Operation | Section reference |
Remove the valve covers | Removal of the valve covers |
Remove the timing belt covers | Removal of the timing belt covers |
Note: For clarity, the figures show the engine block removed from the frame.
Remove the inspection cover (A) and install service tool no. 88713.0123.
![](https://motoinstruction.ru/img/ducati/18/124296.jpg)
Turn the crankshaft until the mark on the timing belt driveshaft pulley is aligned with the mark on the crankcase cover.
![](https://motoinstruction.ru/img/ducati/18/124297.jpg)
Set the degree wheel of service tool no. 88713.0123 to zero the horizontal cylinder is at top dead centre of the expansion stroke, and therefore we can proceed to check the valve clearances on this cylinder.
To measure valve clearances in the vertical cylinder, rotate the crankshaft counterclockwise through 270° from this position. This will bring the vertical cylinder to top dead centre of the expansion stroke, and therefore we can proceed to check the valve clearances on this cylinder.
Checking the opening clearance (Sa) of the intake/exhaust valves
To check the valve opening clearance (Sa), insert the blade of a feeler gauge between the opening rocker (C) and the shim (3).
Note: While inserting the blade of the feeler gauge to check the clearance, apply gentle leverage to overcome the force of the closing rocker spring and thus eliminate any play in the rocker mechanism: then check that the shim can rotate freely.
The clearance values must be within the specified limits (Timing system/valves).
If they are not, remove the opening shim (3), as described in the paragraph "Valve disassembly" "Removal of the rocker arms, shims and valves", and replace it with a shim of appropriate thickness to obtain the specified clearance.
Note: Opening rocker arm shims measuring 1.8 to 3.45 are available as replacement parts: each shim is marked with its size.
![](https://motoinstruction.ru/img/ducati/18/124298.jpg)
Checking the closing clearance (Sc) of the intake/exhaust valves
To check the valve closing clearance, insert the blade of a feeler gauge between the closing rocker (C) and the shim (1): the closing clearance (Sc) corresponds to the thickness of the feeler gauge and should allow the free rotation of the shim without any significant play.
The clearance must be within the specified limits (Timing system/valves).
If it is not, remove the closing shim (1), as described in the paragraph "Removal of the rocker arms, shims and valves", and replace it with a shim of suitable thickness to obtain the specified clearance.
Note: Closing rocker arm shims measuring 2.2 to 4.5 are available as replacement parts: each shim is marked with its size.
Refit the opening and closing shims as described in the paragraph "Refitting the rocker arms, shims and valves".
![](https://motoinstruction.ru/img/ducati/18/124299.jpg)
Checking valve lift
Fit the gauge (C) 88765.1581 in correspondence with the fixing hole of the previously removed cylinder head valve cover, as shown in the photo.
Reset the valve opening clearance when the camshaft is in its rest position by fitting a feeler gauge between the upper rocker arm and opening shim.
![](https://motoinstruction.ru/img/ducati/18/124300.jpg)
![](https://motoinstruction.ru/img/ducati/18/124301.jpg)
Note: This operation is best done using one dial gauge for the exhaust valve and another one for the intake valve.
Make sure the dial gauge fork is centred relative to the valve axis and located against the closing shim.
Set the dial gauge to zero when the valve is fully closed.
Rotate the intake camshaft so as to allow the intake valves to lift fully.
Check that the reading on the dial gauge corresponds to the specified value (Timing system/valves).
Perform the same procedure for the exhaust valve, fixing the support to the opposite side of the cylinder head.
Refit following the procedure indicated in the previous paragraph "Checking and adjusting valve clearances".
Remove the tools 88765.1581.
Operation | Section reference |
Refit the timing belt covers | Refitting the timing belt covers |
Refit the valve covers | Refitting the valve covers |