L5 cam valve clearances sanity check

[72degrees]

Right, so I'm doing a long overdue 'full' service on the 2C/375 and have come to check the valve clearances. I recall the late Phil Smith advising me to run with 6 thou (0.15mm) after he put the L5 cam in for me many years ago. Is this still the conventional wisdom? The Dutch Morini club's web site suggests so, but when I took it out on Saturday it did seem particularly clattery. I've no doubt the rocker arms have grooves worn in them so last time I set them after having to do a front head change I erred if anything on the slightly tight side. To be honest, I'd much rather it be a bit rattly than burn valves, but thought I'd ask what others do - Evguru for example?

[norbert]

I´m running my 501 with L5 cam and 0,1mm clearence for some 60000km without problems.

norbert

[72degrees]

That's encouraging. The check revealed that they hadn't moved from the tight .15 verging on .13 that I set them to last time, but I may try nearer .10 and see if that helps the noise. Sewing machine quiet it's not. It hasn't been apart for 25 (or is it 30?) years, but hasn't covered anything like 60000 Kms. It may be that I've been spoilt by the new-fangled liquid cooled bikes I've been riding recently, but it does sound a bit like a bag of nails. No sign of anything on the oil screen and only a small amount of stuff on the magnetic drain plug, so fingers crossed.

[norbert]

Riding a 500 or 501 we have to be a bit careful:
If the clearence disapears in short time there might be a problem of setting seats because of the famous rift between them. Meanwhile this crack is not very great you can carry on quite a long time. But one day the material comes up an then one other day the seat will get removed >less clearence.
Another reason might be a worn thread of the studbolts of the "balancines".

But I don´t want to worry you! Just control if clearence is disappearing again

norbert

[EVguru]

I have a data sheet in Italian suplied to me by Hermy that indicates 0.15mm for the 2+2 and L5 cams.

[norbert]

Ok, maybe I should try with 0,15.
On the other hand, never change a winning team

norbert

[MarkB]

I always find that earplugs are a great help if you're worried about rattly tappets...

[norbert]

I always find that earplugs are a great help if you're worried about rattly tappets...

what is that?

norbert

[SupermotoDave]

I always find that earplugs are a great help if you're worried about rattly tappets...

You are supposed to say "who said that"

[norbert]

Ah, now i got it, what earplugs are

Mark, I´m with you

norbert