Statement from my scooter shop. Does this sound right?

schroeder · Post by **schroeder** » Thu Jul 05, 2012 3:09 pm

Last week I took my scooter for a general check up. The scoot has 6200 miles on it and had not been looked over since the original check up at about 600 miles. I do my own oil changes.
When the mechanic was finished I asked him if he checked the valve to see if it was set properly. He said he didn't look at the valve. The store manager over heard us and said they only check the valve if it is making unusual ticking or rattling type sounds. If it sounds normal they don't bother checking it. Does this sound right?
I was under the impression it should be checked at least every 4000 miles or there about. Is this standard procedure for most scooter shops?
Just wanted to throw this out to you techies.

pattio · Post by **pattio** » Thu Jul 05, 2012 3:30 pm

You don't have anything to be worried about. 'Checking the valve' is shorthand for the process of physically verifying, and probably adjusting, the clearances on your scooter's valve train. If your shop did this, it would take them time and cost you money. If you're comfortable changing your own oil, take a little time and read up on measuring/adjusting your valve clearances. It's not a 'dipstick' type-thing, it's good careful work that they could do (for a price) and you will probably enjoy learning. With the powers vested in me by the internet, I declare your Buddy's valves ok with 6k miles on it. These are sturdy little machines.

If your shop knew that they were looking at the scoot for the first time since 600bdu. and its at 6200bdu, it's ok to think that they listened carefully to the motor, test rode it, and felt it would be ok for you to enjoy it. They might well be trying to save you some money. Buy a valve adjustment from them later, both of you will appreciate the business.

Lotrat · Post by **Lotrat** » Thu Jul 05, 2012 4:39 pm

Valves only tick and make noise when they are too loose. When they are too tight you lose power, motor will run hot, and the valves can burn. They need to be checked. It's silly easy once you learn how to do it. If it's running right, you may find them within spec. Better to know for sure. IMO.

k1dude · Post by **k1dude** » Thu Jul 05, 2012 5:12 pm

At 6,200, they should have checked your valves.

I checked at 4K and one had almost no clearance at all. I was damn glad I checked and adjusted it, or it could have cost me big bucks.

CROSSBOLT · Post by **CROSSBOLT** » Thu Jul 05, 2012 6:42 pm

What pattio and the others said. Especially when the valves are quiet. The shop should have at least tried to sell you the extra cost of checking the valve clearance considering the miles. What did they do for what you paid? Did they actually DO anything? Yeah, learn how to do it yourself and this and YouTube are good places to start. See my post on "Buddy valve lash" as well.

Karl

tortoise · Post by **tortoise** » Thu Jul 05, 2012 7:38 pm

CROSSBOLT wrote: See my post on "Buddy valve lash"

Link

Lotrat · Post by **Lotrat** » Thu Jul 05, 2012 7:42 pm

Funny... the owners manual says "adjust it when necessary". It doesn't say how often to check it.

k1dude · Post by **k1dude** » Thu Jul 05, 2012 7:45 pm

My valves were "quiet" and needed adjustment badly. I wouldn't make the decision based on sound/vibration.

2wheelNsanity · Post by **2wheelNsanity** » Fri Jul 06, 2012 1:38 am

If you want to adjust the valves I suggest you watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0K-ytyjOFg