Hitchcocks Forum

Dear Wise men out there!

I have seen various YouTube clips + have Tech manual - First point of call was tech manual - Find TDC (No Ammeter) so have used a " Laser 2833 Top Dead Centre Indicator " which works well - Manual advises adjust Rockers (0 mm gap) using feeler gauge BUT unless you are a contortionist, really not sure how you can get a feeler gauge angled right to measure any gap! unless of course you remove Petrol Tank but even then can't see how this can be done easily!

So reverting to YouTube Clips showing pushrods being able to spin with no upward movement is the measure!

Currently I have no issues kick starting - but on inspection of Push Rods (Via removal of Tappet Cover )- they are tight (unable to spin) with no slack!

Do I go by YouTube video able to spin with no slack on rod? - Your input and guidance would be very welcome - Thank you.

Slight Correction Thunderbird 350 - 2003!

Hi, turn engine until valve is at maximum lift (fully open)then turn engine one revolution the valve will be closed then adjust pushrod so its free to rotate ie spin if flicked. Then repeat operation on next valve. Forget laser thats too technical for these engines. Vince

Even feeler gauges are too technical for these engines! I don’t know how you can use them to set zero clearance anyway....I’ve looked on my set of feeler gauges and there isn’t one that reads zero thousands of an inch.

Yes, don’t forget that only “every other” TDC is the compression stroke. Trying to set the clearance at TDC on the exhaust stroke simply doesn’t work.

Thank you you both - much appreciated!

BTW The TDC tool I was using is not an actual "laser" just in case you thought I was taking an extract from a Star Wars Movie!

As above. I turn the engine until the follower is fully down then make sure the rod can be spun freely with no up and down movement.

When you do get to TDC on the compression stroke, if the pushrods still have no adjustment left your bike might be experiencing some valve seat trouble.

A.

Omit, it may well be that the previous owner has adjusted too tightly.
My suggestion is to set the push rods so that you spin them with one finger, then ride the bike.
Check the clearances after 300Km. I would expect them to be about the same.

Thanks again to all for the input and advice - Much appreciated