Setting valves injury

[docfishr]

Just set valves on my 78 CX500. Using procedure in my manual I turned the engine over using the rear wheel. Even with the plugs removed to lower compression this was difficult to do and every time I forced the wheel past the compression my left forearm would bang into the rear shock. Woke up with a painful and nasty looking bruise on my arm. Don't want to go through that again so before reinventing the wheel I thought I'd check here.
Anybody have an easier way to turn the engine while setting the valves?

[millerdog]

Can't you do it on the ground, and roll the bike to turn it over?

[docfishr]

Certainly worth a try!
See how it goes trying to balance and roll bike and be in a position to read flywheel marks at same time. Might be a circus act.
Thanks for the idea.

[Q]

Remove the radiator cover (4 screws) and you'll see a screw on cap on the front of the engine near the bottom of the radiator. Remove it to access a 17mm bolt head on the front of the crankshaft. Use this to turn the engine. That's what it's there for.

Q

[millerdog]

See!! I knew someone would have the answer!

[BerlinKowgirl]

LOL! Sorry I had to laugh when I read your post...

When I set the valves on my 78 CX500, I never turn the wheel, I always turn it at the crankshaft. You won't get hurt, and it's so much easier, too...

You should get a rapair manual, that makes all maintainence jobs easier.


Cheers,
Peewee

[Sidecar Bob]

Just set valves on my 78 CX500. Using procedure in my manual I turned the engine over using the rear wheel.

Which manual says to doo it that way?

[docfishr]

Thanks for the help folks. I knew honda would not have designed it so that was the only way to turn the crank.I was following valve adjustment procedure in the Haynes manual that says " Select top gear and turn the rear wheel in its normal direction of rotation to turn the crankshaft." (pg 37 item #4 second paragraph).
I believe this manual was written by a Brit. Have since acquired a Clymer manual. Much better!