Feeler Gauges

[David.]

After a recent discussion with a.n.other w.r.t. checking Camhead valve clearances, decided to look at my feeler gauges. I've got both a metric & imperial 10 blade set by Kennedy from Cromwell Tools.

The inlet valve clearance range is 0.13mm - 0.23mm and the exhaust clearances are 0.30mm - 0.40mm. With the metric set, the nearest I can get for the inlets is 0.15mm, 0.20mm & 0.25mm. The exhausts are fine at 0.30mm, 0.35mm & 0.40mm. I use the "Go/no go" method as seen in most videos viewed on the subject. This method doesn't give an actual valve clearance, just that it's within the acceptable range. The replacement valve shims are in increments of 0.05mm, which fits in nicely with the range of metric feeler gauges. I'd never thought of using the imperial set and doing a conversion to metric. Between the two sets of gauges, I'd more accurately be able to measure the valve clearances.

This set me off on a feeler gauge hunt. Spoke to a BMW Motorrad dealer, he confirmed that what BMW use is no longer available to purchase. A "Google Search" has come up with some options from Motorworks, Halfords & Hornig.

Motorworks only list the same (Draper) set as the Kennedy set I've already got, https://www.motorworks.co.uk/vlive/Shop ... 5_91_CN_10

Halfords have a dual (imperial & metric) marked set for £3.99, https://www.halfords.com/tools/hand-too ... 26667.html with the following Metric sizes (mm) - 0.05, 0.06, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.13, 0.15,  0.18, 0.2, 0.23, 0.25, 0.28, 0.3, 0.33, 0.35, 0.38. With the addition of a 0.40mm gauge, this covers the range of inlet & exhaust valve clearances.

The Hornig set at £6.80 plus £9.82 shipping is expensive, https://www.motorcycleparts-hornig.com/ ... e-set.html plus the size range isn't as good as Halfords, particularly for the inlets, Individual sizes: 0,10 - 0,12 - 0,14 - 0,16 - 0,18 - 0,20 - 0,22 - 0,24 - 0,26 - 0,28 - 0,30 - 0,32 - 0,34 - 0,36 - 0,38 - 0,40 - 0,42 - 0,44 - 0,46 - 0,48 - 0,50.

Think I'll get a Halfords set, saves the mess on of converting because the blades are dual marked and one set will cover both my bikes. The XJ650 inlet & outlets are the same at 0.006" - 0.008". (Imperial (") - 0.002, 0.0024, 0.003, 0.035, 0.004, 0.005, 0.006, 0.007, 0.008, 0.009, 0.010, 0.011, 0.012, 0.013, 0.014, 0.015).

[Sullivj]

I use a Bergen one - It does the job.


[size=2px]https://www.amazon.co.uk/BERGEN-Profess ... 0979249316[/size]
[size=2px]
[/size]
[size=2px]That said, my RT is with the mechanic today for a 12,000 mile service including valve clearance check, so my gauges will stay firmly in the tool box.[/size]

[David.]

In 2016 at 15,000 miles, my Camhead valve clearances were checked by the local BMW dealer, they charged £32.90.

They recorded the clearances to the nearest 0.01mm on my check sheet provided.



The inlets were 0.17mm (x2),  0.20mm & 0.22mm and exhausts were 0.33mm, 0.35mm & 0.38mm (x2).

[David.]

Think I'll get a Halfords set, saves the mess on of converting because the blades are dual marked and one set will cover both my bikes.

Perfect, have selected the following 9 blades from the set of 16 and put them on a split wire ring, plus 0.40mm from a previous set.

RT inlet valves 0.13mm - 0.23mm, Metric sizes (mm) - 0.13, 0.15,  0.18, 0.2, 0.23.

RT exhaust valves 0.30mm - 0.40mm, Metric sizes (mm) - 0.3, 0.33, 0.35, 0.38, (0.40).

The five RT inlet are Imperial (") - 0.005, 0.006, 0.007, 0.008, 0.009, these will do nicely for the XJ650 at 0.006 - 0.008 inlet & exhaust valves.

[Our Gee]

I had a dream last night in which I learned that the 2022 Boxer Engine is to have Hydraulic Tappets !!.

[David.]

IMO, the Camhead valve clearance checking & adjustment is very simple and straight forward. A lot less complicated than some where the camshafts have to be removed to make adjustments.

[Levisp]

I had a dream last night in which I learned that the 2022 Boxer Engine is to have Hydraulic Tappets !!.

Funny and long life spark plugs.