adjusting valves ??

[HEC]

I have 2005 , M5700 kubota with about 500 hrs. on the meter . I'm not sure if the hr. meter is time based or rpm based . I hardly ever run it at full pto speed .The book states to adjust valves at 600 hrs. so my question is do you think it should be done now or just wait for 600 hrs. I don't notice much difference in the eng. noise but I am no mechanic by a long shot .I do change oil and filter every summer even with low hrs. .
Thanks,

 

[big bubba]

good question. do you have an honest dealer to whom you can ask this question? are you experienced/comfortable adjusting valves yourself, incl determining TDC when adjusting valve lashes, etc? is your hr meter mechanical or electrical? (usually, mechanical hr meters record hrs @ full output of engine per hr, so the actual clock hrs of your machine may be more) personally, i would not feel the need for valve adj in you situation. my 8540 is approaching 500 hrs, haven't thought about it much. wise to ask question, sorry couldn't help more, messicks, do you have an answer?

 

[HEC]

I would have a mechanic do it,, but not a dealer, as they are to far away . I have no idea if the hr. meter is mech. or electrical .

 

[big bubba]

to be honest, i wouldn't think this is a priority. maybe within a 1k range on engine. if you're in good terms w/your mechanic, so much the better, all the best

 

[HEC]

Thanks bubba , I havn't talked to my mechanic yet as he works on cars mostly, so I asked on here to hear from tractor guys and your experience .

 

[wmonroe]

Is it absolutely necessary? Probably not. However when the time comes around on my tractor I will adjust them, it's really not hard.

 

[HEC]

Is it absolutely necessary? Probably not. However when the time comes around on my tractor I will adjust them, it's really not hard.

I have done it on motorcycles so I could probably do on a tractor with the use of a manual .

 

[wmonroe]

I have done it on motorcycles so I could probably do on a tractor with the use of a manual .

I'm sure you could if you have already. I read some instructions online and adjusted the valves on my diesel truck (had more time then and was bored) and it was intimidating at first but once I was done it was super easy.

 

[HEC]

My dad gave me an old L235 kubota a few years back . I have no idea how many hrs. it had on it , the hr. meter broke many moons ago , but alot for sure . The eng. never had any work done on it at all and that eng. sounded great, so maybe I am rushing things here .

 

[xring100]

I have done it on motorcycles so I could probably do on a tractor with the use of a manual .

Its not much different they use an adjustable tappet like many older motorcycles and dirt bikes. Much easier than my goldwing or Suzuki Z400 which are shim under bucket and require cam shaft removal to adjust.

 

[TripleR]

I asked my mechanic about this and he said they do the check/adjustment, but usually very little adjustment is needed, I'll probably have my brother do ours when it comes time.

 

[HEC]

Its not much different they use an adjustable tappet like many older motorcycles and dirt bikes. Much easier than my goldwing or Suzuki Z400 which are shim under bucket and require cam shaft removal to adjust.

Thanks , remove cam shaft for that goldwing would be a scary thought .

 

[xring100]

My dad gave me an old L235 kubota a few years back . I have no idea how many hrs. it had on it , the hr. meter broke many moons ago , but alot for sure . The eng. never had any work done on it at all and that eng. sounded great, so maybe I am rushing things here .

I would want to adjust it as the exhaust valves on most motors tend to tighten up as they pound out the seats over time. The trend is to get quieter on their way to toasting a valve. I know my neighbor just had his B2400 adjusted at 1200 hours and the dealer told him 3 of the 4 cylinders were out of spec and to tight on the exhaust side.
The dealer told him to wait until it got closer to 1200 hours. He said at 800 they are rarely out of spec

Very common problem on tecumseh motors. The 450 honda 4 strokes are the worst.

The labor and time to adjust the valves is way cheaper than

 

[HEC]

I asked my mechanic about this and he said they do the check/adjustment, but usually very little adjustment is needed, I'll probably have my brother do ours when it comes time.

Thanks TripleR

 

[big bubba]

guess i'd agree w/everything that's been said here. not as critical of course as air filter & fluids change, etc. however @ some pt. on a new machine, imho it would be worth considering somewhere between 500-1000 clock hrs on the machine from the initial factory setting. once done, wouldn't worry about it for a long time. the job itself should be straightforward, plenty of info on that esp if you've had experience. sounds like you're on top of the scheduled maintenance. best regards

 

[xring100]

Thanks , remove cam shaft for that goldwing would be a scary thought .

The goldwing is honestly way easier than my Z400. Being a flat 6 the removing the valve covers and reinstalling them takes only a few minutes while changing the air cleaner takes an hour.

Only special tool i needed for the wing is the tensioner holding tool to relive the tension on the chain to allow cam shaft removal. Half of the z400 has to come apart to get to the valve cover but once your in its only one cylinder instead of 6

 

[HEC]

The goldwing is honestly way easier than my Z400. Being a flat 6 the removing the valve covers and reinstalling them takes only a few minutes while changing the air cleaner takes an hour.

Only special tool i needed for the wing is the tensioner holding tool to relive the tension on the chain to allow cam shaft removal. Half of the z400 has to come apart to get to the valve cover but once your in its only one cylinder instead of 6

I love motorcycles Dave , but to old now to ride so gave it up 3 years ago . Had several bikes over the years and really enjoyed it . I only did the minor stuff as I had a good friend who worked part time in a motorcycle shop and he did anything major . I had one of the 750 honda's and he would tune the carbs for me on that . My last bike was the Kaw. Nomad all decked out , that was a nice ride . Have you seen Paul Shorts gold wing as that is one dressed up goldwing ? He posts on here once in awhile and on you tube .

As for the valves , I thank everyone for all the comments and will wait awhile on doing that one , maybe next summer .
Herb