Moto Guzzi California 1100 – Checking and Adjusting Valve Clearance

[janguzzi]

Maybe my slideshow Moto Guzzi California 1100 (e.g. Vintage) – Checking and Adjusting Valve Clearance is useful for some of you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PToj-E4tIXg

[larrys]

When I bought my Cal in '01 I called Harper's service department to get the valve clearances. A nice gentleman told me a snug .004" and .006" would do it. I use a 3" long adjustable end wrench for the adjuster. YMMV.
Larry

[janguzzi]

.004 inch => 0.10 mm
.006 inch => 0.15 mm
So that´s corret.

Older Guzzis (built until the mid 90s) had
0.22 & 0.22 mm or
0.22 & 0.25 mm

The 1100/III California models will also run with these old settings but the default is 0.10 & 0.15 mm.
A lot of older Guzzi owners still tend to use the old settings but for me this is wrong.

[dxhall]

The Guzzi valve adjustment tool is a worthwhile investment.  Here it is:

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=guzzi+valve+adjuster&_sacat=0

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

The Guzzi valve adjustment tool is a worthwhile investment.  Here it is:

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=guzzi+valve+adjuster&_sacat=0

Only works on engines with 11 mm locknuts, which IIRC started with the square-fins.

[LowRyter]

Sometimes I can turn the adjuster with my fingers.  But I just secure the adjuster with needle nose pliers while I tighten the lock nut with a wrench.   I've never encountered the valves as loose as the ones in the video for either of my Guzzi.  I can't recall ever having to adjust all 4 valves either, usually just a couple.  I can't recall that they've ever been tight.  That's 80k miles since '07 on two V11 bikes.

[Dilliw]

Hmmm, never even check the adjustment on my EV