Just got an XT 350 for weekend off road use and have been told it needs the tappets checked as it's done well over 4000 miles since the last time they were checked.

I don't know how to do this and was wondering if it's a hard job or should i take it to a yamaha dealer who would have the relevant tolerances to work to.

I could put it into a cheaper garage but is this false economy?

Quite easy with aid of a manual.

Plug out, then clean around tappet inspection covers or equivalent prior to removing them.

Probably on l/h side of engine, there will a screw in cover that once removed exposes end of crank & another small cover that you can see the flywheel/rotor through.

Looking at the engine from the left, turn the crank anti-clockwise with a ratchet & socket and familairise yourself with the way the rocker arms in the cylinder head move.

Keep turning the engine whilst looking through the l/h side cover that you can see the flywheel through. Look out for a "T" mark.

Keep turning the engine until the inlet valves have closed i.e.rocker arm(s) come upwards & then look at the flywheel, rotating the crank slowly until the T mark is in the centre of the inspection hole - there's probably an alignment mark somewhere.

If all is done correctly, the piston should be at Top Dead Centre & you should be able to move the rocker arms up & down by a small amount. At this point its okay to measure the valve clearance with a feeler gauge & adjust where necesary. The piston will be at the top of the bore with all valves closed.

There is a good chance that the exhaust valves will need a slightly bigger clearance than the inlets. Buy a manual for exact valve clearances & photo's etc, money well spent

Do the inlet, then the exhaust. Do not rotate crank once at TDC until you've finished all valves. If fitted, this may be when you also adjust any de-compressor cables for easier starting.

If attempting it yourself, if in doubt that the piston is at TDC, repeat the process until you're sure.

If beyond your skill level, take to a mechanic, should not cost too much.

Steve

thanks for the info, I had a look and it's a bit beyond me so ive got a local mechanic to teach me while doing it this time so I'll know how to do it next time.