Remove the valve cover.

Remove the spark plug, put finger on plug hole and turn over the engine until you feel the compression stroke air pressure.

Turn the flywheel to close both valves.

Insert a narrow screwdriver into the spark plug hole and touch the piston. Turn the flywheel clockwise past top dead center until the piston has moved down 1/4″. Use the screwdriver to gauge the piston’s range of motion. PLEASE NOTE: This procedure must be performed for each cylinder on V-Twin engines.

Check the valve clearance by placing a feeler gauge between the valve head and the rocker arm. Clearances differ for the two valves and typically range from .002 – .004″ to .005 – .007″. Valve clearance specifications for your engine series are available by viewing our Engine Specifications Chart (pdf).

Adjust the clearances as required by turning the rocker screw. Once adjustments are completed, tighten the rocker nut.

Install the valve cover, using new gaskets, as required, and make sure the cover is secure.