[aka_boras]

Hi there!

I have a 2018 TRX500FM1 that I bought new, after the initial 100 miles I changed the oil and checked the valve adjustment. The thinnest feeler gauge I have is .005 and it wouldn’t go in either valve. I adjusted them to spec .006/.009 per the FSM. The engine is now way noisier than it was before. I repeated the procedure in case I did something wrong and it’s still noisy. Before I messed with it, it purred. Any ideas on what I might have done wrong or what the issue is? Thanks!

 

[JohnnySolo]

When adjusting the valves, did you put piston at TDC? If you didn't have the adjustment take place on right stroke then you could have your culprit.

 

[aka_boras]

Hey JohnnySolo,

I believe I had it at TDC.

T with line under it lined up with notch in timing hole cap, slack in both the rocker arms? Is there some fine point I missed?

 

[TBRider]

What temp was the engine when you did your valve adjustment, I think you can only do a valve adjustment when the engine is cold, not warm, I may be wrong but I think I remember reading that somewhere...

 

[TBRider]

http://www.hondaatvforums.net/forum...how-set-adjust-valves-any-4-stroke-motor.html

 

[ATC4ever]

What kind of oil did you put in it?

 

[aka_boras]

I read the link for valve adjustment and the manual says to not rotate the crankshaft counter clockwise, that slack in the rocker arms is the indication that I am TDC on the right stroke.

It was cold when I adjusted it, the manual mentions that.

I replaced the oil with Honda GN4 5W-30.

I appreciate all your help. I did something wrong and I am having trouble pinpointing it. How precise is the spot for TDC in terms of rotating the crankshaft?

 

[JohnnySolo]

Hey JohnnySolo,

I believe I had it at TDC.

T with line under it lined up with notch in timing hole cap, slack in both the rocker arms? Is there some fine point I missed?

The giveaway is if you can wiggle rocker arms lightly then you're on right stroke. Sounds like you did it right, the guys above seem to have more knowledge on the matter. That was just my two cents

 

[redtherocket]

I feel like this guy did nothing wrong...


And just never listen this closely to his motor and is now hearing the auto decompression tickity tack which is normal..


OP, when you give it a bit of gas does it go quiet?

Is this noise just at idle?

 

[creed82]

My 2016 Honda Rancher (pretty much the same engine) got much noisier after the Honda dealer did the initial valve adjustment. I was worried about the noise. I had two more (different) shops adjust the valves at later intervals, the valve noise never went away. I ended up putting 330+ hours and over 3300 miles on it before selling. It never broke. FYI

 

[creed82]

My 2016 Honda Rancher (pretty much the same engine) got much noisier after the Honda dealer did the initial valve adjustment. I was worried about the noise. I had two more (different) shops adjust the valves at later intervals, the valve noise never went away. I ended up putting 330+ hours and over 3300 miles on it before selling. It never broke. FYI

Here’s a video I posted of the noise on YouTube.
https://youtu.be/i2MFMnbtKXQ

 

[aka_boras]

Hey guys,

Thanks for all your suggestions. I went back and did the adjustment again, taking my time and really thinking about each step and I think what I did wrong was swap the values for the IN and EX valves .006/.009. I fired it up after readjusting and it sounded better, but didn’t have time for a test drive, will have to wait a few days for that. Thanks again for your input, it helped me to go back over each step.

 

[retro]

If you achieved perfect valve lash settings after only your 2nd attempt, you have just outperformed over 95% of the many, many people I have ever taught (or seen being taught) in the last 50 years or so! Learning to adjust valve lash consistently accurate during every attempt, only comes through practice and experience for many folks. If it doesn't sound perfect this time... then it isn't, try again...

Welcome to the forums!

 

[aka_boras]

Hey Retro!
It was more like the 4th or 5th try! I went through a number of missteps before posting. I have the disassembly and assembly process committed to memory. I still haven’t test driven yet but I am hopeful, fingers crossed. Your post makes me feel better about the struggle I was/am having. Practice makes perfect!

 

[retro]

Yep, I imagine you got it down by now! Congrats on the extended effort! Let us know how it goes if ya can... and keep a smile on...!

 

[misterclean59]

I usually adjust valves a little tight to avoid this issue.