Hitchcocks Forum

Hi I have had a go at adjusting my tappets as per this video here:



https://youtu.be/4bmgJPyCUNU



I set tdc using the ampmeter and removed the cover and I have found a bit of a problem, my rear one intake, would not turn freely and was very tight so I loosened the locknut and and adjusted it so it would spin freely with no up and down play as best I could. The front exhaust one is a diffent story, it is tight but not as tight as the rear one was before I adjusted it, I can turn it with my fingers but not freely if you know what I mean it needs loosening. The problem is I cannot shift the locknut to undo it and I dont want to use force. The problem is compounded by only having metric spanners which are either too loose or too tight so I need to get a set of imperial ones as well. Any ideas on how to go about freeing up the lock nut without damage? I will get some other spanners and have another go the bike seemed to run better well sound better now I have loosened the intake tappet so that is one good thing.

Personally I would not use the ammeter "flick" to find TDC, it needs a physical method like our hosts TDC finder, (it is easy to make your own version.)
http://accessories.hitchcocksmotorcycle ... gine/14110

Ok thanks I have one of those TDC tools that I bought for when I get around to checking the points, so will have a go with that and double check.

I notice our Hosts sell a set of special spanners to do the tappets, (see Accessory Catalogue) and after a knuckle bleeding session on the Ebay Bullet the other day I will be buying some...

REgards, Mark

Much easier to get at everything if you remove the stud from the middle too, they left it in in the video.

Cheers I need to take another look I did think about removing that stud so will give that a try when I am next in there. I had a few laps of the town at lunchtime and the ticking of the valves sounds louder than the exhaust. I will be glad when I can put that short silencer I ordered on and get a bit more of a thump.

Mark M, the special tappet adjusting spanners do not fit all Bullets. Page 37 in the new accessories manual.

http://accessories.hitchcocksmotorcycle ... case/26058

Get the proper spanners or you are likely to round the nuts off. With correctly fitting spanners you should be able to apply enough force to undo them. If not a bit of heat might help.

I just checked and Papasmurf is correct, these spanners won't fit some later Bullets but there is a fitment guide in the Catalogue so if you're thinking of buying do check. I think Lord T has an earlier Indian Bullet and I will be using them on Redditch Bullets so we should be ok!

REgards, Mark

Hi I always set the tappets as follows inlet fully open set exhaust, exhaust fully open set inlet. Better buy a couple of cheap spanners and file out to fit. I find lots of imperial spanners at car boot or garage sales nobody wants them now can be had very cheap.