[big_john]

Gotta tell you all...   I was a little stunned to see that the first valve clearance check is at 2000 miles (or 1000 miles in severe use).

Most of my motorcycles call for the first check between 15,000 - 20,000 miles.

Why the heck is the first valve service at 2k miles?  And the manual calls for a valve clearance check every 2,000 miles. 

On most of my motorcycles, after one adjustment, the engine never needs to be adjusted again.

This is just nuts to me.

Can anyone explain?

[NMKawierider]

It's that way with most manufacturers...actually 2000 miles for the first check is way too far. I checked mine at 500 and they needed it and one rocker roller was seized so fixed that before any damage was done. Then checked again at 800..was ok but some had drifted a bit looser and tighter but still in range. Checked again at 1200 and reset them all to the center of the range. Over 2200 on it now and probably will check them again soon just because...once you burn a seat...it's a valve job. Off road vehicles..especially Chinese vehicles never hold anything a constant like on-road vehicles do. Wild temp fluctuations, particle ingestion, higher loads and thus fuel quantity needs all contribute to things needing adjustment..or attention more often..not just valve lash. In general, these engines only last on average under 8,000 miles before needed rebuilt. Yes, some get much more...but more get much less.       

[big_john]

Just watched a video on adjusting the valves and thankfully, they are "screw/nut" adjustment, just like my Honda XR650L motorcycle.  In other words, they ARE NOT bucket shims, which can be a HUGE pain if you haven't purchased a whole size kit.  Screw/Nut adjustment is quick and easy.

My neighbor burned up his top end, after purchasing a used unit.... and two grand later and new top end, it is running again.... AND.... I ain't going to make that mistake. 

Right now I have 40 miles on the unit.  I think I will take it to 250 miles or so and then check the clearances. 

As often as the clearances need to be checked, I am sure I will get quick and proficient at removing the Tupperware and doing the job, but I will also purchase 4-6 valve cover gaskets to have on hand.


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[fattpack]

FWIW....  I had my valve adjustment done at 250 miles, and it cost more than I wanted to pay.
Close to $500 dollars in Utah.

Yes, it's frustrating!!

[NMKawierider]

FWIW....  I had my valve adjustment done at 250 miles, and it cost more than I wanted to pay.
Close to $500 dollars in Utah.

Yes, it's frustrating!!

That's why checking and setting valve lash is something the owner needs to be able to do themself...like changing oil, cleaning the air filter, greasing the fittings...or fixing a flat.. or replacing a belt. Otherwise this hobby will "eat your lunch" so to speak.

[big_john]

FWIW....  I had my valve adjustment done at 250 miles, and it cost more than I wanted to pay.
Close to $500 dollars in Utah.

Yes, it's frustrating!!

That's why checking and setting valve lash is something the owner needs to be able to do themself...like changing oil, cleaning the air filter, greasing the fittings...or fixing a flat.. or replacing a belt. Otherwise this hobby will "eat your lunch" so to speak.

$500 to check the valves???   You got bent over by the Stealer.  At tops, that is a 90 minute job, even for twin cylinder.  You should have paid $130 an hour for labor... no way it should have cost more than $250.

Yep, learn to do it yourself... and honestly, the "Screw/Nut" adjustable valves are a piece of cake.  Seriously, you need some simple tools and feeler gauges, which are cheap.  Find Top Dead Center and go to town.   Birthday Cake easy!!!!

And the valve covers on these ATV's are so much more accessible than on a Motorcycle....  Kinda can't wait to do mine the first time.

But 250 miles, huh?  That quick?  My manual calls for it at 2,000 miles for normal use and 1,000 miles for severe  duty.   

As I have stated in another thread, my neighbor burned up his valves because of no adjustment and had to pay $1,500 for a full Top End.   This is one maintenance item you don't screw around with.

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[big_john]

Oooops.....

Yep, you are correct, the owners manual calls for a valve clearance check at 20 hours or 200 miles.  I am sitting right at 225 miles....  So tomorrow I shall strip her of plastic and get the job done, as well as new oil for tranny and diff's .... and some squirts of grease.

Gotta get it done tomorrow, as my little brother is visiting and just rented an ATV for us to ride together on Monday and Tuesday.

I'll report back on how it went.

So for, can't find a specific YouTube video on the procedure for either a Cforce 800 or 1000.   Darn....

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