Adjusting the Valves on the Predator

[wolffie]

now, you are lookin specifically at the shims. there should be lil numbers written on them, but sometimes they will be worn off. record these numbers in relation to the chart i just showed you, and take them to your dealer with the original clearances you recorder. they should get you in the right direction.


or, if you feel ambitious, or just have a suck *** dealer, order this kit:


http://www.magicracing.com/HotCams-S..._211-1409.html


this is the cheapest you will find, even if you 2 day ship it! in fact, its 2 day shipment beats Rocky's UPS ground!!! this baby has plenty of shims to last you pretty much a lifetime.


**if your clearances are too tight, you need a thinner shim

** if your clearances are big, you need to go to a thicker shim.

example:

you measured your intake clearance at .011" and you shim is a 192, you should try increasing that to say a 197 or 195. (the shim kit i mentioned is in increments of 5.)

[wolffie]

make sure to check clearances for each valve (where the bucket is)

ok, so put the new shims on the little circle marked on the valve, and slide the bucket over it. the bucket should just glide in, DO NOT push it. if it does not just set in, you are not puttin it in at the right angle. it takes a big of finnaglling to get the hang of it.

so put the cams in with the timing marks i showed you before, put the cam stay on and torque the bolts to 7ft lbs of torque and check that your still at TDC (down by the timing plugs) and then release the tension of your chain SLOWLY. now recheck your clearances. if you are doin this on your own, it may take a couple of trys to get the hang of it. it is more time consuming than it is hard.

once you got everything together, DOUBLE, TRIPLE check little things such as timing, clearances, makin sure the cams are in the right spot etc. etc. slap the gasket back on with the head cover and you will be good to go. enjoy your newly tuned machine!!!

if anyone finds ANY room for improvement in this article, just hollar at me

--wolffie

[TRX23rider]

good write up! this should help alot of guys not just people with predators. lots of good info!

btw your inbox is full

[kc8pnd]

Great thread. I must ask, what made you think your quad needed reshimmed? What's some symptoms to look for.

[wolffie]

thanks for the comments guys (trx23rider, i cleaned the box out man )

kc8pnd, most people adjust their valves after every 25-35 hours i believe because they stretch out and you usually hear a slight "pinging" noise after you hit the throttle. For some odd reason, i had the other extreme; my intake side valves tightened WAY UP(there wasnt even any clearance when i checked them) the problem i had is the thing wouldnt start with the starter, you had to manually "pop start it". after the quad was warmed up, the clearances would stretch out and everything would be ok. of course, then after a bit they would tighten up again and you would have to redo the whole process, lol!

[WYNANDETS]

Super post. Busy adjusting my valves now an the intake side also has no gap, not even the thinnest gauge will fit. Now i am a bit confused as to how i can get the correct shim size without buying a whole set cause here in South Africa its extremely expensive for a kit.Any ideas will be super appreciated

[tmaxxs10]

I can not get the thinnest feeler.0015 I belive under my intake valves. I have a 175 and can't tell the other. What size shim will I need to correct this

[gobigparts]

How does the intake side get too tight? Sims like as the shim smushes it would get looser? Maybe I am thinking about it backwards.

I will measure with filler and then used a caliper to find the shim that get me close to the measurement I need. I have a shim kit. Any concerns getting the timing off doing this? Or as long as I line the cam marks on the sprockets back where they were I will be good?

[kc8pnd]

I went to the dealer today and talked to chadhix, he said try a plug in mine because it is not starting from a cold start. The plug never fixed anything. I have to choke + pull the carb to airbox tube off to get it to start. After I crank and crank with the starter it slowly fires up, once warm its fine, it fires right up. I think my shims are flat! Thanks for the write up, I might be doing this in the next few weeks.

[wolffie]

so basically your machine wont start worth a ****, but then when you get her started shes ok for abit??

assuming you jetting is right and you have no airleaks, i would say your clearances are too tight.