XT350 valve adjustment without special tools!

My XT was being a bit angry so I decided I should check the valve clearances. I couldn’t believe there wasn’t a video on such a common bike, so here you go. Should be very similar to the XT225 as well.

[@alexleggett6270]

I do believe this is the only video on KZbin that methodically explains setting the valve clearance on XT 350s. The part that explains how to calculate what shims are needed was particularly helpful. Especially how you organized the information in the notebook. Im currently rebuilding my engine and im currently finishing the top end and at the part where I need to check valve clearance. Thanks for sharing

[@themotofirm]

This is basically what I aim for in my videos so I greatly appreciate the comment! Glad it helped, thanks

[@NtaksAKAKevin]

Thank you so much for this video! I've been having trouble with my XT250T (same bike, less CCs) and the starting of it. I knew that you need the specialized tool to shim the valves or else you need to remove the entire head. But, your video saved me from a lot of headaches! Thank you!

[@themotofirm]

Awesome, glad this helped!

[@MrAddison79]

The xt 350 holds a special place in my brain, love that bike love that motor.

[@rudyjaros2993]

Thank you for your vid, i have a TT350 86 model which i am in process of bringing it back to original. This motor looks exactly the same as mine but i dont want to make assumptions. It does need shim adjustment on the exhaust side. My thinking is adjust shims to minimum or just off minimum to give more duration time to expel exhaust gasses. Im hoping for more flow and hp. The valves are worn somewhat i feel due to zero - 1 thou gap clearance. Be interested in your thoughts on this approach. Regards Rudy

[@themotofirm]

Yes they’re very similar. I’d just shim it back in spec, erring on the too loose side rather than the tight side since, as you can see, they like to get tighter over time. Cheers

[@todorow22]

Great content! I am mid rebuild and this helped a lot

[@niconine268]

Gteat video. Thankyou. Im gonna study it some. I have xt 350 1994

[@niconine268]

Im back 7 months later. Still not ready to do my valves. Will need a torque wrench. What's the condition of your valve stem seals ?

[@themotofirm]

Never checked them, bike doesn’t eat oil so I assume they’re alright

[@sstreetrat]

This video helped me out a lot bought a xt350 couple months ago but could not find any videos on how to fix the valves

[@themotofirm]

Great to hear, that’s exactly why I made it. Couldn’t believe there wasn’t one already.

[@MoxchHN]

Where did you got the 255 pats? I been trying turn on my xt350 90' and I don't have clearance like that, the one have on is .102 my clearance is around .001 exhaust .003 on intake

[@themotofirm]

I assume you mean the shims? Bought my shims on eBay, do the clearance math then search for the thickness and diameter you need. Local dealerships may also have some

[@MoxchHN]

@@themotofirm all bikes are different? They have different clearance?

[@themotofirm]

All bikes will have varying clearance due to part tolerances and individual wear.

[@Nivelcire]

Is this the same for my 1986 T T3 50?

[@themotofirm]

It’s going to be very similar as they are almost the same bike. I’d verify that the clearance specs are the same and have at it.