Hey guys, I just had a valve adjustment done in Ecuador and I am nervous about whether the mechanic did it right. My bike is a 2001 F650gs. The mechanic removed the cover so that you could see the exposed engine chain and he used a little thin sheet of metal to measure the valve clearance I think. He told me it was okay but that the engine chain was too tight and that it will need to be replaced in 3,500 miles. The bike has 25,000 miles on it currently.

I think that the mechanic new what he was doing, but I just want to make sure that this all sounds correct to you guys? It is not every day you have this kind of job done for $10!

He didn't adjust the valves. He only checked their clearance.

He may be referring to the cam chain. Unless the tensioner took a crap, this chain should be fine.

Lacking even the basics of knowledge for your bike makes your very vunerable.

Or you didn’t understood the mechanic or he isn’t a real mechanic.
The timing or cam chain never becomes too tight.
To check the valves clearance you need a set off valve gouges. Not only one “little thin sheet of metal”
A good mechanic don’t need a Spanish manual (I know because from the English services manuals I learn English)
And no one who charge only $10 can be a good mechanic instead he is making charities.

My two cents:
Go!!, find a real mechanic, and try to read as much you can about your bike from the User Manual, the Service Manual and a good recourse The Chain Gang

PS your chain still good for the next 50K miles maybe…If a monkey whit spanners don’t play there….

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Javier...
Dakar Motos


“El mejor remedio para la Boludez, es la Inteligencia…”

From the way you have expressed that, I reckon he was telling you about the final drive chain; the one that goes to the back wheel. Did he adjust that chain (because of it being too tight)?

What do you think? In any case, have a look yourself at that chain - is it the original?

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Dave