobes face ● Exhaust - .007 to .009 in or .17 to .22mm
upwards (seen above in Figure A). * If the valve clearance is not within the specified
range, adjust it. [adjusting valve clearances will be cov-
ered in next issue, or refer to model service manual]
Step 1: Remove necessary body work (seat, tank
shrouds, etc) so that you have good clear access to the
top end of the motor.
Step 2: Remove spark plug. This will relieve compres-
sion and make it easier to turn the crank and find top
dead center.

Step 3:
Remove the
valve cover,
and valve
cover gasket. Fig. B: Additionally the dots (A &B) on each camshaft
[Two 6mm should line up with top surface of cylinder head (C).
Alien headed Step 8: Reassemble bike and ride
Marks on
bolts]
the flywheel
should also WHAT IF ??? CAUSE AND EFFECT
line up in ● Valve too tight – Hard starts, poor and erratic idle,
middle of tim- lack of performance, and hesitation at low RPM.
ing inspection ● Valve too loose – Noisy, lack of performance, Hard

hole. on valve train, causing excessive wear on cam shaft

and tappets (lifters).
[NOTE] Ideally you want to run the clearances as close
to the loose end of specification as possible. Result
will be easier starts, bums fuel better, and improved
[Note] Intake cam is closest to carb. or rear of bike. throttle response at low RPM’s. Valves typically do not
loosen over time and use. They typically tighten up.
Exhaust cam is furthest from carb., closest to front of
bike (also displayed in Figure B). Watch for next issue on “Valve Adjustment”

Material courtesy of Team Green News USA