Everything You Need to Know About Checking And Shimming Valves

[@PSYCOCAT64]

Dont get me wrong, this is a good video. But I would love a remake of this video. Knowing how amazing your production skills are now I think you could make this video at least twice as good! Especially with something as frequent and critical as valve adjustments!

[@carlosbarragan6729]

or valve replacement. pretty plzzz :)

[@brentmack51]

Wow the young grasshopper has come along way. I'm an old timer been turning wrenches since the late 70s but I'm always willing to learn or see a different technique boy knows his way around the screaming eagle

[@MP36BRAVO]

I agree 100% possibly a dual cam valve adjustment haha

[@walta23]

agreed, and although this video is thourgh it isnt everything i need to know about shimming valves i was hoping for somthing way more involved

[@jordanjacobs4365]

My valves are ticking, so I see this video and I’m like “this seems good” then when it start I say “Oh damn, it’s one of my favorite KZbinrs! Cameron Niemela!”

[@1176hambone]

The king of fixing up dirt bikes. 10 years. What a champ!

[@Hydroslinky515]

Great Video! i love that someone is doing stuff like this, i'm an aspiring young mechanic and these videos have been pricelessly helpful to me, please keep up the good work! Big supporter right here!

[@TheTracko78]

Great video super

[@draxxes1]

you explain it better than most mechanics that works for the pros. Good job and keep it coming.

[@CameronNiemela]

Thank You! I appreciate the kind comment.

[@draxxes1]

you're welcome. I am actually rebuilding a CRF 150rb engine as we speak. Do you have any videos for the lower end? I'm replacing all the bearings.

[@CameronNiemela]

Ro Cayas Unfortunately I have not done any videos on the bottom end.

[@draxxes1]

OneOne9 Creations I will subscribe so I am updated! What I like about your video. You talk slow enough and clear enough that we can actually understand without having to watch it over and over. Your video is clear and up close, LIKE IT SHOULD BE! The last video i watched was of a pro mechanic for kawasaki doing a top end and he was talking fast. His video would show step 1 while hes talking about step 3. His camera was 10 feet away while he's describing how to find top dead center and aligning the marker/arrows which took him 10 minutes by the way. An up close shot would have been worth 1000 words and your video does just that. Thanks again, i will be using your video to check my valve clearance and change shims on my 150 and 450.

[@CameronNiemela]

Ro Cayas Thanks so much for the awesome feedback, it really is great to hear that people find the videos helpful. I hope to do more in the future. I know Rocky Mountain ATV has some great videos on engine rebuilt and assembly.

[@recklessriley6]

Great Video Cameron, i know you recently beat cancer and i have the same cancer you had which is (ALL) or Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and i can tell you cancer sucks but i love your videos and they actually have made me a better mechanic when working on my dirtbike so thank you and seeing your cancer video was very inspiring and pushes me to fight too. God Bless🙏🙏

[@CameronNiemela]

Thanks Riley! All the best to you, praying for you. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help

[@recklessriley6]

@@CameronNiemela Keep uploading that's all i ask man, great content!🙏🔥

[@riclopez1627]

Thank you for thoroughly explaining the way to figure out new shim size. You made it easy to understand.

[@jesusislord7254]

I am lost lol

[@CameronNiemela]

Thanks! The tool I was using is an ASV Y-Handle. It has a 8mm, 10mm, and 12mm on it, very handy tool to have.

[@ClintMcCaleb]

That was a great video - well done. Removed a good bit of mystery from the process !

[@jeandebeer5470]

HUGE SHOUT OUT TO CAMERON NIEMELA FOR EXPLAINING. THANK YOU ALL THE WAY FROM SOUTH AFRICA. Great tutorial video.

[@baconator127]

To be honest, you have the best/most informative videos about motocross on KZbin! Your camera actually works, you are informative, and you explain in detail. Keep up the good work!

[@mikec7661]

i agree with RC... very detailed and well explained. its rare that i enjoy watching a "how to" vid mainly because people just run through it and dont give any detail. great job man this will be used as a refresher course and "go to" vid when my son and i tackle his 05 crf450r. im sure the basics are the same. thank you

[@sentins746]

How to calculate shim sizes(Easy) Formula: A = (B - C) + D A = New Shim Thickness B = Recorded Valve Clearance C = Specified Valve Clearance D = Old Shim Thickness I just did this because i found the video unclear, Hope it helps!

[@Jiilaker]

Nice. You were born to make a video in youtube, i didn't know you start this youtube long time ago untill i watched this. Thanks

[@CameronNiemela]

Thanks! I'm glad these videos are appreciated, a lot of effort goes into them.

[@daveyn2730]

Good video. The first time I watched one of these valve adjustment videos I was confused as hell. Now I've seen a few and it finally clicked. I was able to adjust my valves with no problems.

[@CameronNiemela]

That's great to hear! Glad I could help.

[@dustinthehouse5049]

Right on, I've got enough confidence in my understanding to tackle this job myself now. Thanks alot

[@CameronNiemela]

Glad I could help! Thank you for watching.

[@tonymontana9240]

Great video man!! I would love to know as much as you do about motors. Im kinda scared opening my motor apart. I have a 2016 kx250f and have not been riding becuase of the valve's😔

[@taylorh3930]

I'd rather do this then stupid fork seals I hate dealing with forks I've rebuilt motor top and bottom end but I will not fuck with forks

[@CameronNiemela]

The equation is (correct valve clearance- recorded valve clearance) + (old shim size) = new shim size. For example, if the specified clearance is .15mm and your current clearance is .05mm, and you have a 2.00mm shim, then you would do: (.15mm-.05mm = .1mm) + 2.00mm = 2.10mm. You would need a 2.10mm shim or the closest size to it. If you can't get a clearance, go up the specified clearance amount then measure again.

[@norincobrocapri46]

Wrong. If your valve clearance is already too small, you are going to need a thinner shim, not a thicker one? So therefore a 1.90mm shim is needed to open up the clearance.

[@joslinnick]

I ended up ordering the MSR 32 leaf set. Increments of .01mm from .03-.10, then .03mm up until .40mm. From what I could tell, it actually has the exact same gauge thickness as the bike master. Glad we think alike!

[@mazpr2025]

At last, a tutorial where the camera is on a tripod. Thanks for the vid!

[@TomGlander]

Well done. One of the best vids I've seen on this subject. Clear, concise, nice video work with the high speed at the appropriate times. Thank you for creating this.

[@CameronNiemela]

Thanks so much for the positive feedback! Glad the video is helpful!

[@TomGlander]

I'd like to see a video like this for my specific bike, a Husky TE511. I suspect things are similar and think shims will be needed on my bike as well. Used to have a CRF450R this would have been applicable to.

[@carternoel1407]

Your vids are awesome and have helped me alot with my 250! Thanks so much for what your doing, keep the videos coming. Subscribed!

[@CameronNiemela]

It really depends on how often you clean the air filter and how hard the bike is ridden. This bike had 35 hours on it (from new) with the filter being cleaned every ride before the valves went slightly out of spec. If the bike is being trail ridden, the valves will last much longer.

[@carternevill]

Still watching this 8 years later! Good job Cam🤘

[@thelinkinboys11]

Your getting better in front off the CAMERA everytime..man good job..keep up the good work

[@mundanus84imperium]

Well as i told you my bike just began to do that recently and i live in a pretty hot place in gulf of Mexico so we ride in very hot conditions and i never knew that any bike of my friends do that. Thats why im a little skeptic about it. We know that the dirt bikes get really hot but you know i guess it is what it is! Thank you very much man for your time and go on with your videos are pretty helpfull!

[@notnup]

Thanks for the quick reply and ill be coming here from now on for my questions

[@burton-fj1rw]

Perfect. Not. Lot of BS. Straight to the point

[@DaltonSwagLavigne]

Great video man, might have to watch the math you did there a couple of times before i order shims from honda. but i really hope this does the trick to help my bike to start normally. it took me a good 7 to 9 minuets of kicking to start it up to adjust the pilot and idle screw when it got warm, only to have the same horrible cold start. i hope this video will be accurate for a 2007 crf r.

[@Kyletransit]

Excellent video that mate extremely helpful thanks very much 😁👍

[@N7167L]

Hey OneOne9 - Your videos are awesome! Thanks for making and posting them... PLEASE Keep'em coming!

[@CameronNiemela]

Thank you for watching! I'm glad you enjoy them.

[@CameronNiemela]

Yes, that is correct. You do not need to remove the cam or loosen the cam chain tension if you are only checking the clearance.

[@ridingwithjiho8081]

You do a great job explaining your work 💪🏾unlike most videos on KZbin 😭

[@CameronNiemela]

Much thanks, appreciate you watching the video!

[@paullee6955]

i have not understand how u did the calculation on the valve clearance,what is the manufacture specification,

[@norincobrocapri46]

I have been doing valves for 45 years and I cant understand it either ! The arithmetic is all wrong on this otherwise good vid.

[@norincobrocapri46]

Lol. Measuring in thou and shimming in metric while not explaining the thought process.

[@phoenixeastwood9786]

Hey Cameron. Thanks for the vid. I used it to help me do the valves on my bike. It was perfect.

[@ruellerz]

Well done. Take out the plug as well to assist in getting engine to TDC. Might be picking up a 2010 CRF250 this spring :D

[@CameronNiemela]

@Clint McCaleb Thanks! Glad you liked the video.

[@CameronNiemela]

Josh Blockeed You need to hold the crankshaft to remove the cam bolts. Take the round sight cover off as shown in the video and have someone hold the crank with an allen wrench. If that doesn't work, use an impact wrench or use a swift motion to get the bolts loose before the cam has a chance to move. But do not try to jam the cam with anything.

[@CameronNiemela]

Josh Blockeed Some heat might help, but you just need to hold the crank from spinning and it will come loose.

[@fullcirclerepair2655]

Nice video been watching Tamir stuff for quite a while I work on bikes in building lots of them also Pro flat track bikes but this is the first video I've seen it does not say anything about adjusting the valve on the exhaust or how to

[@albundy141]

Checkd and treble checkd and thats what i got. Was on thumpertalk and someone was saying its normal for valves to receed and lose clearance. Have checkd valves with micrometer and all is well, so have ordered bigger shims that will get them bang on speck.

[@CameronNiemela]

Thanks! I ordered the side plate backgrounds from JJW Designs in WA state.

[@91ryangentile]

Thankyou!!! I'm so glad u you do tech lessons I learn alot and I would not be working on my bike if it wasn't for you

[@CameronNiemela]

Yes, if your bike has a Honda Unicam engine the lobes should be facing towards the rear of the bike at TDC. I don't think the bike would run if the cam was installed backwards. Make sure that you are at TDC. Take the spark plug out and look to see if the piston is at the top of the stroke.

[@CameronNiemela]

I bought mine off of eBay. It is a factory Honda manual and can be purchased at most motorcycle shops or online stores.

[@g6rida07]

This video helped me out a bunch. Ive watched a ton on valve shims, but your the only one who ever explained it to where I could actually undersatnd the shim process...Thanks alot bro....And what is the name of that tri-wrench type deal you used for the seat and side shroud bolts?

[@CameronNiemela]

Thanks! There is no way you can calculate the size of the shim you need if you can't get a feeler gauge in. You will have to install a smaller shim until you can get the gauge to go in. Once you have clearance, you can calculate the required shim.

[@CameronNiemela]

You are right except for the exhaust have shims also. The shim sits in the valve spring retainer.

[@endedtheclan6491]

Who else got lost halfway through?

[@WillyD1]

Ended The Clan me

[@leonctv]

The math got me 👀😂

[@callmedaddy6988]

The math got me fucked

[@crffilmz7300]

Math butt raped me 🤣🤣

[@norincobrocapri46]

Anyone who understood the arithmetic is deluded. It is wrong on so many levels.

[@dixoncider7256]

Nice work, very thorough. thanks!

[@tmmlambotm]

very informational. i'm 16 and i am buying a bike that needs a head and this will help me make it through the project.

[@CameronNiemela]

Thank You! Good luck on your project.

[@CameronNiemela]

I'm guessing if everything is stock that is normal. What you mentioned about the backfiring and hard to start is consistent with valves that are out of adjustment. The engine would not run if you there were valve overlap issues. The problem was with the valve adjustment. Also, cam timing is not going to affect the valve overlap.

[@munklikescheese9507]

Cameron Niemela ... got an 05 crf450x ... impossible to start when cold but starts and runs great when warm. Gotta continuously crack throttle which leads me to believe it is starving for fuel but would out of alignment valves cause a similar hard starting scenario? No backfire. Dirty carb?

[@travisconover4762]

Ya we need a new valve video your way better at videos now

[@JustinTwilley]

Hey man awesome video, I have a question on how to calculate the new needed shims, Im doing an r6 engine and the spec is between .23-.30 for ex and .13-.20 for in and i have 4 shims that are a bit off of spec, so how do i decide which spec to use in the calculation? would I just use the middle number of each? Thank you.

[@CameronNiemela]

Backfiring means a lean condition. It is either an air leak or carb needs to be jetted richer.

[@douglysyk3805]

finally a valve video that makes some sense

[@norincobrocapri46]

You ARE kidding, aren't you. Nice vid, but the math is wrong.

[@CameronNiemela]

Yes, a TRX450 should follow a similar procedure. It sounds like your valves are out of adjustment or carburetor needs tuning.

[@CameronNiemela]

Ok, I understand. No problem, hope the video helped. Thanks

[@newbeginnings8566]

Any chance of doing a modern updated video using your newer camera and techniques? I have a 2018 crf250r and I'll have to do this service... Only thing is I'm a bit worried I won't be able as I've never done anything technical like this...!

[@christianlemonade5355]

Great video at explaining most of Everything you just confused me on the numbers

[@norincobrocapri46]

Thats because the numbers are wrong.

[@claytonbennett1509]

Must have made this video before you had a cordless impact! Great video thanks for posting

[@willholmes1757]

Great video!! Can you remake the same video with the filming skills you have now??

[@CameronNiemela]

If it's all stock then that's just how the valve overlap is supposed to be. Did you get it running good?

[@CameronNiemela]

Thanks. They are actually rings that hold the cam bearings from moving side to side. So yes, technically they are retaining rings.

[@CameronNiemela]

So it went down the timing chain hole? Get an extendable magnet and fish it down there for a while. Should be able to get it out no problem. If not, you'll have to pull the stator cover off.

[@CameronNiemela]

I would suggest a Bike Master feeler gauge set from Rocky Mountain ATV/MC. It goes in .01 increments on the smaller sizes which should work fine.

[@muddymotos]

looks like a great tutorial I have to do this on my sons crf soon

[@CameronNiemela]

+muddymotos Thanks, glad I could help.

[@MainelyCannabis]

My bike was missing a few shims when I got it. How do I find out which I need? I have a 2002 yz426f. Any help would be amazing. Still a great video to this day! Cheers!

[@kentownage]

Actually, i watch these 4 stroke videos, because my future bike will be a 4 stroke, and im also interested in engines, and enjoy watching these kind of videos. When i see comments talking shit about 2 stroke which is the heart of motocross, then i wanna reply with shit. Yes i still live with mom and dad, but im still only turning 16 this summer, which 16 year old doesnt live with his parents? with a few exceptions like homeless and shit..

[@CameronNiemela]

I would guess that they need to be seated before the intakes open. What cam are you using? Aftermarket?

[@CameronNiemela]

I would say the valves should be checked. If it is backfiring on decel, it is definitely the valves. If it is bogging, most likely carburetor jetting or carb needs to be cleaned.

[@CameronNiemela]

You can get the single shims from a dealer or online OEM parts store.

[@CameronNiemela]

If you can't get a feeler gauge in, you will have to go down on the shim size until you can get a reading. Then you can follow the procedure in the video to get the correct clearance. Thanks for watching!

[@CameronNiemela]

It is the same concept, but with dual cams there are a few things you have to do different. But determining the shim size is the same process.

[@CameronNiemela]

Thanks, the Y-handle is a ASV brand.

[@Snitchy1989]

well, i have a CRF 450 '07, and its bastard to start when its hot.. i stalled at the track, took over 20 kicks to start it back up again.. and it backfires with flames out the exhaust when revving it :D So thanks very much for this vid.. I know what i will be doing tomorrow :D

[@CameronNiemela]

+Snitchy1989 Thanks for watching! Glad I could help.

[@urboostd4865]

+Snitchy1989 Well atleast the chiks likes the flames ;)

[@Snitchy1989]

Well, checked my valves yesterday.. manual states 0.16mm intake, 0.28mm exhaust.. exhaust was 0.31 and intake was 0.24.. Well out of spec! new shims on order :D

[@jacobbutler7942]

You can get chain tensioner bolts started, then wind it up, and finish tightening.

[@f2.8images]

Sorry for the questions . But but can you explain how to do the sums do you divide or subtract as I don't understand. Sorry and thanks for the quick reply and for posting your great videos

[@makils68]

Thank you for the video. I would like to know what will happen if there is no clearance at all any of the valve

[@CameronNiemela]

You will have to measure the shim with a set of micrometers or calipers to determine the thickness.

[@HuberLawn]

Quick question…when your crank mark is lined up with the case mark and your cam is lined up properly, where is your flywheel “F” mark at? I did a rebuild and believe my timing is off but not exactly sure how. Thanks in advance.

[@escopes2123]

i dont really understand the math part i dont know where the numbers came from someone please help.

[@WillyD1]

ErUpT me either I wish he wrote it out more I just don’t get it

[@loretoverzo4801]

I think it is the size of shim minus the clearance then the difference is add to the actual size of old shim so he get the size of new shim...

[@Dylans503]

Check valve clearances first..always convert these measurements to mm, very important. Then minus the CORRECT spec number from your out of spec number you took with your feeler gauges ( if its already in spec then your fine) now just add the width of your shims to that number. This will be the size of your new smaller shims

[@Dylans503]

Valve clearance - spec clearance + old valve shims.

[@michii422]

like

[@coolestrenoguy]

your video is awesome and very informative. problem is I have a 2006 rmz450. valves are different.wish someone did like your video for mine

[@CameronNiemela]

Depends on the bike. Most bikes have a rubber seal that can be re-used.

[@bloopaexpress]

this video was alot of help thanks man

[@bwanadave76]

Well done. Good video.

[@SOLDOZER]

I find it less confusing to use thousands with the feeler gauge. .05mm = .002 thousands. The valve clearance range on most bikes is .003 thousands so the range will be for example .007 - .009 thousands or .004 - .006 thousands. If your clearance is at the bottom number, then you just increase the clearance .002 to the top number which is .05mm so drop in a .05mm less than the current shim.

[@MotoX88294]

I know its totally unrelated to re-shimming but where did you get the graphics for your number plates? I'm a big fan of the simple graphics like the ones you have in this video. On another note, I love all your tech lesson videos!

[@CameronNiemela]

The cam wouldn't cause the motor to turn over. It will most likely be the crankshaft or piston/cylinder that is causing the motor to seize. You will have to tear the whole motor down most likely.

[@carlosbarragan6729]

you are so young in this one sensei!!

[@Lamboswizz32]

how much would it cost to get something like this done by a mechanic/technician

[@coolestrenoguy]

Thanks for answering my earlier question. How about another.. mine is hard to start and once its warm it shuts off. .should i start simple with carb, or check valves??

[@f2.8images]

it sure did thanks for your help, . ride safe .

[@Hyngyynj]

Haha this is so funny compaired to your new videos

[@CameronNiemela]

You find the difference between .12(clearance) and .102(shim size) and you get .018. Then subtract the .018 from the shim size and you will get the new shim size.

[@carramrod3623]

Is the first shim size what you measured that you took out and is the second shim size that you subtract from the o.e spec for each side?

[@alanair7019]

Great video Cam. Your a winner matey

[@CameronNiemela]

Why would the exhaust open before any fuel enters the motor? Any engine allows intake in before the exhaust goes out.

[@ChristopherBudlong]

Great video. But Where does the .12 come from?

[@CameronNiemela]

.12 is the specified valve clearance.

[@ChristopherBudlong]

I get it now. I was adjusting the valves earlier on my 150r and your video helped out man. Thank you!

[@CameronNiemela]

Yes, the process will be very similar for a CRF250X.

[@JonahLongworth]

Just got done checking my valve clearances

[@albundy141]

Great vid. My intake valve clearance on my 06 rmz250 is 0.21 mm and 0.29 mm, theyr supposed to be 0.10 - 0.15 mm. Why would they be loosening instead of getting tighter.