Using starter to check valves

[bemusedinsojo]

Hello Steamer lovers,

I am going to check valve clearances. I've got a bit of a spine injury so raising it on the center stand is out. I don't want to take off the crank cover to turn the engine because I'm not sure if I will be able to crank the engine by hand. So I thought if I was very careful, I could use the starter to gradually bump the cam off the shims so as not to have the lobe hit the valve tool legs (I have the old kind that came with the bike). The battery is fully charged, and is kept that way via tender.

Is this a bad idea?

Thanks for all ideas and replies.

 

[threepot]

Are you able to take the spark plugs out? Should turn over easier then.

[JayDub]

I definitely would not try that, firstly, the sprag clutch would take a bashing and as you probably know that can be a bit of a weak point on our steamers.  Secondly, its a bit hit and miss as the cam lobes need to be in the correct position to get an accurate measurement.  with the spark plugs out, its really not difficult to turn the motor by the crankshaft - if you can't manage it, then you should be taking things easy 

[bemusedinsojo]

Are you able to take the spark plugs out? Should turn over easier then.

Yes they are out. I'm not a total weakling but pretty close. I don't want to exacerbate an already bad situation.

[threepot]

I agree with JD. The starter will take a bit of abuse that way? Is there anyone who could assist you?

[nickjtc]

Yes they are out. I'm not a total weakling but pretty close. I don't want to exacerbate an already bad situation.

Yes, but if you use the starter and get it wrong all kinds of mechanical travails can result  :icon_wink:

Is there anyone you can ask to help you? As long as they know the diff between clockwise and counter clockwise they don't need to 'know' what they are doing.

[Sin_Tiger]

It'll turn with two fingers on a standard rachet handle with the plugs out. Can't get somebody to come over to help you with the side stand, make it a lot safer.

[bemusedinsojo]

I could ask for help. However, I am trying to be self-sufficient so I try to do it myself first. If I can't I'll ask my friend to help. My wife says I'm stubborn but damn I can't just lay around all day having others do my work. Ha ha my self-esteem is at risk.

Thanks for the warnings and advise gents. Sin said cranking it with a wrench ain't too hard so I will do that.

BTW I have more fear of a sprag than the boogie man. And I don't know what a sprag is.

[nickjtc]

BTW I have more fear of a sprag than the boogie man. And I don't know what a sprag is.

Good for you. Be afraid, be very afraid, of sprag issues. 

[ssevy]

Using a longer handled ratchet will make it easier.

[Mustang]

Hello Steamer lovers,

I am going to check valve clearances. I've got a bit of a spine injury so raising it on the center stand is out. I don't want to take off the crank cover to turn the engine because I'm not sure if I will be able to crank the engine by hand. So I thought if I was very careful, I could use the starter to gradually bump the cam off the shims so as not to have the lobe hit the valve tool legs (I have the old kind that came with the bike). The battery is fully charged, and is kept that way via tender.

Is this a bad idea?

Thanks for all ideas and replies.

extremely BAD IDEA................WHEN THE CAMLOBE COMES AROUND AND YOU CAN'T STOP THE ROTATION IT FORCES THE LEG OFF THE BUCKET .
and it makes a pretty sickening sound as the valve snaps hard against the seat .  

[Sin_Tiger]

  horrible sound, I think is rather listen to my own arm breaking 

[bemusedinsojo]

horrible sound, I think is rather listen to my own arm breaking 

Oh dear god!

[bemusedinsojo]

extremely BAD IDEA................WHEN THE CAMLOBE COMES AROUND AND YOU CAN'T STOP THE ROTATION IT FORCES THE LEG OFF THE BUCKET .
and it makes a pretty sickening sound as the valve snaps hard against the seat .  


[/quote]

I am now terrified to do this.

[threepot]

Do it the conventional way. Plugs out,socket on the crank nut,turn cclockwise until the lobes are 90' to the bucket,then measure the gap. Then hope their all in spec! :icon_wink: Plenty of help here,or search