Valve Clearance question XJ700XS '86

Hello people,

I didn't post much comments so far. That's mainly because I don't know so much about the inside of a motorcycle But I've read soooooo much (and will be reading much more) on this forum that I want to do a short introduction =)

I'm Frank from Holland (Europe), forgive for any 'weird' sentences or anything, and 3 weeks ago I bought a 1986 XJ700XS. The bike wasn't in that good condition but my goal is to make safe to ride and turn it into a bobberstyle Maxim. At the same time it's my goal to get to know the motor from beginning till end, so I'll be able to fix some things by myself in the future

So far i did this:
- checked my tires (out of date)
- removed all the fluids
- checked my front and rear brake
- cleaned my carbs (yes, WITH your guides on this site) and I hope I did a good job. A friend of mine has a Ultrasonic Cleaner which I also used.


Next step would be to measure the valve clearance of all the 20 valves. This is were I got stuck a little bit. I've read and followed the guides and I have some questions:

- What is the valve clearance for the XJ700XS '86?? I have a service manual for the XJ750X and XJ700X and that one says:
intake: 0,11 - 0,20 mm
exhaust: 0,21 - 0,30 mm
But that for the 750 version... Is it the same for my 700 cc??

- I don't know the englih name for the tool (the tool with which you measure the clearance). I have one which goes from 0,05 to 0,10 to 0,15 mm etc. According to the service manual 0,11 should be sufficient, but I can only measure 0,10 of 0,15 mm. So I'll never know if the clearance can be 0,11 0,12, 0,13 or 0,14. Should i buy a tool which measures more accurate??

Hope you guys understand and can help me out!

Thanks a lot,

Frankie

 

Re: New here!

Welcome Frankie. The English name is "Feeler gauges". Usually they come in a tool with several different thickness so you can add them together.

Good luck with the bike - although I think it looks too nice to chop!

 

Re: New here!

Welcome! Glad to see the site info is helping as you jump in there maintaining your bike. Sounds like you're a fast and eager learner. Good luck with the bike and keep us updated

 

Re: New here!

welcome glad to see your keeping another maxim x going good luck

 

Re: New here!

This is what a set of feeler gauges look like. The narrow style is best for the wet head I believe, as compared to the standard type automotive feeler gauge (on the right)

Hope this helps.

 

Re: New here!

Okay, so the name is "Feeler Gauges"...
I DO have a set of feeler gauges, but they go from 0,05 mm to 0,10 to 0,15 etc., with those measurements I won't be able to measure the needed 0,11 mm free play. Tomorrow I'll get a set which is more detailed, so that won't be the problem anymore.

Than my other question still lasts: What is the right valve clearance for an Maxim 700 X '86??

intake: 0,11 - 0,20 mm
exhaust: 0,21 - 0,30 mm ?????????????

Thanks for the replies so far!