How to Check Valve Clearances on a Honda CRF250R

Steps

1. Start by removing the seat, gas tank, and rad shroud plastics.
2. With some water and a shop towel wash the area around the cylinder head clean.
3. Take out the spark plug cap and set it aside.
4. Remove the 2 (10mm) rocker cover bolts.
5. Remove the spark plug.
6. Remove the crankshaft hole cap from the crankcase.
7. Find top dead centre by turning the engine over until the punch mark on the crankshaft lines up with the arrow on the crankcase (see picture). To turn over the engine, slowly using the kickstarter by hand and/or using an allen key on the crankshaft will work.

   • The crank to camshaft timing will line up in two spots, MAKE SURE that before you have it so that ALL VALVES are in the closed position by simply making sure the cam lobes are pointed up and rearward on the motorcycle (and not depressing the valves)
8. Once TDC is found, find the specified feeler gauge thickness for intake valves (refer to owner's manual)
9. Using the right feeler gauge thickness for the intake valves, slide it down on the front facing side of the cam lobe. It will have to be bent slightly to get it fit between the lobe and the top of the valve bucket.
10. Slide the feeler gauge up and down through the gap a couple of times to confirm that it can move freely, and that the valve is within spec. Repeat step for both intake valves.
11. Select the optimal exhaust feeler gauge thickness as indicated in the owner's manual.
12. Using the proper feeler gauge thickness for the exhaust valves, horizontally slide it beneath rocker arm tip and the top of the exhaust valve.
13. Slide the feeler gauge back and fourth through to confirm that it can move freely, and that the valve is within spec. Repeat step for both exhaust valves.
14. Re-install rocker cover and torque the 2 bolts to spec. (indicated in manual)
15. Re-install crankcase hole cover, spark plug and spark plug cap.
16. Re-install gas tank, plastics and seat.
17. Done!