Motorcycle Repair: 1972 honda cl100, needle nose pliers, honda cl100

Question
QUESTION: hay i have a old cl100 i just got it running after maby 16 years of sitting every so ofen il be riding and the intake valve will break at the keeper.when it breaks im not reving it up  or anything it just breaks.also would it help if i used leaded gas? thank you very much PS i have replaced the valve 4 times 20 bucks a pop.

ANSWER: Wow, you have a serious problem.  I'm guessing the valve clearance is way too large and the valve has very high seating velocities.  The high seating speeds will put high stressing in the valve stem and it will pop the top of the valve off.  You should be able to hear a very distinct ticking coming from the valve train if I'm right.

Regards
Rich


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: yes there is a loud ticking i thought it was normal. how can i fix it, will i need i new head.and does it need leaded gas?thank for all your help.

Answer
Jordan, you just need to adjust the valves.  Put the piston on TDC and then loosen up the lock nut on the valve adjuster.  Turn the adjuster in until it just touches the top of the valve and then loosen it up 1/4 turn.  Hold it with needle nose pliers and tighten the lock nut.  Make sure both valves are closed when the piston is on TDC so you are not on the cam lobe.

Regards
Rich