Valve Adjustment and Checking on Ducati 1199 Panigale

[@mikes8149]

Good vid. Couple of notes (from experience) use a magnet to pull the 1/2-rings off before you drop them into the head. the bottom of the valve are has holes to drain oil back down the engine. when putting hem back on, use a dab of grease on your fingertip and a small dab on the valve relief. the rings will 'stick' to the grease and be easier to put into correct position. make sure to seat the shim well (snap the closing rocker with the keeper spring) when these are all together.

[@mikes8149]

will also add, do not take the closer helper spring off the rocker. to move the closing rocker off the shim, i use the plastic handle of a screwdriver between the backsides of the upright closing rockers. The spring tension of each rocker is equal, that makes moving the screwdriver to relieve the shim easy and smooth. BTW: doing that on a testastretta head is a FAR CRY easier from how to relieve a closer on a DesmoQuattro. (though, i have two DQs and love them! Including working on the heads.)

[@Iraqitammar]

The reason why i'm here is because my local Ducati dealer quotes me $1800 + tax to perform the desmo service on my 1199S. this video is super helpful and many thanks for sharing it with fellow riders.

[@captainamerica9353]

Too bad so many dealers are crooks. I'd like to think they would get more business, and repeat business by being honest and charging a fair amount. This, instead of ripping people off. I know if I had a Ducati, and a local dealer that was fair, I would have them do the valves, belts, etc., instead of trying myself.

[@jdord4838]

Man oh man this looks complicated if I did this the bike wouldn't run after...great vid, glad to know we have people out there who can handle tough jobs like this :)

[@chadsouthwick]

Jdor D ya you have to have a knack for tinkering

[@butchcassidy7289]

dude your tutorial is awesome, please upload more!

[@mattburchfield2307]

Appreciate the work you put into all of this just to help some other people out. I’m about to tear mine apart. Thanks a ton!

[@chadsouthwick]

Matt Burchfield good luck! Make sure you use the proper workshop manual and tools too. You'll need a few beers too haha

[@arthurm.5952]

You can use grease on split rings to hold them in place or assembly lube, works like a champ.

[@chadsouthwick]

ah-ha! great advice! I never thought of that.

[@wmoran7111]

I was just gonna say this, vaseline also helps.

[@daddiikong1602]

Great video. Thanks for including what can (and does) go wrong!

[@MsWingOne]

Thank you for posting, you give me the confidence to do it myself !I own a 2013, 1199 Panigale S Tricolore, first valve clearance check is coming up, it just turned 14K miles. Thanks again !

[@chadsouthwick]

MsWingOne you're welcome! just get the right tools and parts, take it slow, and be patient!

[@MsWingOne]

Will do, I own over 40k worth of Snap-On tools, just need a Ducati tool here and there to be able to do all maintenance myself ! I also have patients and persistences!

[@chadsouthwick]

wow! you own 5 Snap-On tools!? sweet! haha ... and good on ya mate

[@MsWingOne]

$40,000.00 in Snap-On tools and boxes ! I worked on cars all my life !

[@stevegriffith7236]

I'm in the same boat as you. Got close to13 on mine. I'm going to try myself, rather then paying 1400. At the dealer.

[@roarkshsha]

Nice video. Thats a lot of patience you showed with the split rings. Must be quite the pain. Does not look like you need a mechanics certificate. Thanks for sharing.

[@19kiloman75]

When you are doing the valve adjustment you want to go closer to the lower end of the tolerance instead of the middle. The reason is because while you ride the clearance will get larger. If you set it in the middle you may fall out of spec sooner. Yes I am a certified motorcycle technician (triumph and Ducati). Just giving you a little pointer.

[@chadsouthwick]

DucatiDadBod that's a great tip. If anything this video is to either give a little insight to everything that needs to be done OR scare people into leaving the complicated stuff to the real mechanics haha.

[@kevinkillsit]

Dude... Just thank you. You are awesome for sharing this with everyone. I've always worked on my own bikes and my Hyper has hit the first Desmo service so I was debating taking it to a dealer or trying it on my own. I recognize the challenge, but I think I'm gonna go for it on the 821 now that I have seen it's not that intense. It's different, but it's just a motor at the end of the day and and I want to take it down off of the pedestal I seem to have it on and be able to do all my own work on it. Thanks for the confidence boost and all the knowledge. just hoping I can do the check and not need adjustment haha. maybe do a video for tear down and belts too next time?

[@chadsouthwick]

thanks for the praise! find yourself a manual and go to town on it! panigale is chain driven so no adjustment needed for belts. double check your work, and do a video to educate others :)

[@kevinkillsit]

ah gotcha! I wasn't aware the 1199 being chain driven that's cool. I know there are some tips and tricks with belt tension and what not so I'll get there. My biggest concern is all the special tools. I'm looking for a good kit I can buy to be able to do the work now and in the future. Thanks again sir.

[@paulklees9871]

würde nicht im Traum nachdenken so was selber zu machen😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@irideaduck939]

Great video. Thanks for taking the time to put it together. I didn't recognize you with the beard. I did the valves on my Monster last year which were more simple than this. Took the ART class with you last year on my monster, did a track day in June with you this year on the 899.

[@chadsouthwick]

what's up!! next step is street go for you ;)

[@targetoz5470]

Dude, thank you. Quick question, opening lobe you check right on top of the valve, closing cam, where does the feeler gauge go? And do you check both cams when at tdc?

[@joaomauriciobasiledesouza6204]

That's some VALUABLE information dude. Thanks a lot.

[@0612Devil]

Awesome video man. When you go in for your next adjustment, can you include tank, subframe and valve cover removal as well? Thanks!

[@chadsouthwick]

Unfortunately the ducati is sold and Im racing an R3 now. The tank is the hardest of the three because the vent tubes are a pain to reinstall.

[@FancyAnimal]

Excellante!! Nicely done man. How many miles are on the motor? Mine were still in spec at 15,000 miles.

[@derekcable]

Put a dab of grease on the valve stem will hold the split rings in place.

[@superdanu]

dude should have been a surgeon! well done

[@kissubin]

Thank you very much for the information. I think it is very important for enthusiasts.

[@Inkaddct]

The part about the shims, you compared them on the outside, that doesn’t matter, you need a shim measuring tool and a Vernier to get inside measurement so you can get new shim to put into spec.

[@chadsouthwick]

Totally agree. And the parts guy told me that when I was buying shims. I did measure clearances after though just to be sure and it was all good.

[@Inkaddct]

Chad Carson so I got my Ducati all back together the other day, looks and sounds mint, only had to adjust my vertical exhaust closing shim by 0.005 into spec. Did it , then Replaced my coolant hoses, new KN air filter, new spark plugs, fresh oil change, and even did exhaust wrap. Now just need the snow, to go away

[@chadsouthwick]

@@Inkaddct sweet!

[@Inkaddct]

New ride video up. Don’t forget to subscribe

[@loizosrr]

Thanks brother ! very helpful video !

[@marcoscocco]

hi Chad , that's wonderful video!

[@frankieforza]

One thing to remember on Ducati engines is shim math does not really work well, the shims never measure out to what they say they are. It’s pretty much trial and error you want to use the math to get close but is all about rotating the cams and making sure you feel no resistance from the shims it takes experience and practice. If you have never done it and have not been trained you are taking a serious risk doing this... I am a certified Ducati tech. Also before you remove closing keepers you want to plug all oil galleys because if you lose a keeper down a galley you will need to split the cases to find those keepers so they don’t damage your engine.

[@chadsouthwick]

Frankie Forza appreciate the tip Frankie. I found a micrometer is a handy tool (used to not have one haha). Bike still runs so I lucked out. I never encourage people to do this if they have any doubt and always recommend my local shops for serious work. Respect.

[@frankieforza]

Chad Carson good for you man I always have respect for people who do there own work, if you want to feel froggy you can take those springs out and re shim the engine and get more power out of the engine, the idle will be a little rough but it sounds sick and you get a little more power because those spring put a drag on the engine it’s more for race bikes if it’s your daily driver I wouldn’t recommend it...if you ever have the heads off if you take one layer of the head gasket off you can boost the compression a little bit as well.

[@frankieforza]

Chad Carson also you know there is a special tool to measure the shims right?

[@palmirocangini]

holy shit man, I would never even try something like that. respect!

[@chadsouthwick]

+Luca Graziani Thanks man! It will be a MUCH easier process this winter second time 'round.

[@bngr_bngr]

I only check the valves when they start to chatter. Usually the valves are within specs when you check them.

[@gmc3578]

can't wait to see someone try the V4 Desmo! LoL!

[@fastech2274]

Excellent video, but I have a question please - I am undertaking this operation myself on my 2013 1199R..... In the video you show how to tap on the closing shim to "break it loose" and remove the split rings - but what about on the intake side where they use collets. The manual shows the use of a very expensive tool to remove the valve collets from the intake valves when not removing the cylinder head. Can you tap on them to remove them as well, or are they more difficult to remove and hence I have to spend $500 on the special tool listed in the manual.Thanks, hope to hear from you soon.

[@chadsouthwick]

you are correct. it's a pricey tool to remove it and a pricey tool to install it. don't smack it, it's torqued on tighter than the exhaust closing shims. I was lucky enough that my intake closing shims didn't need adjusting. If you have the engineering prowess to cut your own tool that could work. Just pray your intake closing shims are in spec when measuring.

[@fastech2274]

+Chad Carson Thank you for the fast reply, I am out of luck, my intake closing shins need adjustment (below spec). Is there a way to do this without those tools or am I needing those tools?

[@chadsouthwick]

See if you can find a place that rents them. Lots of kits for older ducs out there. Maybe a pani kit is available now.

[@johnfussell1727]

Great tutorial! Well done. Thanks.

[@Caesar.Aquanaut]

Yo Chad, thanks for the video, it helps boosting my confidence to do the DESMO service myself. I have one question though, are those valve split ring required to be replaced with a new one? I know they are inexpensive, just wondering if I could just reuse the old if they are all in good condition. Thanks for your reply in advance.

[@chadsouthwick]

They are so cheap you might as well replace them. I did. The parts guy told me I should replace them as well.

[@shooktube.]

Incredible video!! Thank you!! EASY question: what torque setting do you use for the valve cover bolts? Really want to purchase a manual.

[@chadsouthwick]

ShookTube there is a digital manual floating around the forums. All the info you need will be in there.

[@chadsouthwick]

ShookTube better yet. I already have a link in the description.

[@leosaenz4474]

I am still trying to figure out how you came up with the 3.5 shim based on your math. Did you measure off the existing shim and add due to wear then purchase larger opening shim?

[@chadsouthwick]

Sorry i didnt see my notification for this comment. The shim i showed was a 3.25 mm. not 3.5 mm. I increased the existing shim by .05 mm in order to close the clearance of the rocker arm by .05 mm. The original shim was 3.20 mm. Hope that helps.

[@leosaenz4474]

I am assuming for the wear so that you could be up to spec.s ?

[@mattburchfield2307]

What kind of noises did it make before you needed to do this?

[@mamand666]

Hi, thanks for the efford doing this video, did you use TDC for intake and exhaust in vertical and horizontal? tks

[@chadsouthwick]

Honestly, it's been a while. I want to say yes? You can consult the manual as it goes into full detail.

[@nedudu2041]

yes you need to go for tdc, which means doing the vertical and horizontal cylinder seperately (do one, assemble, crank to the other tdc, ..)

[@Bphengvongsa]

Where did you get the crankshaft rotating tool? And how did you know that you rotated it the correct amount of times so that the valves were in the rest position?

[@chadsouthwick]

long story short, the workshop manual. it gives illustrations and further instructions. basically you measure the cam clearance when it is not engaged in opening the valve. the manual shows what that looks like. there should be a link to it in my description. the tool you can order as a ducati part from any dealer or you can find a third party tool online.

[@Bphengvongsa]

+Chad Carson I take it that when the valves are at rest, then the piston is probably at TDC (Top dead center). I'll do some studying. Thanks!

[@medioman74]

sorry there is something i don't get... i saw you taking chisels off and then puttin them on again, but what do you actually do when you find a chisel with the wrong clearance? you grind it down or just replace it? and in case of replacement where do you buy them?

[@chadsouthwick]

You can buy them from your dealer, they come in varying clearances to suit the adjustment. I wouldn't recommend grinding at all. It could cause way more problems. And by chisel I assume you mean shim.

[@medioman74]

@@chadsouthwick yes I meant shim. Thank you for your reply. And great video by the way :-)

[@chadsouthwick]

@@medioman74 thanks! If you haven't downloaded the workshop manual already, do that. It is much more helpful than the video. Link should be in the description. Apologies if it's broken. I made all this a while ago

[@medioman74]

@@chadsouthwick sorry if I bother you again but I can't find the link to the workshop manual in your video. Would you be so kind to share the link with me?

[@chadsouthwick]

@@medioman74 www.dropbox.com/sh/y4qam6tao88m7ay/AAB-BUjD_C3EWP0K1k_Nco5Ea?dl=0 Its in the video description. Hopefully it still works

[@valeriobruscella6847]

Ciao,sai dove posso trovare le tolleranze delle valvole della 959 panigale?😊

[@chadsouthwick]

Possibly, check your workshop manual. Ciao!

[@D33frmHawaii]

WOW! I don't have that much patience. Good job tho!

[@Bphengvongsa]

Would you happen to know the length and thread pitch on the OEM ducati crank turning tool? I am in the middle of performing this on my 2014 899 Panigale and I've ordered a crank turning tool that is nearly identical to the OEM Ducati tool. The bolt that came with the tool is a M8X1.25 at a length of 90mm. Unfortunately, it wont fit on my 899 Panigale. I had a M6X1.0 bolt lying around and it fits diameter wise, but the thread pitch is incorrect. I've also looked at the OEM Ducati crank turning tool and PART NUMBER wise it is for ALL panigales (899,1199,1299), but if the bolt that comes with it is the same as the one I currently have (M8X1.25) then It'd do me no good to buy it.

[@chadsouthwick]

If i still had the tool i'd measure it for ya. but I gave it to a friend who still races a panigale. Id check the forums, someone knows ...

[@arthurmchugh5184]

A little trick. To rotate the engine. Put the transmission in 6th use the rear wheel to rotate the engine. With the plug out it is easy

[@QuietStormX]

Why do all that? Isn't a Kit available to hold the parts and Tools you may need... I like doing my own work then pay for Service and Parts...

[@kyledegenhart8053]

Any idea on where to get the opening shim tools?

[@chadsouthwick]

Ducati dealer parts counter was my contact. Maybe the part exists elsewhere these days. Good luck!

[@travistran9971]

Did you have ro replace the gasket?

[@chadsouthwick]

not on my bike. But it is a case-by-case scenario. if you arent sure, replace them

[@travistran9971]

@@chadsouthwick Hi Chad, where did you buy those shims? Thanks!

[@chadsouthwick]

@@travistran9971 you can buy them from your ducati parts dept. Or any online ducati parts place. They may have complete kits by now who knows

[@592BerbiceBhai]

I'm having a knocking sound on my 2013 Ducati 848 evo, can anyone tell me what's that? Video on my page.

[@BryceAWD]

great video. how close is the testastretta 11° to this.

[@chadsouthwick]

+BryceAWD Honestly? no idea haha

[@andyeverett7611]

+BryceAWD Same engine. Just intake and exhaust overlap differs by 2 deg.

[@BryceAWD]

+Andy Everett Cool thanks!

[@gankino]

hi guys. I have an issue. in Nigeria there is no Ducati dealer or service center. how can one perform the 15,000 miles service on 848 testestrater?

[@jordanammanshmesani]

take it to any Honda motorcycle dealer , and they should do it for you. all you have to do is get the ducati specs.

[@gankino]

Hi Zico, thank you for your advise. I will need further guide. Can I call you? I it ok let m have a number to call. I want to understand better the spec you mention

[@jordanammanshmesani]

It's better if you call Ducati dealer, and they will email you all the specs for the bike.

[@TonyKeophonexay]

Niiiice! Watching this vid reminds to check up on mine, thanks lol

[@chadsouthwick]

+Tony Keophonexay Ya its a pain the first time but now I can do this in an afternoon. Assuming I dont lose any screws in the teardown.

[@TMackdownhill]

At what mileage should the valve clearance be done on a 2009 ducati 848 ?

[@chadsouthwick]

I could be wrong but I believe the 848s are every 7500 miles.

[@TMackdownhill]

I heard the belts are every 7500 miles and the valve clearance isn't until 15k. then someone else told me 20-30k? Guess I'll call the ducati dealer since nobody knows :S

[@chadsouthwick]

ya sometimes thats the best. I am well acquainted with our ducati tech and parts guy since I call with questions all the time haha

[@artmchugh5644]

If you use your magnet to tap the closing shim down , it will catch the split rings !😄😄😄

[@chadsouthwick]

You sir, are a wizard

[@artmchugh5644]

Chad Carson well we will see !! Got a kit from Ducati tools rent , and I am doing a valve adjustment on my 2011 multistrada over the weekend. I have 30.000 miles on the last valve check so I am very interested in the specs. I have put 26.000 miles on since I. Got the bike Oct. 2017 .

[@headwinded1948]

20 minutes and change to scare you into buying a V4 Pan. Good lord those split rings look to be a nightmare. :D

[@CORZER0]

Not sure why, a little assembly grease and they would be nice and sticky. Someone should tell this guy Lol

[@MotoErgoSum]

aaaand this whole process sums up why valves and belts are the two things I pay a certified mechanic to do for me. Too many things to get horribly wrong for the average Joe.

[@chadsouthwick]

I definitely below average, but stubborn

[@MotoErgoSum]

Chad Carson If I had a lot more free time I'd be all about doing my own valves. As it is, I barely get garage time with my toddler son running around. Can't wait until he's older and able to actually help me in the garage with projects.

[@jordanammanshmesani]

totally agree.

[@mprziv]

You have to do this every 15,000 miles? This is brutal.

[@chadsouthwick]

Justin R. every year or twice a year if you ride it hard. it's just important to check. adjustments normally aren't necessary. I never put more than 10k miles on the bike when I owned it.

[@opmike343]

What Ducati had a 1200 mile service interval?

[@phillipmcintosh6489]

It's absolutely amazing that an 11kRPM engine ONLY needs valve clearance adjustment every 15k miles (24,000kms). A real tribute to modern engineering!

[@jessicaposa9421]

What's even more impressive is that at 60,000 miles (2.5 years of ownership) my 899 was still in spec!!!! They were getting close to out of spec so I just got them closer to each other.

[@artmchugh5644]

Tyler Roberts hey rider !! Doing the valves on my 2011 Mts 1200 this weekend. Service records showed adjustment at 30.000 miles , I now have 66.000 miles , interested to see the # . Engine sounds and runs great . Isn't the multistrada a great bike !!!

[@RackTheMilesWelding]

Are you a certified mechanic, because if not, I wouldn't have done this if I were you.

[@chadsouthwick]

just a tinkerer. bike has had almost 8000 miles put on it since and still runs like a champ. I tell people to not use this as instructions, just another reference tool along with the workshop manual and other guides. Just a fun winter project for me.

[@RackTheMilesWelding]

I see. How do you like your 1199? I've always thought they were cheap for how much their msrp is, but never forgot how good the side fairings looked. I was never a fan of the sound and especially the headlights on how they not only looked, but functioned too. I guess I'm just a rare person.

[@chadsouthwick]

I liked it. just too much worry every turn if i wrecked it. A lot of money on two wheels. I had the termi front exit exhaust and loved the sound

[@opmike343]

What a silly comment.

[@RackTheMilesWelding]

What a silly reply

[@d.c7464]

BUY good tools, they will more then pay for themselves.

[@chadsouthwick]

absolutely agree. my set has grown considerably since

[@hadzicana1]

Why can't you rotate the crankshaft after you take the cam out!!! .......... If you don't know what you are doing.... Don't even start!! Engines are so basic..... Why do people make it so hard .. Desmo , rotary/wankel, conventional .... All so basic.... It's like if you rotate the crankshaft after you play with the cam timing.... No one will ever get the engine running again!! Losers!!!!

[@chadsouthwick]

Everybody starts at level one. Give me a break. Not moving the crank meant I didn't have to worry about anything more than I had to.

[@robmotown1]

Why can't you rotate the crankshaft after you take the cam out!!! .......... If you don't know what you are doing.... Don't even start!! Engines are so basic..... Why do people make it so hard .. Desmo , rotary/wankel, conventional .... All so basic.... It's like if you rotate the crankshaft after you play with the cam timing.... No one will ever get the engine running again!! Losers!!!!

[@chadsouthwick]

robmotown1 just trying to make it one less thing to worry about for people doing this. not everyone is a mechanic and are scared of doing any work. They will eventually learn how simple it really is.