As a preface, I'm new to Ducati, and have never adjusted timing before on anything.
I bought a salvaged S2R 800 and am rebuilding it. During the course of my rebuilding,
I changed the timing belts in order to be cautious, as I had no maintenance records.
When I did so, I watched Chris's really good video on how to do it, but neglected to turn
the drive pulley to line it up. I aligned the slave pulleys on each head, but not the drive.
Actually, I lined one up and got the other 'close' because I couldn't turn it very far (because
the drive pulley was where it was) I put everything back together, tensioned the belts
via the 5/6mm allen key method, and called it good.
When I did get it running a week or so later (due to electrical gremlins) it ran VERY
roughly and didn't sound too healthy. When I started it so my father could hear it, I gave
it a bit of throttle to demonstrate the sounds it was making, and was surprised by a rather
poignant metallic clinking sound.
Suspecting the worst, I took the timing belts back off. The horizontal slave pulley now
no longer 'springs through' its cycle, but has tension on it where the 'springy' part of the cycle
started. You can let go of it, at which point it would stick until turned by hand instead of
springing back. This strongly suggests a bent valve, so the head will come off today or tomorrow.
I'm not particularly mechanical, so would those who know please chime in? Does my prognosis
sound on point or not? I will either take the head to a deal to replace the bent valve and adjust it,
or do it myself; I'm not sure which.
All input is appreciated...thanks!
I agree with your diagnosis.
As for the prognosis, I expect you have learned a good lesson the hard way and will make sure you set things up right when the head has been repaired. You may have been lucky and only the valve has been damaged.
I admire your candor, seriously, and suggest you buy, or make a crank turning tool and get a degree wheel which will allow you to easily check the valve timing is correct next time you do a belt change.
Always turn the engine over by hand and double check timing again before starting.
How does one turn the engine over by hand?
I don't have the special two-pronged tool to turn it over through the little cover on
the port side of the bike. Could I turn it over via turning the wheel while in high gear?
Also, just to be sure, this would turn just the drive pulley (because the belts are off)
and I would still line up the slave pulleys by hand, right?
I'll be taking the head off today and inspecting the valves, cylinder walls, and piston
while hoping there's no extreme damage...So where do I get a new valve? The sites that
host parts fiches want a ton for a valve, which I'm sure indicates that the dealer will as well.
I was hoping to get it from ebay, but can find no matching valves for sale (but a whole set
for a 748 new for like $75!!!)
you can turn the rear wheel by hand, but do note, if you dont have the belts attatched and if the timing is off, and you hit a valve you will bend it more (not that it matterrs at this point).
kibblewhite makes aftermarket valves at 50 a pop. Im not sure, but i was goign to replace all 4 valves.
That is awesome...it would save me SO much money to put these in...
So the usual questions:
1) is this what you meant?
http://valvetrain.kpmivalvetrain.com/viewitems/ducati-monster-st2-900-supersport-800-2000-to-2007/r-ducati-monster-st2-900-supersport-800-motorcycle? (http://valvetrain.kpmivalvetrain.com/viewitems/ducati-monster-st2-900-supersport-800-2000-to-2007/r-ducati-monster-st2-900-supersport-800-motorcycle?)
2) Are they alright? Quality? The weird finish that's on them?
3) Is it okay to replace only one? I may do all four because that's only marginally more expensive than one OEM, but prefer only to do the one.
Thanks so much for suggesting that!
Further win?
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170854567240&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:en (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170854567240&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:en)
If you have an '05 or '06 S2R800, that particular Kibblewhite valve will likely fit.
If it's an '07, you need different valve(s), as they're 7mm stems.
As far as those eBay valves, unless you're in Australia, the shipping cost is likely to be severe.