Does rocker arm pin position really matter?

[idrovetheepb]

Hey everyone! I have a quick question about the rocker arm adjustment on my CB350.

Is the left rocker arm pin in the wrong position? From my reading of the manual, it seems like the tick mark should be toward 7 o'clock instead of its current position at 2 o'clock. However, I can't figure out why it would matter as long as the clearance at the rocker arm is correct.

Thanks for any guidance!

 

[ancientdad]

The orientation absolutely matters. It has to do with the proper positioning of the tip of the rocker arm, centered over the valve stem. I'm away from my computer right now, but I'll post a picture a little later

 

[ancientdad]

 

[idrovetheepb]

Thank you Ancient! My poor motorcycle, I'll be making sure everything is adjusted properly this weekend.

 

[idrovetheepb]

Okay, the rocker adjustment pin looks better now. Interestingly, the rocker adjustment pin set on the right side of the bike also had the left pin off by 180 degrees.

On another note, this was the first time I've adjusted the valves or used feeler gauges, and holy smokes, that was tedious. I figured with a name like 'feeler gauge,' it would be dead simple, but either I don't have the 'feel', or I was way overthinking it. I was out there for probably an hour and still don't feel super confident in the end result! Should there be enough play after a proper adjustment to be able to hear the rockers 'tink' against the valve spring?

 

[EzPete]

I guess you would be able to feel some play on the exhaust side. I’m probably too deaf from being a general dipstick about safety equipment to actually hear something.

The go-no go method is the easiest. If you can fit the proper gauge in, but the next one up won’t go, you’re good.

 

[idrovetheepb]

Cool, I'll try the go no go method tomorrow. That may even be simple enough for my simple brain.

 

[Danager4792]

Okay, the rocker adjustment pin looks better now. Interestingly, the rocker adjustment pin set on the right side of the bike also had the left pin off by 180 degrees.

On another note, this was the first time I've adjusted the valves or used feeler gauges, and holy smokes, that was tedious. I figured with a name like 'feeler gauge,' it would be dead simple, but either I don't have the 'feel', or I was way overthinking it. I was out there for probably an hour and still don't feel super confident in the end result! Should there be enough play after a proper adjustment to be able to hear the rockers 'tink' against the valve spring?

View attachment 36814

If you have a dial/digital caliper, set it to your goal measurement. Slide your feeler gauge through it. That will be the resistance you are looking for.

 

[idrovetheepb]

I wouldn't have thought of that, thanks for the suggestion.

 

[ancientdad]

I wouldn't have thought of that, thanks for the suggestion.

This is what a good forum does, shares good tips so all can be aware.