[Vanamee]

Requesting advise on valve adjustment of a 2003 VT600. I have a service manual that covers years 1997 thru 2001.
Question 1: Refer to the sketch that accompanies this post. The timing marks don’t quite correspond to the information presented in my manual. My manual shows only a single FT mark and a single RT mark. My bike has two sets of double lines. An F is inscribed above both the FT and RT marks. What is the interpretation of the marks as shown in my sketch? It seems that something has changed after 2001. Are these lines showing opening and closing of the valves?

Question 2: How the heck do you actually get a feeler gauge on front cylinder exhaust? In the first place, the top of the valve stem is actually below the cylinder head cover. Furthermore, the radiator hose is too close. I don’t see a way to get a feeler gauge in there, unless maybe the radiator is removed. But the service manual does not indicate to remove the radiator. Is a special feeler gauge required for this job?

Would like to hear from anyone who KNOWS the answer and has actually done a valve adjustment on this engine.

 

[h13man]

RT= Rear Top Center, FT= Front Top Center which is the mark to use to adjust valves. When the cylinder is at "top dead center" you should feel the rocker arms wiggle around if not you need to rotate to that mark again until you feel that looseness. BTW removing the plugs is best to do this procedure. And yes its a pain in the arse but tilting the radiator w/o complete removal might be an option.

 

[Vanamee]

=....And yes its a pain in the arse but tilting the radiator w/o complete removal might be an option.

I may have to try that. What is the significance of the "F" above both the FT and RT marks?

 

[h13man]

F is when the spark should occur. Basically a timing mark.

 

[toadshoney]

As far as the feeler gages, I bought a set that have a bend in the gage and then pulled the correct ones out of the tool and use them single.

 

[gmck]

I bought a small feeler gauge from Cycle Gear that has the correct thicknesses on each end. Its small and has the blades bent to fit.