Triumph Bonneville T140: checking valve rocker clearance

[@steelsporty]

I had a '75 T140 many years ago. Fitted the valve clearance adjusters with a hex hole for an allen key, which made adjustment easier than using clumsy pliers.

[@Segsy59]

Always good to see someone taking the time and effort to make videos like this, simple enough process but if you're new to the old brit biking scene or have been away from it for a while and returning a clear tutorial is helpful.

[@rickconstant6106]

A good, straightforward explanation of the procedure. I would advise against the re-use of the gaskets - those looked well flattened and likely to leak. I cut new gaskets every time from 1/32" (0.8mm) gasket paper, using an old one as a template, and fit them with a smear of grease on both sides to stop them sticking next time. It looks like access to the inlets is easier with your US tank, on my UK model I have to take the tank off every time (it doesn't help that the carbs on my T140V get in the way).

[@daveco1270]

I'm glad I watched this... on my other bikes the exhaust valve is usually the bigger number. I probably would have done 6 thou inlet and 8 thou exhaust if I hadn't watched this video and then went to double check. (At first I thought you had it backwards, but you were correct.)

[@bm7760]

Appreciate the video. One small, good-practice point. I usually blow any dust or grime away from the spark plug base before removing the plug.

[@SongsFromTheSaddle]

Great tip! Thanks for sharing

[@markgillett5574]

The subject matter of this video is perhaps a niche interest. However, speaking as a mechanical beginner who owns a 1979 T140E, all I can say is keep going!

[@SongsFromTheSaddle]

Clearly I'm not making these videos to gain millions of views and become a social media superstar !

[@bobfitzy6236]

I remember doing that. You can recognise the different tone of each tappet after a while.

[@stepheneldridge6998]

Great how to video...looks like a nice straightforward bike to work on. Looking forward to seeing the Scrambler valves being done!!...Cheers, Steve

[@SongsFromTheSaddle]

The rate I'm putting miles on the Scrambler that will probably be soon!

[@classiccycleconnection9334]

Very good video on checking . Yes the gaskets can be reused . A surprisingly small amount of oil lingers up top. One thing , I try the next thicker feeler gauge to see if the valve is too loose . If say a .009 or a .010 fits then you are too loose . Just a way to make sure the top end is a bit quieter . Next vid can you show an actual adjust of a rocker for those who haven’t done it ? Thank you .

[@SongsFromTheSaddle]

Good tip on the thicker gauge! I intended to make a video about how to adjust the rockers, but found they didn't need adjusting when I checked them. Maybe I should have put one out of adjustment, just for the video.

[@PhilipCritchlow]

Do you think gasket goo, eg Wellseal, one side of the gasket, both sides, or neither? Maybe one side, with a smear of oil on the other?

[@SongsFromTheSaddle]

I think everyone has their own opinion on this!

[@maximmertens8667]

What is the clearance in mm for inlet and outlet? Great video!

[@SongsFromTheSaddle]

Inlet 0.20mm; exhaust 0.15mm

[@chrisfoden4911]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video, I have a T140V 1978 which is the same. The manual says adjust the valves with the engine cold, a fellow a Triumph owner recommends with a hot engine. Any thoughts?

[@SongsFromTheSaddle]

Definitely cold

[@pattoallen1981]

Since when has any exhaust clearance less than the intake? Id like to know what book you got those specs from?

[@SongsFromTheSaddle]

Hi. It may seem counterintuitive, but that is correct. From the original Triumph workshop manual

[@mikeashcraft4354]

I bought my Bonny new in 1978. A T140( the E is stamped backwards). Any thoughts why?

[@SongsFromTheSaddle]

No idea!

[@rickconstant6106]

Punch operator was in the pub at lunchtime?

[@pattoallen1981]

Last video was 2 and 4 tho whos right and whos wrong?

[@SongsFromTheSaddle]

I'm not sure which "last video" you are referring to, but the clearances I state in the video description to this video are straight out of the original Triumph service manual. I also have the Haynes manual and both give the same figures. If you have different clearances, where do they come from?

[@dannyfitzpatrick1234]

Lunmad! I always thought exhaust is larger clearance than inlet? Thanks for the video.