DRZ 400 - Valve Clearance Check

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First attempt at doing a video tutorial, hope it helps.
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DRZ 400E
Panasonic Lumix G3
GoPro Hero2
Audio Technica ATR3350

[@eveRide]

This is really helpful man! There aren't too many fix-it vids on KZbin for the Drz. You know what you are doing, too... which is nice! I'd love to see more like this.

[@jeffpaxton9172]

Tip: The crankshaft cover bolt comes off easy if you run the motor and get it warm first.

[@MuddySump]

👍🏻

[@donovanlucibello379]

Another regular maintenance job that you make look easy! Cheers

[@MuddySump]

thanks, much appreciated. I have got more to upload, its making my service take ages all the filming and angles ive got to do :)

[@drz400smguypessel9]

I also plan on checking on the condition of my valves and cams this weekend!!!!!! Thanks for the video!!!!

[@MuddySump]

+DRZ400SMGUY Pessel 👍🏼

[@iowaneon]

Nice video, but I suspect my valves are not in spec... maybe you could point out how to adjust them if needed?

[@hansottosmotos]

Very good, detailed and clear video! Thanks for showing!

[@MuddySump]

Thanks 👍🏼

[@MuddySump]

Hi, I used a small cutting disc on my dremel to cut a groove into it then use a small chisel to tap it round till it was loose enough to remove by hand

[@ЕвгенийАлександрович-о4э4л]

Thank U! All very detailed and clear! Greetings from Russia

[@MuddySump]

Thanks

[@AeineralusCousin]

Thank you kind sir, I will be doing this tomorrow with ease!

[@MuddySump]

+AeineralusCousin 👍🏼

[@johnpowers9785]

Excellent video, I'm glad I found it. Only suggestion is to convert MM to .in for us yanks! But I'm just being lazy.

[@MuddySump]

Just get some metric feeler gauges 😉

[@johnpowers9785]

@@MuddySump I will my friend, I started the job this evening and my side cap wants to strip too. This was a well used bike when I got it so I'm going to take the whole top end off for inspection and measurements. Thanks again, JP

[@Blakefulable]

Seeing as you seem pretty expert at DRZ's, could I tinker your mind a sec? My DRZ randomly stopped working, and now doesn't get a spark but it does turn over with an occasional backfire. If you could list what could cause this and what it would take to fix it I'll be your best friend! Thanks for the vids btw glad there's someone like you! Thumbs up this comment so he sees it please? I reaaaally want to ride my DRZ!!

[@troymcconnell5832]

if it backfires you are getting spark if im not mistaken... plug ANY spark plug on wire and see if you have spark when grounded or use an inline test light between wire and plug. but long story short when my 2015 had about 5k miles on it the the stator screws backed out and hit magneto/or vice versa .. anyways i still had occasional spark in which it would backfire.... the screws were factory torqued but this happens to enough drzs that there is a preventative MOD to fix it before it fails.

[@evilcryalotmore]

Thank you sir, you are a gentleman and a scholar

[@MuddySump]

Ive got a drz 400sm to service so if they're out of spec ill put a video up of adjusting them. Ive actually had a few people asking about it so might just do them anyway

[@eveRide]

Okay I might catch hell for this... but an oil change video would be awesome. The other oil change/standard maintenance videos out there are a joke. It's pretty rare that somebody takes the time to film basic maintenance, but for a newb to the drz like me that stuff is really helpful.

[@martymcmannis8662]

Thanks Very helpful. I need to do this

[@dominiczuckswert]

Extremely helpful! Thank you for sharing this video!

[@MuddySump]

+Dominic Zuckswert no problem 👍🏼

[@tpv59]

A BIG BIG THANK You. You are Terrific. VERY Much Appreciated. Thank you again.

[@MuddySump]

Thanks 👍🏼

[@neilizer]

Really good vid mate....will helpmalot of people

[@MegaJasperdog]

Thanks for posting pal.

[@MuddySump]

No worries. One day I'll get round to making an adjusting video too :-)

[@samhanley5063]

thanks a lot for uploading a great and helpful video. but what am i supposed to do if my valve clearances are not within spec? if they are out... what should i do? thanks

[@MuddySump]

Hi Sam, Thanks for the feedback. If they do need adjusting, keep the engine at TDC, remove the cam chain tensioner then you can remove the camshaft caps and cams to replace the shims. Build it back up keeping the timing in the same place as where it was when removed then turn the engine over by hand at least 4 times to make sure everything is timed up correctly still. That's a really basic description, I was thinking of making a video to show how to do that as well. I get quite a few people asking about it

[@MuddySump]

Thanks

[@Lukas_Schaefer]

Thanks from Austria, did the valve clearance check by myself because of your Video :) Totally in Spec ! But i'm not sure about the NM for the generator cover cap. Or is it not that nessesary? Peace, keep up the good work I may need it :D

[@MuddySump]

Just don’t over tighten it or it will be like what the previous owner did to mine and won’t want to come back off

[@czrider3999]

Wouldn't it have been better to show the adjustment process? Or do we just button it back up and bring it to the dealer and say, yep it's out of spec.

[@MuddySump]

Watch the separate adjustment video

[@stec4683]

Thanks for the video

[@MuddySump]

+Stephen Crossan no problem. Really need to get round to making an adjusting one

[@aubreyroche5080]

I'm finally getting around to it.... Thank You.. I'm doing some Carb work on the Keihin next week...I am going to force myself to Video the event...

[@MuddySump]

Prepare to make the job last the whole day. Trying to get the right angles for the camera is a right pain :-D

[@geofox9484]

Hello, i just did the JD jet/3x3 mod at 5,000 ft using red needle position 3, 150 mj and 25 pj. Should I stick with the valve clearances you gave? Should I lean towards the upper or lower end of the ranges? I'm very new and learning and really appreciate the info you've given already

[@MuddySump]

Stick with those clearances still. The E model I’ve got comes as standard with the 3x3 air box

[@geofox9484]

One year later and I’m still using this video. Blew my top end due to oil starvation (wut a n00b) and have not rebuilt with an Athena BBK. LOUD ticking i think my valves have no clearance.

[@leejohnson6399]

thanks for your relpy. its an 03 and has only 4000 miles and have mots going right back but think it was used for enduros quite alot before. now ive watched your video a few more times it seems your lines on your cams are simular to mine... very close to lining up just the EX side seems like it is slightly pointing under the IN side. is there anywhere i can send a few pics? its was a little noisey but ran fine last weekend.

[@MuddySump]

You can email me [e-mail]

[@TruenorthmtGod]

Hey do you know what the exhaust side of motor above breather the is a part that protrudes out of cylinder wall with a bolt in it. My bike came without a bolt in it where air and a little oil comes out. I put a bolt in because I've seen other bikes have bolt there and your bike too. What is that piece.

[@crcmoto3751]

just subbed. great video!!!

[@MuddySump]

+Mister Motard thanks. Still need to get an adjustment one done 😖

[@leejohnson6399]

also where would you recomend to get the shims from? thanks very much for your help ill be able to go get muddy soon :)

[@MuddySump]

You can get hot cams shims on eBay. No need to order a kit, just see what you need and get those ones. You'll never use most of the ones in the kit

[@LizardMane]

how much torque on generator cover?

[@salsandoval4069]

Problem with spring on carburetor

[@MuddySump]

No

[@leejohnson6399]

hi thanks for the video very helpfull... ive followed your steps but when i get the timing line tdc in the window the lines on my cams are slightly out... the intake line is exactly where yours is but my exshaust side looks like it is 1 tooth lower pointing slightly under the intake side? my valves on the intake are 0.09 and exhaust 0.15 am i getting a wrong reading because of my cam lines? any help would be greatly appreciated thanks.

[@MuddySump]

Lee Johnson hi. You could try turning it again just to make sure it is at TDC, It could not be at TDC but that line is in the window still on a different stroke. If it has been running properly I before I doubt it will be out a tooth, could just be due to cam chain stretch.

[@handyman7297]

you made no adjustment at all just measurements?

[@MuddySump]

No. It’s just a check video

[@handyman7297]

@@MuddySump i check mines, and have no clearence what do i have to do ??? Get new shims ???

[@MuddySump]

Yes, will need thinner shims in

[@leejohnson6399]

can i loosen the cam chain off the exhaust side and turn it slightly or does it have to come out? im so stuck...

[@MuddySump]

Lee Johnson You would have to take the tensioner out to get any slack on the chain to be able to move it. Looks like you need the clearances adjusting anyway so best to take it all apart and see if it's any different when you put it back together. Whats the mileage on the bike?

[@deriksowlcowski9834]

on my drz400 when i see the top dead center mark in the sight hole my cam lobes are facing in and contacting the valves, what does it mean and is it normal and how do i fix it if its not??????

[@MuddySump]

Hi. Turn it over again. The mark will be there again and the cams will point in the correct way

[@deriksowlcowski9834]

+MuddySump thanks for the reply on an old video not many youtubers do that!!!!! you just earned a sub

[@MuddySump]

+Derik Sowlcowski no problem. Was it right that time?

[@levanshukakidze5007]

Is it big bore drz400?

[@MuddySump]

Standard engine

[@p0weraid]

My 400 stopped running I checked valves and I could only fit a .08 on intake would that cause it not to run

[@MuddySump]

Shouldn't of stopped it from running but does need adjusting. What happened when it stopped running? Did it just die when you were riding it or would it not start? Does it have any power at all? electrical? is engine turning over? getting fuel?

[@p0weraid]

Stopped running maid a funny noise...has fuel timing is correct has spark trys to start but backfires

[@LizardMane]

does it have to be a top dead center? when doing a valve adjustment

[@MuddySump]

All the timing marks should have it at the right place.

[@LizardMane]

MuddySump how will i know when they are

[@p5bcoupe200]

Did you watch the vid?

[@nammaMkcaZ]

How would you know if the cam chain skipped?

[@MuddySump]

+Zack Mammana the timing marks wouldn't be in the right place

[@billbuck3590]

The valves would smash into the piston and everyone whould die.

[@sirklefish]

Bolts! Haha nice vid bud

[@MuddySump]

Screws! ‘The main difference between a bolt and a screw is that a typical screw can work on its own and a bolt requires a nut to secure it.’ 👍🏼

[@sirklefish]

@@MuddySump thanks not how it is here in Australia... screws are pointy and are for driving into timber, bolts are flat on the tip

[@MuddySump]

Thomas Buchanan that’s how I always thought it too but then got told that in training. I usually still call them bolts and screws though like you

[@LizardMane]

do you have to drain the fluids? especially for 1:10

[@MuddySump]

No

[@LizardMane]

so the bike is still filled with oil at this point

[@zelo533]

LizardMane yes with oil and coolant

[@DylanBogusz]

Will this work on the S and SM or is the specs off a tad?

[@MuddySump]

Hi. I'm sure it's the same for all models

[@chuntymcchuntface]

you might well be a saviour right now... just bought one n its a bitch to start n runs rough... looks like whoever fitted timing chain got it out a few teeth...

[@MuddySump]

+chris hunt 😖

[@kenstv1415]

How do you adjust valves if needed?

[@MuddySump]

You need to take the cams out and change the shim that’s under the bucket on top of the valve

[@kenstv1415]

@@MuddySump Is there a video that I could maybe watch to help me? Thanks in advance

[@tpv59]

......... and 'Subbed'.

[@LizardMane]

are there only 4 valves?

[@MuddySump]

Yes.

[@DylanBogusz]

Oil gushed out of my crank access plug. (The 10mm Allen key bolt that you chiseled). Is it obvious that you are supposed to drain the oil before doing the valve check or is something wrong?

[@MuddySump]

***** Had your bike just been running? The oil would of been around the engine more then

[@DylanBogusz]

MuddySump The bike has been sitting for about 5-6 months. I just let it drain from that hole till it stopped.

[@MuddySump]

Mine definitely had the oil in still. The oil is in the frame on these bikes but maybe with it been sitting so long it had all gone down and sat in the engine

[@DylanBogusz]

I did a little research and I think my bike leaked out oil because the bike was not up right and on a stand, like yours was. Mine was leaning on the kickstand. Plus it's been siting like you said and the oil sat at the bottom of the engine case.

[@MuddySump]

I don't think it would be anything to worry about. Just remember to top it up again 👍🏼

[@lefterisk1513]

after how many miles u do this?

[@MuddySump]

15,000 miles on the S & SM. Every 60 hours on the E

[@papafred501]

Is it the same for a DR350??

[@MuddySump]

Im not sure. Does it look like the same engine?

[@sdqsdq6274]

dont quite get what u doing ? valve clearance makes any funny engine sound ? or you open up just to check for ?

[@MuddySump]

+sdq sdq its checking the clearances between the valves and cams. There needs to be a certain measurement between them otherwise they won't open and close at the right time

[@sdqsdq6274]

i see, how often its needed to be open up and checked ? btw is this bike good for daily commute ?

[@basheadan2302]

it is in Somalia, we need Motorcycle Kawasaki klx250 who can hold me Yasin

[@dougiequick1]

Lying blurb said there was ADJUSTMENT on THIS video ....NOT ...wasting people's time to gain hits SUCKS

[@MuddySump]

What does the title say?

[@ihatemybosses]

Very helpful video. Curious. Are multiple shims used to obtain proper clearance or just one that gets you closest to spec. Colorado, USA

[@MuddySump]

Hi, Its just the one shim. I am planning on making a video to show it get done. Just trying to get my Triumph finished first so I can sell it

[@MuddySump]

You need 2 new washers for the drainplugs and there is an o ring on the oil filter cover and a smaller one behind the oil filter, it might stay on the oil filter when you remove it. The o rings can be re used if they're alright Torques engine bolt 21Nm - 15ft.lb frame bolt 18Nm - 13ft.lb the oil filter cover can just be nipped up Put about 1.5 liters of oil in, run it up to temperature, wait a couple minutes and check oil with the bike upright and dipstick just dipped in, not screwed in.

[@21kpatriot]

Very good info and some really good tips! You're as I am, a creative thinker! It shows in your work and you don't get too excited when things don't cooperate, GOOD WORK! Thanks for this video!

[@leejohnson6399]

your the most helpfull person in the world... thank you very much i will email some pics shortly.

[@aaahillshandyman..bellavis864]

Muddy, You have some very easy to understand videos on the DRZ. Thanks for sharing. You have been inactive for a while. Hope all is well.

[@MuddySump]

Thanks. Too busy working all the time now 😖

[@MuddySump]

thanks, got a fork oil one to finishing editing and upload now too

[@Pushing_the_cathinone_limits_]

Just about to check my timing all lines up. After a mcct install My bike is acting like its skipped a tooth ( according to the many threads online anyway) harder to start, running low on power especially up thr rev range and generally just feels wrong. Vid is crystal clear. Thanks for keeping it on so many years 👌🏼

[@MuddySump]

Think this is actually my most watched video still

[@MuddySump]

Are you sure it hasn't got a spark? Must be something lighting the fuel to get the backfire. Are you holding the plug to the head to ground it when checking for the spark? Is the plug wet with fuel? Maybe try a new plug, might be flooded off trying to turn it over.

[@csedan510]

I’ve had my bike for 3 years and never checked clearances. Bike has always started easy, but will do so for good measure.

[@MuddySump]

It’s worth a check. It doesn’t take long

[@hristuppiteitinu]

Great video, thanks for posting. One question - does the carb need to be taken out before you do this? (Hoping to avoid taking out the carb because it's such a pain)

[@MuddySump]

No. Doesn't need to be touched

[@hristuppiteitinu]

thanks!

[@briancaldwell4211]

Is that measurement the same for all models ? E,s,sm ? Also if you install aftermarket cams does that change anything?

[@MuddySump]

Pretty sure they were all the same. The E model already has different cams in compared to the others so shouldn’t make any difference to clearances

[@MuddySump]

Doh! I did the oil and filter change before i thought about filming them. Basically you've got 2 oil drain bolts. 1 in the frame near the bottom of the down tube and one on the right hand side of the motor under the oil filter and youve got 3 bolts keeping the oil filter cover on.

[@krislambert6625]

Hi,do you not have to remove the spark plug for this?

[@MuddySump]

Yes, take it out so you can turn the engine over easier.

[@SlabbinNCabbin]

Do you need to drain the engine oil to do this?

[@MuddySump]

No. Can be left in

[@DaMotoVlogga]

Awesome mate i know where to go now for help. Great service vids

[@Adameftube]

Have you still got this bike?

[@MuddySump]

Yes. Was supposed to get it ready to go off roading down to Portugal a few years ago but couldn’t be bothered to get it ready. Bike and parts are all still in the garage.

[@HomeGrownPyro1]

Great informational video. Helped me out a lot. Thank you for sharing

[@MuddySump]

+HomeGrownPyro thanks 👍🏼

[@peacerocks3498]

Help: bigger than normal noise coming from valves/camchain area. Could it be the cause of valves out of speck?

[@MuddySump]

+PeaceRocks could be a few things. Valve clearances, cam chain stretch, exhaust loose and getting the sound of the valves from there

[@big10hunter42]

Very helpful!

[@MuddySump]

Thanks

[@MuddySump]

Thanks

[@groc279]

the smallest feeler i have is .15 mm and i cannot get it to fit in my intakes. so i take it i need to reshim my intake valves. my exhaust are between .2 and .3

[@MuddySump]

I would try and get hold of a set of feeler gauges that go to the correct size first. If you think about how much you are measuring it is a tiny amount so could possibly still get a 0.10mm gauge in

[@groc279]

it has to be out of spec. the bike wont start with the starter until its warm. then it fires right up

[@Dirtbikesforlife16]

If they are bad do they need shimmed or do they have adjustment?

[@MuddySump]

+Dirtbikesforlife16 shims

[@leejohnson6399]

any reason for my valves closing up so much? thanks.

[@MuddySump]

It's usually the likes of carbon buildup. I could do with giving mine another check when I get some space back in the garage

[@klayman9361]

between 0,1 and 0,2 mm right? and its good on intake. And exaust is between 0,2 to 0,3 mm?

[@MuddySump]

Yes. 0.10 - 0.20 for intake. 0.20 - 0.30 for exhaust

[@klayman9361]

@@MuddySump thank you Muddy. My exhaust was less than 0.2, about 0.17-0.19. Only had 0.15 and 0.20 to measure with, but 0.15 had no friction.

[@Jimo368]

I just did mine. These bikes are a pleasure to work on.

[@MuddySump]

Yea. Nice and simple

[@mackeast7850]

How many miles were on the motor when doing your first valve check?

[@mackeast7850]

Never mind thanks

[@MuddySump]

Think there’s only about 5000 miles in it. It’s barely moved since then, just sat in my garage getting dusty.

[@CHEVYK10]

anti seize is ur best friend

[@MuddySump]

+Springfieldm14 308winchester I'd never taken anything off that bike before. Don't think it had had a very good previous owner

[@GTFour]

how do you adjust if not in clerance?

[@MuddySump]

Hi. I really need to check mine again to see if they do need adjusting yet. If you want to email me at [e-mail] I can send you pictures of the service manual of how to do it if yours needs adjusting. I'm not sure if there are any videos on KZbin about adjusting?

[@GTFour]

MuddySump couldn't find a video, will send email that'll be great and hope yours needs adjust for another good video thanks :)

[@boristheblade209]

MuddySump Alright mate. What service manual do you have? Any opinons on the Haynes manual for this bike? Just got my DRZ, 11k miles and the oil filter o ring was missing before the previous owner so id like to do a few checks to be honest. Oil + filters are on my list first and valve clearances shortly after.

[@MuddySump]

+Boristheblade it's the clymer manual I've got for the drz. Not seen the Haynes one

[@MuddySump]

+Boris theBlade it's the clymer manual I've got for mine. Not seen the Haynes one.

[@kenwolfe5697]

I needed clarification on TDC for performing this job. You're video did that and much more. Thank you for taking the time to do this.

[@MuddySump]

Thanks for watching