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From: Virginia dead center between DC and Richmond
Flathead 45 Valve Adjustment
Anybody have a link for a good video or illustrated thread on adjusting the valves on a Flathead 45, in my case a Servi Car, Everyone I have checked out so far was apparently filmed at midnight in a dark garage or takes place during a motor rebuild with engine on a bench with no heads in place.. In my case the Servi is a GE (electric start) with no kicker and the motor is staying put. I have had input from one owner who says the best way to use the narrow and wide sides of the points lobe to get the proper lash opening for each jug by bumping the starter. I find the manual somewhat vague on the instructions and of course it does not address an electric start flattie. My thought was to jack the rear, pull the plugs, find second gear if it is a good day, and use the rear wheel for each cylinder......Thanks in advance, nothing like advice from someone who has been there and done that......
intake first no sparkplugs rotate the engine in the direction of rotation L/S counterclockwise - till one of the intakes both valves under the intake in the center is at full lift - rotate the engine back and forth to make sure its at the top of the camshaft at full lift
then adjust the other intake valve to spec < slight drag and the feeler gage tighten make sure is does not change if so try again bolt stretch is in play just a bit
then switch to the other intake - and turn the engine till that valve is at full lift now do the first one — then the exhaust the same way
the idea is not a vey loose and not a tight on the feeler - so practice makes it happen speed effs it up
With no kicker I would put the Servi in third gear, wheels in the air and use the wheels to rotate the motor. Then follow John's direction and gaps per the manual. It seems very crude but it does work and it does help, if they are out of spec, good luck.
From: Virginia dead center between DC and Richmond
Done but have a problem....
Valve adjustment was a piece of cake after getting the covers broken free and pulled up. The intake were fairly close but both exhaust were way to loose. The best way I found to set the lash was to put the bike in gear and simply roll it until the adjustment valve was in place. I am having a hard time getting the front exhaust valve cover to screw back down. It seems the whole unit is somewhat slightly cantered and will not bite when trying to screw it back together. The threads on both the cover and tappet block seem fine and nothing appears stripped. Called it a night and walked away before the frustration came into play. I know one thing, I really miss my bike lift having a Servi. My old **** is skinny and the garage floor is damn cold. Any suggestions on getting the cover back together would be greatly appreciated....
The threads are very fine, any junk in there will cause issues. Also if the top cover is a little wonky it can cause binding.
The top cover is sandwiched between the valve spring and underside of cylinder. Rotate the motor to remove spring tension, it should line up. If still no joy, rotate the top cover a 1/4 turn. That should make it happen, the spring in compression is messing you up, good luck.
From: Virginia dead center between DC and Richmond
Originally Posted by Architect
The threads are very fine, any junk in there will cause issues. Also if the top cover is a little wonky it can cause binding.
The top cover is sandwiched between the valve spring and underside of cylinder. Rotate the motor to remove spring tension, it should line up. If still no joy, rotate the top cover a 1/4 turn. That should make it happen, the spring in compression is messing you up, good luck.
Thank you Architect, makes sense. I am heading back out this morning to double check the lash and try once more. Appreciate the input. Sorry about the lack of photos, but not really much to see, a disconnected valve cover with a lot of curse words floating through the air. Here is a picture of Byrdie though, somehow she knew everything would be OK......Thanks again.....George
From: Virginia dead center between DC and Richmond
Got it
Valves adjusted and tubes tight. Finally a screwdriver with pressure on the top of the tube worked, it bit and sealed. The bike runs a lot better and I will not be adjusting the valves again anytime soon.....Thanks one and all for the input........
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Flathead 45 Valve Adjustment
