Engine

Checking the valves and valve guides

~1min read

The following procedure applies to all of the valves and valve guides.

1. Measure:

  • Valve-stem-to-valve-guide clearance Out of specification Replace the
    valve guide.

Valve-stem-to-valve-guide clearance = Valve guide inside diameter "a" - Valve stem diameter "b"


Checking the valves and valve guides

2. Replace:

  • Valve guide

NOTE:

To ease valve guide removal and installation, and to maintain the correct fit, heat the cylinder head to 100 C (212 F) in an oven.

a. Remove the valve guide with the valve guide remover "1".

Checking the valves and valve guides

b. Install the new valve guide with the valve guide installer "2" and valve guide remover "1".


Checking the valves and valve guides

a. Valve guide position

c. After installing the valve guide, bore the valve guide with the valve guide reamer "3" to obtain the proper valve-stem-to-valve-guide clearance.

Checking the valves and valve guides

NOTE:

After replacing the valve guide, reface the valve seat.


3. Eliminate:

  • Carbon deposits (from the valve face and valve seat)

4. Check:

  • Valve face Pitting/wear Grind the valve
    face.
  • Valve stem end Mushroom shape or diameter larger than the body of the valve stem Replace
    the valve.

5. Measure:

  • Valve margin thickness D "a" Out of specification Replace
    the valve.
Checking the valves and valve guides

6. Measure:

  • Valve stem runout Out of specification Replace
    the valve.

NOTE:

  • When installing a new valve, always replace the valve guide.
  • If the valve is removed or replaced, always replace the valve stem seal.
Checking the valves and valve guides

Test yourself

A quick Yamaha YZF-R125 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.