426 Kit Problems(maybe)

[HondaRacing23]

I just recently got a 426 kit out in my 400ex i got the JE piston 11:1 and hot cam stage 1 with stock standard gaskets.(i guess thats what there called) I was told I didnt have to run 100 or more octane gas that 93 pump gas was fine. It TICKS pretty bad when riding it and ideas what that might be? I cant remember if colby told me it would tick or not. can someone help me. Thanks

does it tick or does it knock...its ok for it to tick but if it knocks then ur gonna need to run some higher octane fuel

[cals400ex]

i would make sure you did the timing right and also the valves are adjusted correctly. by the way, my friends stage 1 cam ticks a lot more than my stage 2. one thing that helped his out was adjust the valves tighter. he is close to the stock clearances. that quieted his down a bit, but it is still louder than my stage 2. a faulty timing chain tensioner could lead to ticking too.

[Pappy]

ticking would be valves more then likely. re-check the lash and start again.

[HondaRacing23]

I don't think it is knocking it is just ticking. Colby told me that it is going to tick a lot more than stock just because of the stage 1 hot cam. he said is the valves are ajusted normal then it is fine. he told me to ride it for 30 40 more min after letting it heat up and see what it does from there and then check the valves if there fine then go have fun. thats what he told me. ill try that and go from there..

[Quadzilla]

Aside from the ticking, how does she run?

[HondaRacing23]

its runs strong. good power and overall it's sweet. i just dont like the ticking sound.

[cals400ex]

checking the clearances when hot is not the right way to do it, i wouldn't think anyways. i bet the valves will feel really tight since the metal expands when heated.

[nastynotchback1]

checking valves when they are hot is the proper way to do it.FACT

[cals400ex]

Originally posted by nastynotchback1
checking valves when they are hot is the proper way to do it.FACT



page 61 in clymer 400ex service manual:
"Check valve clearance when the engine temperature is below 35 degrees C (95 degrees F)."


3-7 in honda 400ex service manual:
"Inspect and adjust the valve clearance while the engine is cold (below 35 C, 95 F)."

you do as you please but this shows right here to adjust the valves when the bike is cold. i put money on the valves being really tight when the bike is hot since metal expands when heat is applied. good luck

[Aceman]

My Honda manual for my 300ex says valve adjustments are made when the engine is cold.

[HondaRacing23]

i think ill go with what cals400ex said. he seems to know his stuff about it. I have a manual ill look in there. im just going to take it to the shop that rebuilt it they said they would check it out for free so cant beat that. thanks for helping me out cals and everyone else..

[Colby@C&DRacing]

I did not say to check them when they were hot. I said to break it in more and then check the valves again. Always check valves when they are cold.:)

[nastynotchback1]

sorry for being a know it all LOL.i work on import motors for a living and they have to be adjusted when they are hot as does a solid cam set up in dragcars.i was also informed by the dealer to adjust valves when they were hot.sorry for the false info

[mack400ex]

sry top get off topic but who makes your 426 kit and are you happy with it? alot more power? or what

[cals400ex]

you can get the 426 in je, ross, or wiseco pistons. i am happy with my ross in my 406. i think the power increase will come with the cam/piston combo, not just the piston. give C&D a call.

yeah, i never adjusted my valves when they were hot. its not a problem, now you know for sure. :)

[HondaRacing23]

I got the JE piston 26 kit with a hot cam stage 1 with a jet kit and k &n filter and i get a wheelie in 4th gear. I can also blow away a z400 so im pretty happy with it. plan to race in the spring.:eek2: