"new" bike, service history patchy, what to check?

Post by **oldgreyandslow** » Wed Jun 15, 2011 7:19 am

Got a 90 NC30 last week, some history but it had ben sorned for a year and no indication that the valve clearances have been checked, the seller said the oil and filters were done but I will probably change those just to be 100% sure, probably do plugs and coolant too.

Seems to ride OK, well it did until the reg/rec and battery failed Saturday, new battery in, reg/rec connector fitted and waiting on the reg rec to arrive.

How difficult is it to do a valve clearance check? I'm moderately competetnt mechanically, used to work on my old cars but out of the habit now.

The guide on here says remove the carb's, Haynes don't mention this and tbh I can't see it would be required unless I'm missing something? Probably makes it easier to do?

Brake lines will need swapping sooner rather than later too as they are rubber, I wonder of they are originals? It did pass the MOT so I guess the brakes must work OK HEL Lines I guess.

Any advise much appreciated, thanks

Post by **Cammo** » Wed Jun 15, 2011 7:46 am

You can't go much wrong by following Gareth's valve clearance guide:
viewtopic.php?f=24&t=1943

If you're moderately competent as you say you won't have any issues, it just takes time. Oh, make sure to block up any orifices with rags so that the shims can't drop into the engine!

You probably don't need to remove the carbs, but I would do it anyway if only to see what size jets etc they have. Many previous owners make a mess of the carbs, you won't know until you remove them and take a look inside.

hannakournikova · Post by **hannakournikova** » Wed Jun 15, 2011 10:33 am

pretty positive its near impossible to do it with carbs in situ.

code2006 · Post by **code2006** » Wed Jun 15, 2011 10:44 am

I don't think u need the carbs on but since it's tricky to get the shims in and out, u need all the room u can get so u dont drop one down the engine

Post by **oldgreyandslow** » Wed Jun 15, 2011 12:28 pm

One thing I forgot to add was that I want to spend more time riding it than working on it at least until the autumn months and enjoy as much of this "summer" weather we're having, so if I do oil, filter, coolant, "new" rear exhaust and can for now, what's the risk of waiting until September/October to do the valves? I'm not intending to do any seriously heavy miles either between now and Oct just sunny weekends and the odd evening.

Common sense tell me to do them, but.................

Post by **CMSMJ1** » Wed Jun 15, 2011 12:40 pm

It will be alright.

Just check the charging circuit through with a fine toothed comb. make sure it works and then come and do a TD with us lot at Rockingham..or come for the crack at least..

Post by **oldgreyandslow** » Wed Jun 15, 2011 1:12 pm

CMSMJ1 wrote:It will be alright.

Just check the charging circuit through with a fine toothed comb. make sure it works and then come and do a TD with us lot at Rockingham..or come for the crack at least..

Charging circuit should be finished tomorrow, just waiting on the replacemnent reg/rec to arrive

Regarding the TD, Is that the one on August 28th?

Probabaly not up for doing the thing but would like to come along for the crack, get some idea of what goes on and then do one next year

Cheers