Just got the thing today for 500 dollars, and I have no idea how to adjust the valves or timing chain. This makes my second one, but the first one is such a good wheeler I have no experience fixing it.

Any help on how to adjust the valves and timing chain would be greatly appreciated.

 

You just need to get to the valve cover on top of the head. Take the access caps off, or the valve cover, to get to the rockers. I'm not sure on that bike what you should set them at though. The chain is self adjusted. There is a tensioner on it that keeps the proper tension so you don't have to worry about that.

 

Thanks man.

 

Anytime.

 

Keep an eye on ebay, you can usually pick up a factory service manual for under $20 there. It doesn't have to be a 1998, the 99's, 2000's and even newer are basically the same machine. I'm not sure what year the cut off is but you get the idea.

John

 

According to my 99 500 4x4 manual.

Adjust valve/tappet clearance using the following procedure.
a. Turn the engine over until the piston reaches top dead center of the compression stroke.

b. Insert a feeler gauge between the tappet and valve until slight friction is felt when sliding the feeler gauge back and forth.

c. If clearance is not within specs, loosen the jam nut and rotate the tappet adjuster screw until the clearance is within specs.

d. tighten securely - recheck

CAUTION - THE FEELER GAUGE MUST BE POSITIONED AT THE SAME ANGLE AS THE VALVE AND VALVE ADJUSTER FOR ACCURATE MEASUREMENT OF CLEARANCE. FAILURE TO MEASURE ACCURATELY WILL TURN YOUR ATV INTO AN UNUSABLE POS.

Valve tappet clearance - cold engine
Intake .05-.10 mm .002-.004 inch
Exhaust .17-.22 mm .007-.009 inch