Moto Guzzi California 1100 (e.g. Vintage) - Checking and Adjusting Valve Clearance

Checking and adjusting valve clearance on a Tonti Guzzi is an easy job. The valves on a California Vintage should be checked every 10.000 km. The engine has to be cold.
The valve clearance on all 1100/1000 California models
(since 1994, frame numbers KC, KD, KG and KH) is:
- Intake valve: 0.10 mm
- Exhaust valve: 0.15 mm
The valve clearance for California II and III models
(frame numbers VT, VW and VY) is:
- Intake valve: 0.22 mm
- Exhaust valve: 0.22 mm
Errors and omissions excepted.
Here is a quote from the MOTO GUZZI WORKSHOP MANUAL:
TAPPET BACKLASH
After the first 500÷1500 km (300÷1000 mi) and after every 10000 km (6000 mi), or when the timing system becomes very noisy, check the backlash between the valves and the equalizers. Adjustment must be carried out when the engine is cold, with the piston at top dead center (T.D.C), in compression stage (valves closed).
Work as follows:
• Remove the head cover “A” by unscrewing the eight screws”B”
• Loosen the nuts “C”;
• Loosen or unscrew the adjustment screw “D” until you obtain the following backlashes:
- Intake valve 0,10 mm;
- Exhaust valve 0,15 mm
This measurement is effected by inserting a feeler gauge “E” between the rocker and the valve. Remeber that if the backlash is greater than the prescribed one, the tappets will be noisy. If it is less, the valves will not close well, thereby causing the following problems:
• Loss of pressure;
• Engine overheating;
• Valve burning-out, etc.

[@Sunnbobb]

Thanks, straight to the point, w/o crappy music! Best KZbin vid ever.

[@janguzzi]

Thanks a lot richjard! Sometimes I use music and sometimes not. You can always mute it if you don´t like it. ;-)

[@vincentdahlenburg9474]

Excellent video. Straight to the point and without music which is much appreciated. I will be adjusting my valves as soon as I get the gaskets. Thank you very much!!!

[@rayjvify]

Just did mine , don’t know why , it’s really never off , good for another 30-40,000 miles , Thank you sir , great video .

[@ericsteepe2506]

Super video - about to do clearances on my LM MK111 👍

[@janguzzi]

Thanks but ensure to use the correct clearance data.

[@MrBillgiles]

Excellent video.

[@shihanjulio]

I have a 2000 V11 Bassa. Is this the same engine as this is my first Moto Guzzi???

[@janguzzi]

Similar but not exactly the same. The CalVin has the same engine as the Breva 1100 but with some different parts.

[@joefazio4995]

I have had a two Bassas and two Cal Vintages. As far as doing the valves per in this video, yes, they are the same. ;)

[@shihanjulio]

What is the difference between the 1100 Bassa and California??? There is virtually nothing on the Bassa here on KZbin.

[@janguzzi]

The California 1100 Special (1999-2002) was called California V11 Bassa in the US.

[@shihanjulio]

Thank you. I was thinking that they were 2 separate models. @@janguzzi

[@bobb9097]

Is it .05 intake and .10 output for usa version? I have a 2001 California EV.

[@janguzzi]

Hallo Bob, I am located in Germany but I have read that the US settings are different indeed. The US settings are tighter to reduce engine noise to meet US emissions regulations. But it is also common knowledge NOT to use these settings to avoid damage or overheating - world specs are recommended.

[@richardbarton2709]

No need to adjust if you have hydraulic valves.