valve alignment
 

So my 02 zx-6r now has 18.5K miles on it and its overdue for a valve job. I've been quoted a range of prices from 166-330 from 2 hrs to 6 hrs. I was wonderin how indeph a valve alignment is. I've taken off valve covers on cars before, but never messed w/ the valves themselves. im guessin removal of tank, fairings, carbs and box are required. Just some past experiences or info would be great, (note i don't like workin on cars/bikes, but to save a buck, i'll bite it)

thanx

RE: valve alignment
 

If you have some experience and understanding you should be fine.

I just tried to do mine and it did not work out as well as I would have liked. I have never been that far into a engine before so it was tough. On a scale of 1-10 for me it was 11. Gave me a new respect for those with the talent to do such work.

If you proceed be careful not to f-up the timing, that was my downfall [&o]

Keep us posted how it works out for you.

RE: valve alignment
 

Its not impossible to do yourself, but it is time consuming and a very tight fit in there. I would recommend getting some advice from someone who has done it, and have them with you when you attempt it. If you are really educated in engine maintanence for a car, you might do fine.

I strongly recommend staying away from your valves if you haven't got a clue. Saving 300 bucks now and getting it wrong, can cost you 5 times that or more later. Its up to you though. Good luck.

RE: valve alignment
 

Everyone pretty much covered it. You are going to need to measure how much gap you have now. Pull cams, shims, reinstall cams, timing...If you have a good sense on how timing works, and the understandability of shims and cam work, then you will be okay. For $166 dollars to have someone else do it, that's a good price. That's a real good price. I wouldn't touch it for under $350.....

By the time you buy the shims, gaskets, etc.....$166 is not that bad.

If you live close around my area, swing it by and I'll give ya a hand.