Adjusting Valves and 600 mile service

[AaronG]

I did the 600 mile service on my 06 Vino 125 on saturday. If anyone is considering doing it, it took me about 2 hours, including checking the valves.

Checking / adjusting the valves is easy, the hardest part is getting all the bodywork off the scooter, and not mixing up where all the body screws go (they are 2 different lengths, and two different colors). The "window" described in the book for lining the marks up on the magneto doesn't seem to have anything behind it, so I just found top dead center by sticking a straw in the spark plug hole and watching the valves as I turned the crank bolt (right side in the white plastic fan) with a socket and ratchet. Once at top dead center, I found both valves to be exactly in the middle of the spec range, so no adjustment was needed. I had bought the special wrench to adjust the valves. It would have been easy to do if they needed adjustment. It would probably also be possible to do without the special wrench.

Changing the oil and final drive oil is easy. There are two screens to clean for the engine oil. I replaced the larger screen, but in retrospect, I could have just cleaned it and re-installed. I also replaced the copper washers on the oil delivery pipe. Those also could have been re-used.

None of this was hard to do. Next time, I'll have it done in an hour.

[jpsaxnc]

Hi Aaron, It's hard to see in the window, without removing the rocker panel, and foot rest. The magnito, and indicator are about an 1 1/2" below the window, so you have to be able to look down to see them, bummer!. The sparkplug enters from the side of the cyclinder, and the piston has cutouts for valve clearence, also the exaust valve crosses the plug hole on the exaust stroke, so it's not a very reliable way to find TDC. also with the piston coming up, and the exaust valve going down, any object placed in the plug hole could get sheared off, and or damage the piston or exaust valve, I'm glad it worked out for you. My valves were in the center of there range when I checked them also. james

[AaronG]

I looked all over in that window. In the service manual, it clearly shows the marks being right in front of you in that window. That window really could have been executed better. I still can't imagine where those marks are. I know where they should be, but I can't imagine how you can see them from that window.

I don't think you run the risk of damaging anything with a drinking straw, but I wouldn't stick a screwdriver in there! I was hesitant to do anything without finding the marks, but I turned the engine through its rotation a few times, and when I knew I was on the compression stroke, I stuck the straw in felt the piston move all the way up. It was nice to see both valves right in the middle of the spec.

It'll be 5 years before I hit the next valve check interval.

[jpsaxnc]

Hi Aaron, You have to be able look down at about a 40 degree angle, and slightly toward the rear, to see the magnito and indicator. Even with the floor board removed,(the floor board blocks the viewing angle) I still had to use a pen light to see the mag. and indicator mark. I guess the plastic shrowd could be removed, but it looks like the exaust pipe would have to be removed first. james

[AaronG]

Thanks for the tip. I'll make a note of it in my service manual, because I'll surely have forgotten by next time.

[XPS1210]

soudns like a pain in the butt!

[AaronG]

soudns like a pain in the butt!

Not too bad, but the window to see the timing marks is a stupid setup, and the service manual isn't very well written. The oil & filter change is also about twice as complicated as it should be.

[waterinthefuel]

There is nothing wrong with using a straw in the cylinder. The valve will NOT be coming down as the piston is approaching TDC, it will be closed, thus out of the way.

It's not exact, but we aren't racing AMA superbikes either.