VF500F valve check/adjustment in SoCal?

All this talk of the valves and their "issues" on the VF500F has got me to thinking I should check mine since the bikes are new to me. Was wondering if there's someone in SoCal with a VF500F who has done their own valve check/adjustments a few times and feels confident in doing so. I've got the FSM now, and would love to have someone show me the ropes the first time since there seems to be so much voodoo in doing them. I COULD talk to a shop, but trusting one to do it right when their staff is younger than the bike worries me.

So...my garage or yours? I'll bring the cash and/or your favorite adult beverage, naturally.

 

how much in SoCal are you ? LA? sandiego? a little farther north? a little farther south?

 

Oops. Sorry about that. North Orange County. I could drive it to wherever, but then we'd have to let it cool down for a bit. And a longer day.

If you're still in SB, that is quite a haul...

 

Good deal on taking the time to inspect the valve train and to reset the valve lash. As you have probably read, the two feeler gauge method is top rated.

On this topic, after setting the lash you will need to synchronize the carburetors. If you don't have one, a manometer is a great tool to own. It is a minimal investment and pays for itself very quickly.

Good luck and let us know how you make out.

 

Following up on this since I'm all my current garage projects are done and all the bikes are all up & running.

What better time to tear one down and do this valve check? Any of you VF500F riders in SoCal and wanna offer some tips in person over my shoulder while I curse, fling tools, and break bolts off (re: my 94 VFR750 valve check a couple weeks ago)? I could really use some in-person wisdom the first time around if you've done this before on your VF500F.

 

It is not voodoo. I had never touched a VF before getting mine, just went with the FSM and took my time. I tried both methods, one feeler between the cam lobe and rocker and two feelers at between the rocker arms and valve stems. The one feeler method did not prodluce consistent results for me (although it is preferred by some), the two feeler method worked just fine. I checked myself by turning the engine over a few cycles and rechecking clearance until I had refined the procedure to get consistent results.