Is the Kymco valve adj tool really necessary?

[Hoolander2]

I know some of you will have some good advice for me on this.  Is that special tool from Kymco really necessary to adjust valves on the Xciting 500? 

Also, are the locknuts on the valves 9mm?

It's raining here for a few days so I think I'll try to do the job if I can do so without ordering that little gem of a tool. 

Could one use needlenose pliars on the adjuster, for instance.  Or a soft wood dowel mashed onto it?

Thanks

[wordslinger]

..i've used a small adjustable and a pair of 6" channel-lock slip-joint pliers to adjust my A50 before...

..it's easier with the tappet wrench, but you can do the job without it...

..just need to go slow, and make sure you get everything secured...

..the gap will tend to decrease as you tighten the jam nut, so you must check an re-check...


peace

[Hoolander2]

Ok, I made an adjuster using a ball point pen and scotch tape.  Worked.  Still got the tapping/ringing noise, though. 

Well, my feeler guages aren't the greatest.  I read all valve gaps around 1.6mm now.  Manual says should be 1mm.  I hesitate to go tighter untill I get some better feeler guages. 

[zombie]

You really have to get the #'s down. They will slap themselves silly. I have found the gauges that have a 45 degree angle at the end are the easiest to work w/ on alot of different applications.  http://www.google.com/products/catalog?client=opera&rls=en&q=feeler+gauge&oe=utf-8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=16660957414555895864&ei=jQTWS5HODpLW9AS7w5jIDw&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CB0Q8wIwAg#ps-sellers

[Hoolander2]

Yep, I'm sure you're right, Zombie.  Will have to shop for guages.  My thinnest one is 1.27mm. or something like that.  I need to find some that go to 1 or thinner.  Thanks! 

It's been a long time since I've messed with a 4 stroke.   God help me 

I do love it, though. 

[wordslinger]

Yep, I'm sure you're right, Zombie.  Will have to shop for guages.  My thinnest one is 1.27mm. or something like that.  I need to find some that go to 1 or thinner.  Thanks! 

It's been a long time since I've messed with a 4 stroke.   God help me 

I do love it, though. 

..took me a cpl time to get the hang of valve adjusting...

..i got fumble-fingers anyway...and this A50 is so small.......