checking valve clearances?

[HRC_rider]

In order to check the valve clearances you need to get the piston TDC on the compression stroke. How exactly do you do this? The service manuals suggests removing the 10mm hex head cover and lining up the mark on the right case cover with that of the gear. Does this guarantee TDC or do I need to fish something down the plug hole and watch it's motion?

[ATC350X 85]

Thats the way to do it. There should be a little play in the exhaust side rockers if you are on the compression stroke. Do not attempt to adjust them at tdc on the exhaust stroke.

[compedge]

The best way to tell IMO. Make sure the cam lobs are not touching the shims or buckets. You can see that the lobes arnt close. Set your timing makes like the manuel says than do a visual. If something looks funny it usuall is.

[the predator]

if i remeber right the intake cam lobes are facing the rear of the quad.

[ATC350X 85]

Heres a little trick as well. If only your exhaust valves are out of spec, find something to compress the spring,basically just push down on top of the retainer and suck out the shim with a magnet, measure the shim, reshim and re check your clearance and youre good to go, alot easier than taking out the cam.