How do I adjust the valves on my HRC216? (GXV160 engine)

[mikeypizano]

I was wondering if someone, like Robert, can post pictures or part of the maintenance manual, on how to do this? I know clearance should be at 0.006" on intake and at 0.008" on the exhaust.

 

[bertsmobile1]

The same method will work on any engine.
pull the spark plug and the rocker cover.
watch the valves as you rotate the engine
When the inlet is fully compressed adjust the exhaust
when the exhaust is fully compressed adjust the inlet.
turn the engine over completely a 1/2 dozen times and check both.
The rockers are easy as the adjuster is a simple bolt with a nut & jamb nut to stop it loosening.
The are either 10mm or 12mm can't remember at the moment

 

[robert@honda]

Disconnect spark plug cap before doing any service...

Here's the complete procedure for the HRC216

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Note the spec is only listed in millimeters, as most decimal-inch feeler gauges do not have precise-enough equivalents . Example: 0.15mm = 0.00590551 inch (0.006) which you're not going to find on a decimal-inch feeler gauge, and using just 0.005 would put the engine out-of-spec, by both Honda engineering and EPA emissions standards.
[disable tech/geek mode = OFF]

 

[bertsmobile1]

With all due respects Robert,

You have to be joking.

While it is not good engineering practice to use imperial tools to set metric clearances

Go back and read your own specifications
0.15mm +/- 0.02mm
Or
0.0051181102" to 0.0059055118 " to an absurd level of accuracy

So you are trying to tell us that 0.0001 " is going to put a mower engine out of spec ?
No two mechanics would set a tappet to within that accuracy every time
This is the reason why kettering ignition systems switched from points gap measurements to points dwell angle.

Even if the poster bought a 10｢ set of feeler gauges which might not have a 0.006" leaf all have a 0.001" leaf and when I went to school 0.001 + 0.005 = 0.006
I know using more than 1 leaf is not good enginering practice, it will suffice for a mower engine
By virtue of listing a feeler gauge specification the systematic error is + or - 1/2 the smallest increment .
So the listed clearences are 0.15mm +/- 0.02 mm to withing +/- 0.005mm

Most of the feeler gauge sets I have here go up in 0.001 increments for imperial or 0.01 mm for the metric.
Measurement of less the 0.0005" with any feeler gauge are not reliable due to operator variances which is why we use plastigauges for vital clearances.

 

[robert@honda]

So you are trying to tell us that 0.0001 " is going to put a mower engine out of spec ?

I'm not personally, but Honda in Japan / Service Engineering requires all Honda (power equipment) service publications to only use metric for valve clearances, period. I recall the rule/standard was implemented about 10 years ago.

It's an emissions certification issue (EPA and California Air Resource Board).

 

[mikeypizano]

Can I reuse the gasket or do I need to replace it even if its not damaged? I will pick up some feelers this weekend. I hope I can trust the Harbor Freight ones.

 

[robert@honda]

Can I reuse the gasket or do I need to replace it even if its not damaged? I will pick up some feelers this weekend. I hope I can trust the Harbor Freight ones.

No need to replace the gasket if it is in good shape.

 

[mikeypizano]

No need to replace the gasket if it is in good shape.

I will pick one up on Saturday just in case.