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Do I need to drain oil before checking valve clearances

Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2018 7:06 am
by superandyp
I am in process of checking valve clearances. I have stripped the fairing off and removed luggage box battery etc. I am very specific about what oil I use. The Mobil stuff which matches what Honda recommend. Last time I did my valve clearance check I changed oil at same time but I don't have any to hand. I normally buy the oil off the internet. Can I remove the rocker cover or will oil come out. I'm 99% sure I'm fine doing it but need to check.

Re: Do I need to drain oil before checking valve clearances

Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2018 7:13 am
by superandyp
I ask this as my previous experience with engines are in cars where the rocker cover is on top

Re: Do I need to drain oil before checking valve clearances

Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2018 7:31 am
by iceman
There's a full guide in the 'how to' section of this forum and various youtube video's too - best look them up as the pictures and vid's and descriptions are great to help.

Re: Do I need to drain oil before checking valve clearances

Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2018 7:56 am
by superandyp
the guides are great I've used them in the past to check the clearances. But I can't see any reference to whether the oil needs to be drained before hand. Also oil I use is motul not Mobil

Re: Do I need to drain oil before checking valve clearances

Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2018 8:23 am
by springer1
No. But the engine must be stone cold for proper adjustment. No oil will leak out when the valve cover is removed

Re: Do I need to drain oil before checking valve clearances

Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2018 9:01 am
by superandyp
Thanks for the reply springer. Just to confirm that is no I don't need to drain oil, thanks

Re: Do I need to drain oil before checking valve clearances

Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2018 9:39 am
by iceman
Any good 4-stroke oil will do (fully synth is better but I do not believe it makes much difference on semi-synth) - you do not need the Honda specific oil - Motul, Castrol Power Edge, other - all just fine. Many dealers in the UK sell (and use) Castrol oil for PCX so read into that what you want.

Re: Do I need to drain oil before checking valve clearances

Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2018 10:35 am
by homie
Nope there is no oil under the rocker cover that won't have already drained back into the crankcase on a COLD engine when you check the valve clearance. Also you will need to place a small amount of gasket sealer in the two 90 degree angles you see on the gasket when reinstalling it. You will not need a new gasket on a new bike.

Re: Do I need to drain oil before checking valve clearances

Posted: Mon Feb 12, 2018 4:20 am
by superandyp
Thanks to all for advice. I last checked the valve clearances at 2500miles. It's now got tad under 7500 on it. Checked them last night. Inlet is supposed to be nominally 0.1mm. Mine was 0.05mm so glad I checked and adjusted. Exhaust valve was spot on. Will stick with the 2500 mile interval in future until it settles. Have a good day all