1996 XR600R. PO claims a Hot Cam in it. I have the engine out of the frame on this machine and am going to check the valves. Figured I'd remove the valve cover to have a looksy and verify if it does have a Hot Cam or now?


1. Is it necessary to do anything with the valve train before I pop the cover off? Read that I might want to get it at TDC before I pop it off. If this is so...why is that necessary?

2. Can I easily adjust the valves with the cover off or is there some un-seen methodology that neccesitates the cover being on?

3. I've read the manual and seen the videos of everyone using the little mark in the peep window to get the engine to TDC. Why can't I just use the method where I turn the crank until all cam lobes are pointed straight up? Then I can adjust all valves at one time easily without having to worry? It just seem so much easier than trying to line the mark up and wait to see the intake valves move and then get ready...and then stop and then use a bungee to hold it in place....

Well for 1 putting it at TDC takes the pressure off the rockers which is a good idea when taking the cover off.........

For 2 the rockers are in the valve cover so if you remove it it`s impossible to set valve lash.....

And 3 you can set the clearance with the lobes down and the piston at TDC......as the rockers will be on the cam base circle where adjustment is required....but it`s just as easy to set it by the window TDC mark as bthe manual states.......so why not do it properly,,,if there is an auto decomp on the cam then you need it at TDC comp stroke to deactivate it........if there is a Hotcam then there will be no auto decomp on the cam,,,,,,,but you`ll have to set clearances per Hotcam specs....do not use OE clearances for a Hotcam unless you want to nuke the rockers and cam


B