Valve Adjustment - First Time

[tunnelrider]

This is some good info from Snowbum on high idle problems BPT if you still are having that uneven idle issue.
http://bmwmotorcycletech.info/ignition.htm

[BPT]

Wow, thanks for remembering that, I'll check it out.  Yes, still having that problem but haven't done anything with adjusting the carbs yet.  I was doing the valve adjustment in order to be able to adjust the carbs properly and see if that was the problem with my idle.

Valve adjustment went OK but developed the leak I wrote about.  I've had a hectic last few months and haven't had a lot of spare time and now it's getting near the 100's here so haven't been too enthusiastic about getting out and being frustrated in the heat.  On the days off where I haven't been busy, I haven't felt like getting up early enough to catch the more pleasant temps.

Thanks again, great of you to remember and pass this along.  I'll give it a read and update you when I finally figure this out.........     Cheers

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

This thread has a lot of replies, so I will only add:
1) it is MUCH easier than tuning carbs
2) with the sidecar, doing the right side can be tough.  Persevere, your engine deserves it. 

[BPT]

Sorry, Rob, what is it you're saying is easier? The valve adjustment?

And, yes, the right side is a bit of a pain.  Hard to even get a good look at it.  The adjustment itself wasn't too bad, but ending up with a leak sucks with the limited access over there.

Yep, I'll get it eventually. It's going to be put off a little bit unless I can find an air conditioned garage for the next few weeks.

[BPT]

Tunnelrider - thanks for the link. I had read that before but couldn't remember where.  It was there that I got the idea (and was hoping) that it could be something sticking in the ignition. Hoping because I was thinking it'd be easier to unstick something than to play around with various adjustments.

Unfortunately, the consensus here and elsewhere seems to point to the valves and carbs.  I'm going to need to check into that area anyway, just to see.   Slowly but surely............

Thanks again.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Sorry, Rob, what is it you're saying is easier? The valve adjustment?

Yes, I just read your opening post, and knew you had a sidecar on there.
I once had an outfit, myself.