Does anyone know what would cause my valves to just suddenly go from properly adjusted to being either too tight or much too loose in a matter of 1000 or less miles? I know I'm tightening everything right, and its not working its way loose I dont think, but I'm wondering what could be causing this.

anyone got an idea? I'm putting the valves at .006 on the intake and .008 on the exhaust side.

 

Are the cams in good shape? And the journals?

 

They look good from what I looked at when I serviced it yesterday. although I'm uncertain as to why they'd just go so far out of spec so fast.

 

Is there carbon on the valve seats? How far were they out of adjustment? Noisey?

 

the exhaust valves on the #4 cylinder were pretty out of spec, to the extent of a significant power loss, and it was pretty noisy. how would I determine if there is a carbon buildup on the seats?

 

That means pulling the heads. Before you go that deep, are you letting the engine cool off completely before making the adjustments? Working on the engine warm can throw off the measurements.

 

yeah, I was starting off completely cold after letting it sit pretty much overnight. I"m not sure I'm wanting to pull the heads off yet, or I feel I may as well just rebuild the whole motor.

 

I cant remember if you are running stock exhaust system... Burnt exhaust valves or seat damage may be present. I had my valves adjusted about 30,000 miles ago...they dont usually change dramatically unless there is another issue.

 

I've got a full D&D system on there, no jet kit. if that helps any.

 

No jetting changes... That bike may be running lean then. That points to burnt valves or seats, especially with significant power loss. Maybe someone else has some other ideas, but I think the head needs to come off.