Triumph Thunderbird / TT Legend, "Valve Clearance Check" !

A quick visual run through of this much feared service task !
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[@richardahola692]

I did valve clearance on a Legend. First time after 70,000 miles. A couple of valves were a little tight and I changed shims. Some were still in spec. I like how easy to turn the engine with the timing cover off. I turned the back wheel. I try not to take off covers that might need a new gasket. Triumph is a little slow with delivery in the US

[@MyRp123]

Great video! I learned some best practices I can use. Thank You.

[@Moonfleet41]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JosephMask]

Amigo siempre es un placer ver tus videos, ahora yo pondré mi taller en CDMX

[@gdslick]

Just did this on my Bonneville T100 for the first time using the manual, but I disagree that a video like this is entertainment only. Watching someone do the job on a number of bikes gives you a much greater understanding of the process, as well as tips and tricks. Took me a lot longer with the rubber mallet! As always, thanks for the video

[@Moonfleet41]

Sure thing mate, it's important to see this job done on multiple bikes, or alternatively as an apprentice would, to do it under supervision cos it's easy to miss something and many small individual tasks differ from bike to bike!

[@My_bike_and_me]

Great way to start the w/end with a Delboy video👍

[@myz06rocks]

I never knew how satisfying that hex key holder was to open and close until I had one. Haha. I actually started using hex keys now instead of just my hex socket bits all the time. Never thought I’d ever see a video about a job I’d actually done myself before and now I’ve seen 2 but they’re still great to watch cause you pick up little things here and there. Never would have used a pocket knife to separate the cases but sure is easier it seems. Have a great weekend. Riding is just around the corner.

[@Moonfleet41]

Sure thing brother, great to hear from you!... Don't you love those hex key holders, it's a like a little James Bond toy!... and I picked up the pocket knife trick from an old mechanic years ago, it's just about the most safest and reliable way to release a stuck casing with no damage or levering when there isn't a draw screw available... it helps if it's a thick blade with a steep edge on it! Take care and have a good weekend, D&Px

[@renzovc]

great video brother !!!!! cant wait for the next one ! have a great weekend guys ! stay safe , cheers from new york 👍

[@Moonfleet41]

Hey brother, good to hear from you, looks like the first signs of Spring already, we'll be out playing in the sunshine before you know it! Take care and keep safe both, D&Px

[@zulu59blue27]

Great video Del ! Did this on my CBX 100O, I locked the back door so that no one could get in the way while I was doing it ! , had a few drinks after wards .STAY SAFE EVERYONE 😊👍

[@Moonfleet41]

Blimey, twice as many cylinders and twice as many valves, you have my respect and what an awesome bike indeed, possibly one of the world's iconic motorcycles, enjoy every minute of it!

[@bikerdad1479]

Very informative as I've never done mine and almost every other vid dont show much thanks again

[@Moonfleet41]

Sadly mate, most creators that do this kind of work, many I've spoken to also in the car world, will not upload videos like this as a 'tutorial' any more because as you're probably aware, there are now far too many keyboard warriors telling you you've done it wrong... a good friend of mine actually closed down his car channel for a year because he was so sick of it, we have the trolls and the keyboard specialists to blame for the thinner amount of content these days. Those of us who create this kind of content, we do it purely to help others and it's no wonder that most walk away from it when they get so much abuse for their trouble.

[@bikerdad1479]

@@Moonfleet41 well for me I'm glad you do it,I wouldn't have done half the stuff I've done had it not been for you and others like you thanks again

[@davidashton9580]

Nice one it's all coming together nicely 👍🏁

[@timoberstebrink]

Great video, it helps me to understand what the workshop mates do ;-)

[@Cueballproductions1149]

Fantastic video another one for the playlist the sump tray is off my Zx9r now in process of replacing it

[@Moonfleet41]

Good luck with it mate, have fun and enjoy the process!

[@Cueballproductions1149]

@@Moonfleet41 I will I’ve ratted the zzr too 😈

[@rsbharley4766]

Nice video Del & Penny. That is very educational mate, for a lot of people that have not seen the inside of a valve cover. Hope things are going well and you are starting to get some sun. It's only 38C today, so looks like it will be a night ride today. Take care, Cheers

[@joepie221]

Perfect timing Del. Always good to eat lunch and watch someone else work. On my Honda, you have to pull the engine out to get the valve cover off. Must be nice to have that much room. Stay well.

[@Moonfleet41]

Hey Joe, great to hear from you... yes, I think a lot of the early Japanese muscle bikes really didn't think their designs through very carefully in terms of future maintenance, specially seeing as in that early period they were way more reliable than non-Japanese bikes anyway... enjoy your lunch, have a great weekend Joe and take care!

[@Goldwing1500rider]

I wondered bout that too.. often I wondered what’s best bike to buy that I don’t have take much off to get to something... win some, lose some...

[@getoffmygrass6974]

Great cliff note tutorial Del but I agree, service manual is the way to do it and videos as a reference. Hadn't done this in 4 years since I sold my 2000 R6 that I did a frame off rebuild, I miss her. I got the 05 Buell xb12r for days I want to sport and the Night Train so no more valve checks, for now lol. Always a pleasure to watch you work sir.

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks buddy, and yeah, i agree, when you have a Harley you forget that jobs like this are a periodic necessity and really important... for all the ribbing and criticism that the Dark Side gets, that's one thing other manufacturers could deal with and relegate to history...

[@getoffmygrass6974]

@@Moonfleet41 Valid point

[@leighmarshman5575]

Nice work sir good info have a good weekend 🤘aye

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks, you too bud !

[@mexicanorespondon1223]

Can you make a detailed vídeo showing how to replace the valve shims under tappets, the maths for calculating it yo choose the right shims and the procedure to do it based on the firing order ? The procedure to align camshaft and timing marks, so the procesa can be cleare. I have not found detailed Information about it . Thanks in advanced !! I'm

[@davidschwartz9636]

Thanks for this video Del, I got a Triumph Tiger(like The General) and I got to check my valve clearances. It's a job I know I've got to do, have read about it in the Haynes Manual, but have been putting it off as have still been a little apprehensive till I saw you do it on a similar Triumph engine. - Bit of watch with Del is always a good thing! I'm also very interested in these unrated coil packs you talk of, will find that video now. Regards and respect to you Del, David

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi David, thank you so much for your kind words, glad you enjoyed the videos, and it's a real honour that we can help... Here is a link to Paul Messenger's page, if you drop him a line, I'm sure he may be able to help and see if he can make you some up... facebook.com/paul.messenger.923 Hope that helps mate.

[@davidschwartz9636]

Thank for that Del, you're a legend.

[@Cal422]

Hi del, massive fan have been for a while. Great videos no BS just good honest proper mechanics! Helped me out a lot over the last few weeks. Would love you to work on my trumpet daytona my rocker is looking scabby like that if not worse! Hope you and penny have a great weekend! Hope you plan on organising a massive ride for all the fans from the UK to meet up! All the best

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks buddy, glad you enjoy the videos, I'll be painting the rocker cover in the next video, it really did need it! Enjoy the summer mate, we'll all be allowed out to play soon... have a great weekend, D&Px

[@nsoul8469]

That looks easier than I thought.

[@andyjdaviestjk]

Hi D&P I didn't get chance to try out a harley but always wanted to own a triumph and after see all you've done well up for bidding on this project well done quality as usual 👍

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks Andy, keep in touch vie email if you'd be interested, we want it to go to someone who will enjoy it, and see it in the right hands in the future.. still got a fair bit to do yet, but once it's finished we will need to put it up for sale for sure. Have a great weekend mate D&Px

[@christophermcreynolds6001]

Class , no stone unturned.

[@millennialdadventures8402]

I did this job on my Tbird in November with basically the same results, gaps nicely within spec. It looks much easier on the lift, though.

[@Moonfleet41]

Cheers buddy, arguably one of the best things I've ever bought myself in the last 10yrs for my motorcycle habit has been a bike lift, it's a purchase you will never regret... go on, treat yourself!

[@bobbybackmarker9665]

Nice vid Del. Cheers!

[@guyfuller1369]

Can’t wait to hear that triple roar!

[@antoniomassey8328]

Nice and simple mate all the best to you Delboy. From Tony

[@rene-yvescote3954]

I really like this kind restoration with a little personnel touch, very clean. It would be interesting that the next bike you work on would be from the 60's/70's. Some kind of resto/mod maybe Bobber or Chopper. Everybody loves carbs and spokes wheels.

[@freakazoid636]

Perfection! As always...mine problem with Speedmaster '09 is to take valve cover without struggling :/ have to remove all the wiring somehow on a side, but always have a problem with a gasket, once I put everything back there is always a small leak on one side of the cover :( Any advice is welcome :D !

[@skymningforelsket1302]

Perhaps you could seal it with a layer of Yamabond or Hondabond. Those products are amazing and I never had a leak from anything I used that stuff on.

[@deangentles4966]

hi del great watching your project thunderbird ,i could not do that it would be another garage job, it was like watching dr delboy doing open heart surgery well done mate ,nice camera penny

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks mate, simple stuff aye, and great to have the peace of mind that it's all healthy in there.

[@andrebates6226]

Can I ask why you are measuring the valve clearances using imperial feeler guages when Triumph would surely specify the measurement in metric? Is it simply that that is all you have and have had to compensate?

[@skipperrose604]

I need your help. I like your work. I need help on finding the specs for my clearance on my motorcycle. I have a 1999 Triumph Adventurer 900. I need specs for intake and exhaust side. Thanks in advance

[@mdmotorcycles10]

Very educational now that's boosted my confidence to check my value clearances only problem is there isn't a manual for my bike looking forward to the next one enjoy your weekend as always ride safe both of you

[@skipperrose604]

I think it's the same as this one but you don't mention it in the video. You did say between 4 and 6 thousandths on the inlet side

[@johnroberts2290]

Looks likes you have a good engine there. Good job, nice to check everything and give it a clean bill of health. 👍🏍️

[@davealderson2051]

Hey have you any tips on removing the cylinder head to change the head gasket as mine won’t come off all bolts and screws are removed back end is loose front won’t budge thanks fella

[@paulboyle9815]

What coil packs cables and sparkers did you upgrade to. And where did you get them from

[@Moonfleet41]

Coil packs were custom made by Paul Messenger, you'll find him on Facebook, there are a few Paul Messengers, his page is the one with the yellow Triumph in the picture, check him out!

[@paulboyle9815]

@@Moonfleet41 cheers, you make a difference to so many by making these professional videos. Bless you and live the adventure

[@earldspicer8748]

Could you please do a valve clearance check on a triumph thunderbird 1700 I have a 2010 model.

[@plageran]

I'm surprised you didn't check the tension on the chain since your there. Is that what you call the timing chain? I'm still trying to learn all the engine beepbops

[@plageran]

@@N269 thanks, it's always interesting to see how far someone would service their vehicles

[@wobblysauce]

And it would be totally fine for the dealer to check it and charge you 500-1k if you had a fared bike... so strip your bike before you get there, save the costs.

[@SurreyRider]

Hi Del, nice to see the clearances within tolerance, as soon as I saw the cover I knew that was going to be painted. Little question for you though, I get the idea with covering the open engine but what's the reason for the wd40 as its a penetrating fluid? All the best SR

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi mate.. It's not juts a penetrating fluid, it will disperse water moisture too, just whetted the cloth with WD40 to prevent any damp from getting to the internals, a cotton cloth will attract damp in a cold garage.. and this way it just ensures it can't get to the steel..

[@SurreyRider]

@@Moonfleet41 Ah yes forgot about its water displacement properties. Nice tip.

[@MrPete81]

Great video sir, but curious about the wd40 on the cloths at the end - is that to help eliminate moisture whilst the engine's part disassembled?

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks Pete, exactly that mate, it keeps an oily residue over the exposed cam lobes while im painting the cover.. !

[@alexmikonnen8522]

Thank you for a consistently great content without fluff. Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦

[@Moonfleet41]

Thank you Sir, that's very kind, we're glad you enjoy it!

[@duchman99backup51]

I can take um apart,,,but would not be able to put it all back in the right place,,,😪😅😅👍🏍🏍🏍🏍🍺🍺🍺🍺.......nice job del...

[@bill_4359]

First, Good day from America! HaHa Take care, Ride Safe

[@beans4491]

That bike seems in real good order inside Del. First time ive seen a valve clearance inspection and it you make it look pretty easy. I guess its a much bigger operation when you are presented with a fully built machine. Love the detail of plenty of lube on the cam I’m guessing to preserve the finish. , I’m learning loads.....hope i can pass my exams at the end of the year. Love all of it mate....kind regards.

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi mate, yeah it's always a good idea to drench the cam lobes in a thick oil before you turn the motor over, maybe not so necessary on a motor that ran yesterday, but this has sat still for months and the cams dried out, so you've be dragging dry metal over dry metal.. have a good weekend mate, and ride safe. D&Px

[@beans4491]

Yep, have a lovely weekend.

[@enduromotorradtouren]

One step after another. Looking forward to the new coils. Cheers from Nürnberg/Germany, Günter

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi Günter, great to hear from you, and thank you so much for your kind support!

[@enduromotorradtouren]

@@Moonfleet41 My pleasure, Del. Günter

[@harrypalmer7169]

Cheers Del, always a pleasure.

[@spw7r]

Great to follow this project Would have been helpful if tolerances were out so we could see how to adjust

[@Jj12915]

Wd-40 is a beautiful thing!

[@marcheighton6436]

Great video cheers 👍

[@Val750]

All within tolerance, but you knew that😉

[@richardwhittle2302]

Morning Del not sure that Jobs for me! 👍

[@vvevvevvvv]

Literally just changed a cam cove gasket on my Bonneville SE like 2 hours ago. Hopefully, I won't see this very very small, but still nasty leak again!

[@richardpearson4248]

Great video del looking forward to next video stay safe both of you 🇬🇧👍

[@bubbles1863]

This is a job i want to do but it scares the life out of me 🙈

[@Moonfleet41]

Don't think that way mate, it's just nuts and bolts, check them first, you can see how easy it is and if you're too scared to go any further, then at least you'll know for sure if they need attention or not!

[@bubbles1863]

@@Moonfleet41 thanks del I'm slowly getting more and more confident when I watch you do it...but then again you make it look so easy lol

[@pauleden5396]

Thanks Del I might now have the balls to try doing mine..

[@cbsakias]

Optical pleasure!

[@britishbiker488]

Hi Dell and penny hope you are both well Right I need your help bro I've got a Yamaha YZF R6 2001 I've brought myself a grab pillion passager rail for my r6 from eBay it took me a very long time to find one ok I message the seller ask if It fits my model 2001 he said yes it's off his old r6 2001 which he is braking down to sell for parts great I've received it fitted all the parts to my r6 came to put the rear seat back on to find it won't lock in place I've had a look a for some reason the metal part that locks in to the locking part of the bike his to short I message the seller back he can't understand why it won't lock in place it did with his rear seat would you know if I could buy a longer metal part for under the rear seat so it will lock cheers Dell sorry to be a pain

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi mate, when you say the metal part, is it like a steel loop that slots in to a lock? Perhaps you could send me a photo of the set up? It would help to see it, then maybe we could work out a way to suss it out?! Email is: [e-mail]

[@rickeyfiveonefour4037]

???? why spray the cloth with WD40 be for you put them on ????

[@jaimielibbi1]

Is this beast going to be up for sale Del

[@Moonfleet41]

Yes mate, it certainly will be.

[@martindavies8326]

It not a easy bike to work on, there always seems to be some thing in the way, you can see why main dealers charge a premium. I think some bikes are designed to put people off work on their own Machine’s, but not you Del or me, keep em coming mate .⚙️🔩🔧✊👍

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks mate, I think you're right in that, some bikes just fight you all the way!

[@martindavies8326]

@@N269 We’ve all been there mate, you’ve just got to be patient, it can be frustrating though, good luck with it.⚙️🔩🔧👍

[@psyfertech]

my favorite things is how meticulous you are that bike is going to be better than new when youre done oh and you probably get asked this a lot but what is the ratchet/screw driver combo that you use i see you use it a lot and damn i want one i think i like that better than my T handle

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi mate, thanks for your kind words, it's not a ratchet/screwdriver, it's just the screwdriver attachment in my socket set and it has a square drive hole in the back end so you can pop a 1/4 drive ratchet in the end of it, it should be a part of every socket set, is that what you mean maybe??

[@psyfertech]

@@Moonfleet41 yepp thats exactly what i was talking about wasnt sure what to call it haha and cool yea ill have to look around i havent ever seen one where you can attach your ratchet to the back of the handle like that do you know what brand it is?

[@Moonfleet41]

@@psyfertech Yes mate, it's Gedore Red... which is a domestic version of Gedore who are usually professional tools, here's a link to the set I have, it's incredibly good value, hugely packed with pretty much everything you'll need, right up to 32mm for things like axle nuts and the 1/4 drive screwdriver handle accepts the 1/4 ratchet in the back and you can fit anything on to the front of it, from sockets to allen sockets and screwdriver and torx bits, so if you fancy treating yourself, this kit is well worth the money, link here mate: www.spanner-monkey.co.uk/Gedore-Red-172-Peice-Socket-Set-R4560.3172?search=Gedore%20red%20172&description=true

[@psyfertech]

@@Moonfleet41 wow that is an awesome kit and good price too, i appreciate you taking the time to get me the link i think i might pick this up it really does have everything you need looks like a perfect kit for working on bikes

[@Moonfleet41]

@@psyfertech It sure is mate, since i bought mine i never struggle for the right item for a job, from a tiny torx bit to a wheel axle nut.. properly comprehensive and great quality.

[@tinks43]

(P) That was lucky you didn’t need to adjust anything, the old T140V was after every ride 🤣

[@Moonfleet41]

Ha ha yeah, followed by a new kick start lever after every weekend ride aye mate.. 🤣

[@springy-2112]

Ok stop that now ! you're just doing it because I've got to do my carbs and valve clearances and haven't summoned the "bothered" yet ! ..in my defence I did do a compression test and fitted a rack ....does that count ? ... Peace and love brother really good to see you going through the old girl with a fine tooth comb . 👍🏻☮❤

[@Moonfleet41]

Does that count? Of course it does brother, there's nothing more important than our sandwich rack, how else would be carry our all important lunch to work??!! And a compression check is truly a tell all test to give you all kinds of diagnostics! Have a great weekend mate, keep safe and well, D&Px

[@springy-2112]

@@Moonfleet41 it's a good job we share a warped sense of humour ! love and hugs to you both 😊👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻❤❤❤

[@samleaddrop3004]

Well if the value need adjusted you didn't show how to make adjustments. help