How can you tell if your valves need adjusting? Lately, I've been hearing a little noise, only while driving, from my engine. Also, taking it up to redline, doesn't seem as smooth as it used to be. It seems to be struggling a bit taking it up to the high RPM's. I am wondering, how do you know when the valves need adjusting? The engine is not making the chattering noise when I throttle it up in nuetral, but when I drive it, is seems to chatter a little and is worse when cold.

What happens it the valves don't get adjusted?

Thanks!

 

Check valves at 26000 miles. Valves out of adjustment = lose of power and rattling noise from engine. Kaws are knowen for a ticking sound so that could be it. Also it could be your cam chain tensioner is worn out, my zx7 was ticking alot and I replace the tensioner and it fix the problem. 85.00 oem part.

 

The odometer just turned to 28,000 miles, so you're probabaly correct. I am not the origional owner of the bike, so I'm not sure of the history. I think my cam chain tensioner needs replacing also, that's probably the other noise I hear and has been like this since I've owned it.

Thanks for the Help!

 

Yeah what he said : also you can't judge anything by free revving the bike.the only way to get good results is while the motor is under load.

 

I'll have to get them adjusted, but the questions is.. Should I tackle it or take it in. I've done bike's that didn't have shim's before, so I'm really thinking of doing it for financial reasons at this time. I know there is a chart to follow to figure out what you need, and that's what I would have to analyze a bit before I make my decision. Either way, it's time to get them adjusted.

Thanks!