Valve adjustment & other ?'s

[TRXman86]

i am getting ready to tear down the 400ex for the winter for some regular maint. checks and that good stuff. does anyone know what they should be set at(or about) and how i go about doint it? i am also going to repaint the frame, i just dont know what color. i done a mock up in photo shop with a few yellow frame rails and it was flashy, very that is thats about it i think, if anyone else can help me out with some other things to check would be great! remember, next year i want to start off on the right foot and a "W"

Thanks:
Ryan
#86

[Kenny400]

You talking about valve/rocker arm clearance right?

I have an XR 400, and the engines should be the same, except for the e-start obviously. I'm pretty sure the intake is .004 and the exhaust is .005 with the engine cold. The XR has a decompression system which makes it kinda aggravating to set valve lash, because if you ever let the engine turn backwards just a little from TDC the decomp activates and gives you a inaccurate measurement on one of the exhaust valves. If I remember right my buddy's 400ex didn't have that, so it should be easier on yours. All you gotta do is make sure you get it on TDC on compression stroke. I'll round up my manual and get back to you for sure on the clearances though.

Are you just going to do routine maintenence or tear the whole engine down?

[TRXman86]

no i am just doing a basic maint on it. i think that next year(or sooner GOD FORBID ) i am going to send it in and have new gaskets and what ever else needs done to it. just to make sure nothing is wore down any. i wanna try to keep up with it.

thanks.

[Kenny400]

Gotcha.. Oh, one other little tidbit. Be careful with the 4 caps on the valve cover where you'll be making your measurements/adjustments. Dont tighten them too much. I over-tightened one on my XR, and it snapped..left the threaded portion in the valve cover. Had lotsa fun getting it out too. Cost me 15 bucks for that little piece at the Honda dealer.

[TRXman86]

yea, thats a big problem LOL i am going to buy me a PSI tourqe wrench(per square inch) at least i think thats what they use for 'em, new to the thumper deal LOL

[Kenny400]

LOL, I'm new to the 2 stroke deal, so I know where you're coming from.:

[Woody_YZF]

I know Roggen_400EX would probably know. He has adjusted his valves on is EX fairly recently.

[Desert Rat]

Hey there mxrcr86, check you PM's. I sent you a written procedure for adjusting the 400ex valves. Have fun! Intake valve .004 and exhaust valve .005. It's all in the writeup.

[Thumprding]

Setting the valves is very easy. Same set up as on my XR600R. As for the access plugs, they have an o-ring seal. Just snug them tight

[TRXman86]

thanks everyone. what about the colors LOL

[2fun]

Stay away from black and blue..........
They can be quite painful.......................

[TRXman86]

LOL i know. got a few of them colors on my knees from sunday darn tank cover LOL

[kxdude258]

how bout silver

[TRXman86]

well that is the original color, that or a gray tone? i am looking for flashly something that will catch the eye on the track or trailer. thanks anyway