BMW K1200LT Valve Clearence Check Pre Adjustment DIY Part 1 of 3

Introduction

This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide on how to check and adjust the valve clearance on a BMW K1200LT motorcycle. Valve service is crucial for maintaining engine performance and longevity. This guide is tailored for DIY enthusiasts and will walk you through the necessary steps to complete the valve clearance check safely and effectively.

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

• Ensure your motorcycle is at room temperature (between 72°F and 90°F) to get accurate measurements.
• Have an oil pan ready to catch any oil that may spill during the process.
• Gather necessary tools: a feeler gauge, socket set, and torque wrench.

Step 2: Remove the Fairing and Access Covers

• Start by removing the fairing (often referred to as Tupperware) to access the valve area. If unfamiliar, refer to a separate video on fairing removal.
• Remove the center cover to expose the spark plugs.
• Take note of the routing and numbering of the spark plug wires. Document this or take a picture for reference.
• Carefully remove the spark plug wires using needlenose pliers or a hook tool to avoid damaging them.

Step 3: Remove Spark Plugs

• With the correct socket (usually 16mm for BMW plugs), remove the spark plugs.
• Inspect the plugs for wear. A good plug will have a tan or cocoa brown color.
• Keep the plugs out to prevent compression from affecting the engine rotation during the valve check.

Step 4: Remove the Valve Cover

• Loosen the screws holding the valve cover. Do this gradually to avoid stressing the cover.
• Allow any trapped oil to drain into the oil pan below.
• Set the valve cover aside and clean the surface to prevent debris from entering the engine.

Step 5: Check Valve Clearance

• Create a chart noting the cylinder numbers (1 to 4) and their respective intake and exhaust valves.
• To rotate the engine, put the bike in sixth gear and gently roll the rear tire to align the cam lobes.
• Ensure the lobes point away from the valves for accurate clearance measurement.

Checking Intake Valves

• Use a feeler gauge to check the clearance between the valve and cam lobe.
• The desired clearance is between 0.15mm and 0.20mm:
  • Start with a 0.15mm gauge; you should feel slight resistance.
  • If it slips in too easily, check with a 0.20mm gauge.
• Record the measurements on your chart for each valve.

Checking Exhaust Valves

• The exhaust valves are checked similarly, with a clearance specification of 0.25mm to 0.30mm.
• Use the feeler gauge and ensure the same method of checking for resistance is applied.
• Document the results on your chart.

Step 6: Analyze and Document Findings

• After completing the checks, analyze the measurements:
  • If any valves are out of spec, note which ones require adjustment.
  • Keep an eye out for valves that are at the wider end of the specified clearance, as they may need future attention.

Conclusion

You've successfully checked the valve clearance on your BMW K1200LT. If any adjustments are necessary, you’ll need to remove the camshafts and possibly replace some components. For that process, refer to the next video in this series, which will guide you through adjusting the valves. Regular maintenance like this ensures your motorcycle runs smoothly and efficiently.