Hello all. Im getting ready to do the valves on my 03 along with some fresh plugs and fork seals . What Im wondering is this: Looking at my "shop manual" it tells me to replace the valve cover gasket (not a problem) and the breather plate. The breather plate IS a problem, as I cant find it so far. Is it a necessary must have new (bike has 14,500 on it) and Im not even sure what the breather plate is, since I cant find it anywhere BUT in the manual (which isnt too clear, surprise). Anyone have any clue what Im talking about? also, is there anything else I should be replacing?

Thanks for any info. Also, what weight fork oil should I use? The manual lists Pro Honda Suspension Fluid SS-8 but that doesnt tell me a weight....

 

I'd recommend going with the honda fork fluid, I have no idea what weight it is, just get that fluid and you'll be set.
As far as the breather plate... I wouldn't worry about replacing it unless it is damaged, it's that little block off plate on the head cover that prevents oil from splashing up into the reeds for the pair, also I don't see it in any of the fiches...

 

alright cool. Yeah I searched the fiches from bike bandit and ronayers both and neither of them listed it. I can find the gasket and all the little rubber washers and other obscure parts, but not one that honda says add new hahaha. Ill look around for that fork oil then hopefully I can find it

 

Shouldn't have much of a problem finding the oil, all the local dealerships around me carry it in stock. Worst case you could probably order it from ronayers or something.

 

It's just Honda Pro Lube Fork Oil - I'm not even sure the bottle says it's weight - don't believe it did.

Where you gettin' your valve shims? I hada bitch of a time getting someone to sell me specific shims without buyinga $200 shim kit. Finally found a Yamaha dealer that sold them to me seperately - aboout $6-$9 per shim.

Have fun.

 

A friend of mine has a BUNCH of tools of all different sorts, I think he has one. Good thinking though I should prolly check to make sure he has the right one before we get it all tore down and then have to run around town trying to find them.

I did find the fork fluid on ronayers (same place im getting all the other stuff off of the fiche) and it said it was a 10w, so I guess Ill see what it does. I was also told to be on the lookout for a bur on the fork tube that could be cutting the seals, plus we are replacing bushings this time (we didnt last time) so hopefully this next set will last me a bit longer.

thanks a bunch for the replies! its appreciated!

Chris