EMS valve retaining system and shim kits

[aaronb]

so my first service is fast approaching and i was thinking about dropping the coin on a full shim kit.  obviously i plan on doing the service myself but am concerned that the run-around of going to the dealer and obtaining the correct replacement shims (if needed) will be a PITA.  Since i have no plans to part with my duc and can even see more in the distant future i was thinking that the kit may be a good thing to have in my collection. 

am I crazy?

if not, does anybody have any experience with their special retainer system?  they claim an increase in service intervals, but do not say how long.  are they worth the extra dough?

http://www.emsduc.com/

[He Man]

People have had great success with the EMS valve retainers. And yes they actually do work (but they pay for themselves quickly), theres a bunch of reviews on them everywhere.

I've heard from some duc mechanics that if the first service isnt done at a ducati auth dealer, then DNA gets a little stingy about your warranty. You can do 80% of the 600mile with basic tools. It really is  just a complete look over of your whole bike to make sure it was put together properly and running correctly + oil change.

If you are going to do it yourself, i suggest you check your valves first, then see if they need to be adjusted first. It only takes about an hour to disassemble/check/reassemble.

[aaronb]

yeah, i was planning on just checking them very soon before ordering anything. 

i had the 600 done at the dealer, but will do the 7500 myself. 

[Speeddog]

If you're doing the valves yourself, the shim kit is absolutely worth it.

[2001cromo]

If you're doing the valves yourself, the shim kit is absolutely worth it.

+1

and an engine turning tool

[aaronb]

+1

and an engine turning tool

can't i just turn the rear wheel?  have a link or a photo?  is it something i can make with hand tools and a hardware store?   

[Speeddog]

You can turn the engine with the rear wheel.

Engine turning tool can be had from CA-Cycleworks.

It would be pretty tough to make one with hand tools.

[aaronb]

update, if you are on the fence about getting the ems / mbp retainers just get them.  i just got the shim kit and yesterday the first valve i did both of the retainers had split in two.  so now i can't reassemble the bike until i get to the dealer.  which is the very reason i ordered the shim kit 

[EEL]

I actually had a chance to talk to the maker of the shim kit during "La Ducati Day". Really great guy.

PS..Most of those shims you get will be useless. The kit is designed to be standardized so that it works for any Joe Schmoe's bike

What most dont know is that he will take back the shims you dont need, (i.e the sizes that are way to small/large for your bike) and get you ones that will work FOR YOUR BIKE.

Just pay for the shipping.

Reasonable guy, good product. He'll have me as a customer as long as I own a Duc. Since I've never owned anything BUT Ducs, I figure he's got me for a long time.

[jerryz]

I bought a 4v kit direct from Mike at EMS, a great guy and a great product  ,I also have a 2v kit now.

[Ddan]

You can turn the engine with the rear wheel.

Engine turning tool can be had from CA-Cycleworks.

It would be pretty tough to make one with hand tools.

You can use a bolt (M8?) with a stop nut and turn it with a wrench.

[EEL]

You can use a bolt (M8?) with a stop nut and turn it with a wrench.

I'd shy away from that idea. The engine puller screws into the crank but in reality the load is shared by the tabs on the engine turning tool not the screw. What you're suggesting puts the load on the threads on the crank. If you strip those threads you're hosed for all eternity. Personal opinion here but in terms of risk I would rather turn at the wheel before I use a bolt like you mentioned.

Too risky for a 30 dollar investment. BTW I have the engine turning tool and it works great. So easy...

[Ddan]

I'd shy away from that idea. The engine puller screws into the crank but in reality the load is shared by the tabs on the engine turning tool not the screw. What you're suggesting puts the load on the threads on the crank. If you strip those threads you're hosed for all eternity. Personal opinion here but in terms of risk I would rather turn at the wheel before I use a bolt like you mentioned.

Too risky for a 30 dollar investment. BTW I have the engine turning tool and it works great. So easy...

Been doing it this way for some time with no problems what so ever.  With the plugs out there is very little resistance.  I can't imagine you would ever strip the threads in the crank, and unless you used a hardened bolt, if you did manage to apply enough force the bolt would strip long before the crank.  As always, YMMV