How to reshim valves on a 1986 maxim x 700

What's the best step by step process for getting accurate measurements, and reshimming the valves? Also anything I should watch out for or be aware of before starting this?

 

I use the Zip-Tie method, quick easy and simple.
The approved factory tool is a piece of junk that will break your engine if you turn it the wrong way.

 

From @Donglord other posts I believe he has the water-cooled Maxim-X.
Shim under bucket so the camshafts have to be removed to change shims.

 

I'm unfamiliar with the zip tie method.

 

Yes it's the the water cooled maxim x. I'm looking for any advice I can get at this point

 

You will need narrow feeler gauges, I actually ground a set to fit.
You will need to take all measurements then remove the camshafts to see what shims you currently have and determine what you need to bring them all back to spec. Usually you can move some of them around.
Don’t overthink things, usually you just need the next thinner shim to gain the correct clearance

 

Do I have to turn the engine for every lobe to be in the right position to measure? Or just keep it at tdc and do every measurement? I'm really wanting to learn how to do it myself and avoid bringing it to a mechanic.

 

The cam lobes need to be 180 from the valve so yes you’ll be moving the crankshaft

 

That's what I figured. Thank you for the advice. And also the advice from the other post.

 

From what Simmy say, the X is a shim-under-bucket, so you'll have to do it the way he says, no zip-ties involved.
In a way it's simpler.
The zip-tie method is quick and easy, but is a head scratcher the first time.

 

I hope that you have a manual, if not get one. Doing the 700x shims was a one time deal for me. One of the reasons I will not buy another X. The five valve heads are wonderful and the X is such a snappy fast little bike. I think Yam pt the FZ sport bike heads on the X? Not sure when they went away from that late on and didn't stay with it.

You will have to prep for the job, as both of the over head cams have to come out of the bike to do the work. Just make sure you prep for it, study up on what needs to be done. Read about the job from start to finish before you start taking the bike apart. Watch some vids and you will be fine.

Make sure you do the measurements right the first time. Check, recheck and then check again, you really don't want to have to pull the chain off, both cams again just because you make an error on one of the shims. If you ever get an air cooled XJ, you will really smile at how easy it is to do the shims with the zip-tie or copper wire through the sprak plug hole trick.

 

It looks like you have started multi threads on the same topic. It is best to keep one bike per thread and keep a log of what you are doing with it. Makes it much easier to find information, pics and links for your project.

 

The water-cooled "X-heads" valve clearance checking procedure can be seen at:

http://xjbikes.com/forums/index.php?threads/16298

and

http://xjbikes.com/forums/index.php?threads/29661