Torque or Not to Torque

[britman]

I have a 2000 Cali Bassa.  One the first couple of runs this year the valve noise seems to be somewhat more pronounced.  I did a reset during the winter and think I may have set them a little loose.  I am resetting them this afternoon and would like some advice on whether or not to re-torque the heads.  The bike has around 14k original miles, there is no oil seepage, and other than the excessive clutter, runs great.  I am leaning to doing just a lash re-set and go on with life.  Am I pissing off the "Goose" maintenance Gods?  There really seems to be varying opinions on when a re-torque is called for.   

[Kev m]

No need.

[Chuck in Indiana]

It couldn't hurt.. especially if it has never been done.

[fotoguzzi]

I would not.

[Chuck in Indiana]

I would. 

[ken farr]

Maybe I would, but then again, maybe I wouldn't.



( so sorry for this, but I couldn't resist..)


Seriously, probably couldn't hurt....


kjf

[oldbike54]

It couldn't hurt.. especially if it has never been done.

 Since the history of the bike is unknown , I agree with Chuckie . Do it this time , then don't worry for the next several times .

 Dusty

[Wayne Orwig]

I would.

Maybe.

Or not.

[britman]

I'll please everyone, I'll only do one side.........

[RinkRat II]

  Yeah, but you'll always be wondering about the other side 
 
       Paul B

[Kev m]

It couldn't hurt.. especially if it has never been done.

Actually it could hurt, lots of possibilities:

* Improper technique

* Out of calibration wrench

* Head and gasket disturbed when bolts are loose

Bottom line it wasn't called for in any regular maintenance on that bike so why would anyone do it?!?

[Chuck in Indiana]

Actually it could hurt, lots of possibilities:

* Improper technique

* Out of calibration wrench

* Head and gasket disturbed when bolts are loose

Bottom line it wasn't called for in any regular maintenance on that bike so why would anyone do it?!?

I thought the heads were supposed to be re-torqued at the first service?

[Kev m]

I thought the heads were supposed to be re-torqued at the first service?

Unless I'm remembering incorrectly no, not on late-model 1100 Calis, CARCs, Cali 1400's, or V9/V7IIIs.

[jacksonracingcomau]

If clearances are loose, adjust and be happy
If any are tight. Retorque

[britman]

I went ahead and did a re-torque.  A test with the torque wrench set at 30 lbs showed a little budge on a couple of the visible bots.  I went ahead and pulled the lifters, cracked them all slightly, and started at 20lbs working up to 35 in a progressive manner.  Lash set at .004 and .006 and after a short test run, I am impressed.  Noise is down, and maybe it is just because I don't think I screwed anything up, the bike feels a little more feisty.  Just one piece of advice to anyone thinking about this procedure, if possible do it when the tank is off, I believe it would be much easier to insert the pins from the top.......

[malik]

If there's still a noise that shouldn't be there, check the exhaust for leaks. A small leak at the header/exhaust port can sound something like tappet noise (at least, to me).