B7500 Engine Valve Clearance

[Rusty]

I just finished the 750 hour service on my 2003 B7500. So far, I have been able to do all the service myself. The 800 hour service requirement includes adjustment of engine valve clearance. The manual says, "Consult your local KUBOTA dealer for this service." I have never adjusted valves on any type of engine, so I am inclined to have a Kubota dealer do the work, but I hate the idea of having to transport the tractor and have it unavailable for a period of time that I do not control.

Has anyone done this adjustment themself? Is it something that I should not even consider? I do not have a WSM, so I have not read the instructions nor seen a parts diagram.

For those who have had this work done by a Kubota dealer, roughly how much did the dealer charge and how long did the dealer have your tractor?

Thanks, in advance for any insights! Rusty

 

[cp1969]

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...ce-adjustment.html?highlight=valve+adjustment

 

[Rusty]

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/parts-repairs/106220-bx-engine-valve-clearance-adjustment.html?highlight=valve+adjustment

Charles - Thanks for the link! I have been following that thread, but it has not yet helped me answer my specific question of whether I should attempt this task.

 

[RobJ]

It's easy, hardest part is probably getting to the valve cover and valves. When using the feeler gauge and adjusting, you have to really "feel" for the adjustment, by this I mean the valve springs are not that heavy, when adjusting a valve you can start pushing the valve down with realizing (and I did this for a living).

All said even at 800-900 hours they are probably not out of adjustment and wouldn't be high on my list...unless you can hear a lot of loud tapping under the valve cover at idle. If you take the tractor into the dealer for something else, have them do it if you are not comfortable.

the setting on my L is the same if I recall... .005-.007"...COLD.

Good luck,
Rob

 

[Killer_B]

All said even at 800-900 hours they are probably not out of adjustment and wouldn't be high on my list...unless you can hear a lot of loud tapping under the valve cover at idle.

Rob,

Don't valves with solid lifters get QUIETER, no louder, as the valves wear in and the clearance decreases?

KB

 

[Harry c]

Rusty, Valve adjustment is not difficult to do but if you've never done it, you can create a real problem. I suggest you find a buddy or acquaintance that has done a valve adjustment before and enlist some help. Once you have a feel for using feeler gages and understand the principles of what you're doing you'll have no problem next time.

 

[RobJ]

Rob,

Don't valves with solid lifters get QUIETER, no louder, as the valves wear in and the clearance decreases?

KB

All the ones I worked on get louder...IE wear, more clearance, more tapping noise. When I reset them they were always lose. But with the spec on a Kubota at .005-.007, and you are at .010, not a big deal IMO. If for some reason a valve tighens up, again, I've neer seen that...ever, that would be bad news.

As mentioned if you know a little of what you are doing, go for it, otherwise it might end up worse than when you started. But that's easy to double check, just roll the engine over by hand and when the valves stop moving for a quarter turn or so, clockwise from the front.. (I'm not getting technical here... ) then double check.

Good Luck,
Rob

 

[wushaw]

Getting TDC (Top Dead Center ) is probably the hardest to get I would say and if ya don't how to do this I would suggest help from a mechanic friend so you can do it yourself next time.

A WSM is something that would help and ya many need it down the line for something else.

 

[Rusty]

Rob, KB, Harry, Al (wushaw) - Thanks for all the help! I'm feeling alot better about taking this on. My son has good, natural mechanical sense and will walk me through the check and adjustment, if required. I've delayed buying the WSM for over four years. I guess it is time to buy. My mowing for this year is just about done, so hours will be accumulated mainly depending on snow fall. It may be spring now before 800 hours comes up. I will try to report how it goes. Thanks again, to all!!! Rusty

 

[rtrent]

Rusty, my B7500 is due for a valve lash check and was wondering if you ever ended up DIY'ing yours and whether you thought it was the right decision? I'm having the same debate about doing it myself or taking to Kubota dealer. I'm fairly mechanical and used to do valve adjustment on my old Triumph motorcyle years ago.