Ducati Monster Forum

Hey guys,

I did my own valves about 1,600 miles ago - it shot my nerves through, but it seemed to go well. I've not had any issues and the cam lobes and rocker arms haven't started chipping, but I figured I'd check the clearances 'for poops and giggles'/nervous paranoia. They still seem fine, but I wanted to ask: Do you remove the rocker arm spacing clip before checking clearances? With it off, they're spot on (so far, lol).

And, just to clarify: .004/.005" intake/exhaust on the openers, <.002" on the closers right? With a preference to as near to zero on the closers as is reasonable, since the closing clearance tends to get looser over time?

Yes, I check with the clips off.

Yes on those clearances too.

The rocker springs are there to help close the valve for idling, right? Should I be able to feel them when turning the cam with the openers off to the side? I get just the tiniest bit of resistant on the horizontal cylinder when turning the cam (just before when the intake valve would be opening) to check for binding, but I can spin the closer shims with a single finger and the rocker tool.

Closer springs are for starting and idling, primarily.

Which rocker tool are you using?

I use EMS' rocker holder tool for checking clearances as well as installing the half-rings. Turns out it was a dumb question and I just wanted an easy answer :P closer shim was a hair too tight.

Not a dumb question.

Good you got it sorted.